Megan Barry - Minnetrista

Visitors will feel like they are stepping into a beloved children’s storybook as they encounter whimsical scenes and engaging sensory activities in this nature-inspired experience. Designed to help build confidence and cultivate scientific curiosity, children will discover and learn about animals that emerge in their neighborhoods and local forests after the sun goes down.

June 7 through November 2, 2025

Location: Center Building, Gallery 1 & 2

Cost: Included with your admission ticket

Good Night Forest is organized and produced by the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, with support from Ball Brothers Foundation and George and Frances Ball Foundation.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Jun 7, 2025 to Nov 2, 2025 and happens every:

Wednesdays: 9:00am - 12:00pm Timezone: EDT

Thursdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Fridays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Saturdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Sundays: 12:00pm - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

The narwhal, with its unique spiral tusk, has inspired legend and fascinated people across cultures for centuries. Take a deep dive into the narwhal's Arctic world to explore what makes this mysterious animal and its changing ecosystem so important. Through first-hand accounts from scientists and Inuit community members, the exhibition will reveal how traditional knowledge and experience, coupled with the latest scientific research, heighten our understanding of these fascinating animals—and our changing global climate.

July 12, 2025 – September 28, 2025

Location: Center Building, Gallery 3

Cost: Included with your admission ticket

Narwhal: Revealing an Arctic Legend is organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Jul 12, 2025 to Sep 28, 2025 and happens every:

Wednesdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Thursdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Fridays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Saturdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Sundays: 12:00pm - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

The Farmers Market is the perfect place to discover fresh produce, baked goods, plants, eggs, meats, and more! Connect with local vendors and experience what our community has to offer.

Every Saturday through October

9 a.m.–Noon

Location:  Main Parking Lot

Free Community Event

Snap, Snap Double Up, and eFMNP (WIC FMNP and SFMNP) are accepted at participating vendors, making it easy for everyone to enjoy local treasures. Stop by our Minnetrista info booth at the market to swipe your SNAP/EBT card to get your vouchers for the amount you’d like to spend. We will match up to $20 in SNAP credits ($40) total.  To learn more about this program, please refer to Double Up Indiana. Don’t miss out on this delightful experience!

The outdoor market season is presented by 3Rivers Federal Credit Union.  

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Aug 2, 2025 to Oct 25, 2025 and happens every:

Saturdays: 9:00am - 12:00pm Timezone: EDT

Visitors will feel like they are stepping into a beloved children’s storybook as they encounter whimsical scenes and engaging sensory activities in this nature-inspired experience. Designed to help build confidence and cultivate scientific curiosity, children will discover and learn about animals that emerge in their neighborhoods and local forests after the sun goes down.

June 7 through November 2, 2025

Location: Center Building, Gallery 1 & 2

Cost: Included with your admission ticket

Good Night Forest is organized and produced by the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, with support from Ball Brothers Foundation and George and Frances Ball Foundation.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Jun 7, 2025 to Nov 2, 2025 and happens every:

Wednesdays: 9:00am - 12:00pm Timezone: EDT

Thursdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Fridays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Saturdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Sundays: 12:00pm - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

The narwhal, with its unique spiral tusk, has inspired legend and fascinated people across cultures for centuries. Take a deep dive into the narwhal's Arctic world to explore what makes this mysterious animal and its changing ecosystem so important. Through first-hand accounts from scientists and Inuit community members, the exhibition will reveal how traditional knowledge and experience, coupled with the latest scientific research, heighten our understanding of these fascinating animals—and our changing global climate.

July 12, 2025 – September 28, 2025

Location: Center Building, Gallery 3

Cost: Included with your admission ticket

Narwhal: Revealing an Arctic Legend is organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Jul 12, 2025 to Sep 28, 2025 and happens every:

Wednesdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Thursdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Fridays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Saturdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Sundays: 12:00pm - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Bring your little ones to Storytime Saturday! Join one of our experience guides for a cozy storytime perfect for children 5 and under and their families. Each month, we’ll feature a special seasonal story that celebrates the time of year. 

Betty’s Cabin Activities are presented in partnership with Patterson Block Muncie.

Bring your little ones to Storytime Saturday! Join one of our experience guides for a cozy storytime perfect for children 5 and under and their families. Each month, we’ll feature a special seasonal story that celebrates the time of year.  

Saturdays; 11:30 a.m.

Location: Betty’s Cabin

Free Community Activity

Betty’s Cabin Activities are presented in partnership with Patterson Block Muncie.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Aug 2, 2025 to Dec 27, 2025 and happens every:

Saturdays: 11:30am - 11:50am Timezone: EDT

Visitors will feel like they are stepping into a beloved children’s storybook as they encounter whimsical scenes and engaging sensory activities in this nature-inspired experience. Designed to help build confidence and cultivate scientific curiosity, children will discover and learn about animals that emerge in their neighborhoods and local forests after the sun goes down.

June 7 through November 2, 2025

Location: Center Building, Gallery 1 & 2

Cost: Included with your admission ticket

Good Night Forest is organized and produced by the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, with support from Ball Brothers Foundation and George and Frances Ball Foundation.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Jun 7, 2025 to Nov 2, 2025 and happens every:

Wednesdays: 9:00am - 12:00pm Timezone: EDT

Thursdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Fridays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Saturdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Sundays: 12:00pm - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

The narwhal, with its unique spiral tusk, has inspired legend and fascinated people across cultures for centuries. Take a deep dive into the narwhal's Arctic world to explore what makes this mysterious animal and its changing ecosystem so important. Through first-hand accounts from scientists and Inuit community members, the exhibition will reveal how traditional knowledge and experience, coupled with the latest scientific research, heighten our understanding of these fascinating animals—and our changing global climate.

July 12, 2025 – September 28, 2025

Location: Center Building, Gallery 3

Cost: Included with your admission ticket

Narwhal: Revealing an Arctic Legend is organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Jul 12, 2025 to Sep 28, 2025 and happens every:

Wednesdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Thursdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Fridays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Saturdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Sundays: 12:00pm - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Visitors will feel like they are stepping into a beloved children’s storybook as they encounter whimsical scenes and engaging sensory activities in this nature-inspired experience. Designed to help build confidence and cultivate scientific curiosity, children will discover and learn about animals that emerge in their neighborhoods and local forests after the sun goes down.

June 7 through November 2, 2025

Location: Center Building, Gallery 1 & 2

Cost: Included with your admission ticket

Good Night Forest is organized and produced by the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, with support from Ball Brothers Foundation and George and Frances Ball Foundation.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Jun 7, 2025 to Nov 2, 2025 and happens every:

Wednesdays: 9:00am - 12:00pm Timezone: EDT

Thursdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Fridays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Saturdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Sundays: 12:00pm - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Visitors will feel like they are stepping into a beloved children’s storybook as they encounter whimsical scenes and engaging sensory activities in this nature-inspired experience. Designed to help build confidence and cultivate scientific curiosity, children will discover and learn about animals that emerge in their neighborhoods and local forests after the sun goes down.

June 7 through November 2, 2025

Location: Center Building, Gallery 1 & 2

Cost: Included with your admission ticket

Good Night Forest is organized and produced by the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, with support from Ball Brothers Foundation and George and Frances Ball Foundation.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Jun 7, 2025 to Nov 2, 2025 and happens every:

Wednesdays: 9:00am - 12:00pm Timezone: EDT

Thursdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Fridays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Saturdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Sundays: 12:00pm - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Visitors will feel like they are stepping into a beloved children’s storybook as they encounter whimsical scenes and engaging sensory activities in this nature-inspired experience. Designed to help build confidence and cultivate scientific curiosity, children will discover and learn about animals that emerge in their neighborhoods and local forests after the sun goes down.

June 7 through November 2, 2025

Location: Center Building, Gallery 1 & 2

Cost: Included with your admission ticket

Good Night Forest is organized and produced by the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, with support from Ball Brothers Foundation and George and Frances Ball Foundation.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Jun 7, 2025 to Nov 2, 2025 and happens every:

Wednesdays: 9:00am - 12:00pm Timezone: EDT

Thursdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Fridays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Saturdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Sundays: 12:00pm - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

The Farmers Market is the perfect place to discover fresh produce, baked goods, plants, eggs, meats, and more! Connect with local vendors and experience what our community has to offer.

Every Saturday through October

9 a.m.–Noon

Location:  Main Parking Lot

Free Community Event

Snap, Snap Double Up, and eFMNP (WIC FMNP and SFMNP) are accepted at participating vendors, making it easy for everyone to enjoy local treasures. Stop by our Minnetrista info booth at the market to swipe your SNAP/EBT card to get your vouchers for the amount you’d like to spend. We will match up to $20 in SNAP credits ($40) total.  To learn more about this program, please refer to Double Up Indiana. Don’t miss out on this delightful experience!

The outdoor market season is presented by 3Rivers Federal Credit Union.  

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Aug 2, 2025 to Oct 25, 2025 and happens every:

Saturdays: 9:00am - 12:00pm Timezone: EDT

Visitors will feel like they are stepping into a beloved children’s storybook as they encounter whimsical scenes and engaging sensory activities in this nature-inspired experience. Designed to help build confidence and cultivate scientific curiosity, children will discover and learn about animals that emerge in their neighborhoods and local forests after the sun goes down.

June 7 through November 2, 2025

Location: Center Building, Gallery 1 & 2

Cost: Included with your admission ticket

Good Night Forest is organized and produced by the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, with support from Ball Brothers Foundation and George and Frances Ball Foundation.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Jun 7, 2025 to Nov 2, 2025 and happens every:

Wednesdays: 9:00am - 12:00pm Timezone: EDT

Thursdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Fridays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Saturdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Sundays: 12:00pm - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Step into Oakhurst Gardens and discover that canning isn’t nearly as frightening as it sounds—even with a few zombies lurking nearby! In this immersive, beginner-friendly workshop, you’ll master the art of making Pickled Zombie Fingers (a.k.a. pickled peppers)—a creepy, crunchy treat perfect for your apocalypse pantry. Whether you’re brand new to canning or just want to add a quirky twist to your repertoire, this hands-on experience will leave you feeling ready for anything. Plus, you’ll have the chance to snap a photo with one of our “undead” guests—if you dare!

October 4, 6–8 p.m.

Location: Education Center and Oakhurst Gardens

Cost: $37.00 | Member Discounts Apply

Pre-registration is strongly preferred; limited walk-in tickets may be available please call ahead.

Bring your little ones to Storytime Saturday! Join one of our experience guides for a cozy storytime perfect for children 5 and under and their families. Each month, we’ll feature a special seasonal story that celebrates the time of year.  

Saturdays; 11:30 a.m.

Location: Betty’s Cabin

Free Community Activity

Betty’s Cabin Activities are presented in partnership with Patterson Block Muncie.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Aug 2, 2025 to Dec 27, 2025 and happens every:

Saturdays: 11:30am - 11:50am Timezone: EDT

Visitors will feel like they are stepping into a beloved children’s storybook as they encounter whimsical scenes and engaging sensory activities in this nature-inspired experience. Designed to help build confidence and cultivate scientific curiosity, children will discover and learn about animals that emerge in their neighborhoods and local forests after the sun goes down.

June 7 through November 2, 2025

Location: Center Building, Gallery 1 & 2

Cost: Included with your admission ticket

Good Night Forest is organized and produced by the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, with support from Ball Brothers Foundation and George and Frances Ball Foundation.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Jun 7, 2025 to Nov 2, 2025 and happens every:

Wednesdays: 9:00am - 12:00pm Timezone: EDT

Thursdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Fridays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Saturdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Sundays: 12:00pm - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Bob Ross Painting Workshop: S13 E04—Evening at Sunset

Learn Bob’s signature “wet-on-wet” technique from an experienced Certified Ross Instructor® and paint at Minnetrista! Just bring yourself, and we will provide everything you need to have a wonderful time. Just like Bob said, “Let’s get crazy!”

This workshop will take place in the Cantina, a ground-level, fully accessible space. Pre-registration is strongly preferred. Limited walk-in seating may be available, so please call ahead. Painting workshops are open to participants ages 14 and up.

Please note: Admission to the Bob Ross Experience exhibition is not included with workshop registration. All attendees must be registered to participate. Contact our front desk at 765.282.4848 for more information.

Embrace the beauty of fall at Minnetrista with a day packed full of adventure for the whole family! Explore various seasonal activities throughout campus, where learning and lively family fun create unforgettable memories. With so much to enjoy, the day is truly a choose-your-own-adventure opportunity.

October 8; 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Location: Campus-Wide; Check-In at Center Building
Free Community Event

There are staggered entry times for a relaxed arrival, but you're welcome to stay and explore all day!
Pre-registration is highly encouraged. 

Presented by First Merchants Bank.

Learn Bob’s signature “wet-on-wet” technique from an experienced Certified Ross Instructor® and paint in the building where The Joy of Painting was filmed!

Learn Bob’s signature “wet-on-wet” technique from an experienced Certified Ross Instructor® and paint in the building where The Joy of Painting was filmed! Just bring yourself, and we will provide everything you need to have a wonderful time. Just like Bob said, “Let’s get crazy!”

This workshop is held in the Bob Ross Experience studio, which is only accessible by stairs. Painting workshops are open to participants ages 14 and up. Pre-registration is strongly preferred; limited walk-in tickets may be available—please call ahead.

Please note: Admission to the Bob Ross Experience exhibition is not included with workshop registration. All attendees must be registered to participate. Contact our front desk at 765.282.4848 for more information.