Whether you are interested in historic landmarks or just enjoy beautiful unique spaces, Sunken Gardens is a must-see location in Huntington, Indiana (1200 West Park Dr.).
The Sunken Gardens started out as a stone quarry, but after it was abandoned and became an eyesore, the city purchased the property in 1924. A short time later a group of members of the Huntington Chamber of Commerce, headed by E.M. Wasmuth, acquired the quarry and began to beautify it into its original beauty. The group dedicated it to the city in 1929. According to the Parks Department, it is one of only two such gardens in the country.
The Sunken Gardens are located at Memorial Park just off West Park Drive, just a short drive from Downtown Huntington. Parking is available just west of the gardens or across the street. Just follow the path from the parking lot to the stairs and enjoy the overhead views as you descend the stairs For anyone needing to avoid the stairs, we recommend that you use the parking across the street and enter the gardens via the short tunnel.
Take some time to walk around and maybe bring a picnic lunch so that you can enjoy your time at Sunken Gardens. Enjoy the beautiful fountains, rock walls and a gazebo. If you have time, Memorial Park also features the inspiring Veteran’s Memorial, a playground for the kids, frisbee golf course, basketball area, tennis courts, picnic pavilion, scenic walking trails that encircle a large pond (formerly fish hatcheries) and additional gardens.
The park is regularly rented out for weddings and is a perfect setting for photographs. If you are interested in having your wedding at the park, contact the Huntington County Parks Dept. at 260-358-2323. There is a fee for rentals.
TIP FOR WEDDINGS: The Lion’s Club is conveniently connected by an underroad tunnel to the Sunken Gardens, and for a small daily charge you can rent the facility for wedding staging and prep for the bride and bridesmaids and then make your dramatic entrance via the tunnel. (Lions Club 260-358-8468)
