Rinard Orchid Greenhouse
Experience a small tropical environment in the middle of Indiana! With over 2,000 orchids, the Rinard Orchid Greenhouse contains the largest university-based orchid collection in the United States, including the Wheeler-Thanhauser Orchid Collection and Species Bank, and Betty Kendall Ladyslipper Orchid Species Collection. The collection is a living museum which provides opportunities for education and conservation of rare and endangered orchid species and is used for orchid research. The collection also provides opportunities for students and visitors to learn about a diversity of tropical species. Students, faculty, local schools, community, and visitors can see and learn about orchids, edible tropical plants, poison arrow frogs, birds and other tropical creatures that are on display in a small tropical conservatory.
The 3,400-square-foot greenhouse is a resource used by students in biology, natural resources, art, technology, landscape architecture, and photography and presents a variety of educational programs open to the general public. Docents assist visitors during guided tours. Programs include weekly meditation, brown-bag lunch, Saturday programs, mini-educational programs, walk-in tours and guided tours by request.
Even in winter, the Rinard Conservatory is always in full bloom. Changing educational displays, student art exhibits, and other seasonal features make the Rinard conservatory and Orchid Greenhouse a great place to visit throughout the year.
2500 W University Ave, Muncie 765-285-8839
