Minnetrista Is Your Year-Round Gathering Place!

By: Stephen Mortland—

The home of the Ball jar and the Ball family legacy, Minnetrista connects people, encourages engagement, and improves the quality of life of our community. Our forty acre campus is brimming with exciting adventures and as new seasons bring new possibilities, there is always something to discover at Minnetrista.

What can I expect from my visit to Minnetrista?

It’s a hard question to answer! With our beautiful gardens, countless unique events, our rotating collection of interactive exhibits, and engaging workshops and programs, every adventure at Minnetrista is rewarding in a new and exciting way.

When the weather is nice, you might stop by our Culinary Herb Garden and our Orchard Garden to harvest herbs and vegetables to take home and use in your kitchen. Bring the kids and let them run and play in one of our many interactive experiences. Children love exploring our Backyard Garden, crawling through tunnels, digging in the dirt and feeding the fish! All of our gardens are open to the community to explore at their leisure. If you see one of our horticultural team members walking around, be sure to stop them and ask any questions you might have about the gardens and vegetation, they love an opportunity to share new information with eager visitors!

If the sun is hidden and we are in the midst of one Indiana’s harsh winters, there is still plenty to enjoy inside the warm confines of one of Minnetrista’s multiple gallery and exhibit spaces. The three primary gallery spaces in our main building host new exhibits all year long, exploring art, the environment, and culture. Our exhibits are interactive and interesting. We make an effort to ensure that there is something for everyone, regardless of age or interests. The newly renovated Oakhurst Experience is a fun way for the entire family to learn more about the history of the George and Frances Ball Family, literature, and canning. The historic house is filled with interactive games and learning opportunities that parents and children alike will enjoy. All of our exhibits are free for members to explore as often as they like and are just $5 for non-members!

No matter when you visit us, we expect your visit will be filled with opportunities to learn something new and experience something beautiful. We work hard to make Minnetrista a hub of community where people can gather and engage with one another and the world.

The same organization offers glass workshops, late night events, and afternoon teas?

That’s right! Because we are guided by principles and values, our programing is incredibly broad and encompasses a wide array of exciting opportunities. A small sample of what is offered at Minnetrista includes:

- Workshops: Workshops are offered on a regular basis at Minnetrista and cater to those who are looking to develop new skills and hobbies as well as those who wantto advance their existing Each year we offer new workshops prepared and led by trained Minnetrista experts. Workshops explore a variety of glass making techniques and canning methods!

- After Hours at Minnetrista: After Hours at Minnetrista provides a relaxing environment for those 21-and-older to drink, eat, and enjoy good music! With a variety of thematic evenings offered, you are bound to have a good time with friends and family.

- Tea & Talk at Minnetrista: Tea & Talk at Minnetrista is an opportunity for those who want to be lifelong learners! The meetings are a time to gather with friends and listen to a presentation on subjects as wide-ranging as art criticism, local history, and environmental studies. While enjoying delicious catered hors d’oeuvres and tea, attendees will have the opportunity to hear from experts specialized in their various fields.

These are just a few of the many opportunities regularly made available at Minnetrista. We also host Spring and Summer Camps, a bustling Farmers Market, and a variety of annual events including Faeries, Sprites, and Lights, Twilight on the Boulevard, Enchanted Luminaria Walk, and Garden Fair!

Next time you are on campus, be sure to visit The Orchard Shop, a sure place to find a one-of-a-kind gift for a loved one or something to make your home or garden shine.

Visit us at minnetrista.net to see more of what we offer, or stop by and tour our campus to discover an experience that’s just right for you!

One final note…

If you and your family have enjoyed your experiences at Minnetrista, consider volunteering! We are always looking for people to help with a variety of different aspects of daily life at Minnetrista. Volunteers work with Farmers Market, help with arts and crafts, assist in woodworking, horticulture, and so much more. Sign up to be a volunteer and make your connection to Minnetrista and everything it offers that much stronger!

For more information on volunteer opportunities, visit minnetrista.net/volunteer.