The Brincka Cross Gardens property was developed by an artist, and it is clear that this was his masterpiece. Bill Brincka was a professor at the Art Institute of Chicago, and his creativity can be seen throughout the gardens. Bill and his companion, Basil Cross, spent more than 40 years developing and nurturing four acres of landscaped gardens, which are surrounded by another 21 acres of pristine woodlands.
Bill and Basil lived in the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired home on the property until Bill’s death in 2001. After Basil passed away in 2006, Porter County Parks and Recreation purchased the property to create a public park. Our staff, led by horticulturalist Matt Brown, have since reclaimed many of the original gardens, clearing overgrowth and invasive plants to reveal the beauty of the landscape that was cultivated with such care by the original owners.
The gardens boast 400 different types of hostas, 450 varieties of daffodils, 25 kinds of crabapple trees, 40 cultivars of ornamental grasses, and 25 varieties of forsythias. And that’s just for starters. You have to come out to the gardens and experience them for yourself to truly understand how special this property truly is.
Brincka Cross Gardens are available for rentals throughout the year. Spring and summer weddings in the garden are spectacular. The house itself has a full kitchen and can seat up to 40 people. Bridal showers, corporate retreats, business meetings, and intimate gatherings are all possibilities with this unique and private facility.
427 Furness Road
Michigan City, IN 46360
pcparks@porterco.org
(219) 465-3586
(219) 548-0219
Hours | Dawn to Dusk
Expanding Brincka Cross Gardens
We’re excited to announce our new land acquisition! Located in Pine Township directly adjacent to Brincka Cross Gardens, the 36 acres of new land will eventually offer more trails and natural habitats.
Formerly owned by Grant and Francis Smith, our goal for this parcel is to expand Brincka Cross Gardens to include this land and to restore wildlife habitats.
The acquisition and plans to expand were funded completely by grants. These lands are being conserved, in part, by funding and technical assistance made available as mitigation for impacts caused by the construction and maintenance of the Enbridge Energy, Limited Partnership, 6B Pipeline in partnership with The Conservation Fund and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
These agencies are providing funding for restoration in the forested area, wetland area, and open grassy area on the land. Each of these areas has a specific management plan, including removing invasive species, planting native species, and improving bird habitats.
We’re excited to eventually offer more options for community pathways as well. Stay tuned for further news for this land!
