Potawatomi Conservatories

Designed and built in the 1960’s by Lord & Burnham, one of the 20th century’s pre-eminent designers of greenhouses, the Conservatories were gifts from Ella Morris and the Muessel-Ellison Foundation to the people of South Bend. Recent renovations will preserve these beautiful structures for future generations.

The Conservatories are a haven of tranquility within Potawatomi Park. Here, you can wander paths through lush tropical foliage, explore the marvelous shapes and textures of succulent plants in the arid Desert Dome, or just sit quietly in the peaceful surroundings.

As part of our mission, the Conservatories act as a center for botanical education. Every year, we offer a variety of classes in gardening and plant care, science workshops for children, and special lectures. School groups of all ages are welcome to visit and use the Conservatories as
a resource for learning.

A multi-functional facility, the Ella Morris Conservatory includes a meeting room and a large growing room with a lovely fountain and winding paths through tropical plants.

Perfectly designed for special events, the Muessel-Ellison Conservatory includes a large, open space and a peaceful lower area with a small waterfall and mature tropical plants.

The Arizona Desert Dome has a circular path around a sunken area filled with cacti, agave, and other examples of arid environment plants.