Oldfields–Lilly House & Gardens

Oldfields, also known as the Lilly House and Gardens, is one of the most elegant and historically significant estates in Indiana, located on the grounds of Newfields — the campus that also houses the Indianapolis Museum of Art. The estate was the former home of J. K.

Lilly Jr. , heir to the Eli Lilly pharmaceutical fortune, and its beautifully preserved mansion and sweeping formal gardens provide a fascinating window into early twentieth-century Indianapolis high society. For families, Oldfields offers a blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty that appeals across age groups.

Young children are captivated by the sheer grandeur of the estate grounds and the manicured lawns that beg for exploration. School-age kids can engage with the history of the Lilly family and Indiana's industrial heritage through guided tours offered by knowledgeable docents. Teens interested in history, design, or photography will find Oldfields particularly rewarding.

The formal gardens are stunning from spring through fall, with structured beds, water features, and mature plantings that feel like stepping into a European estate. Because Oldfields is located on the Newfields campus, a visit can be easily paired with the art museum, the IMA gardens, or the spectacular Winterlights holiday installation, making for a rich full-day cultural experience.