The Gothic Garden of Vevay: Indiana’s Black Tulip Field
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Every spring, something unexpected blooms in southern Indiana – and it’s not your typical pastel tulip display.
In the small Ohio River town of Vevay, thousands of near-black tulips rise from the ground in a moody, velvety wave. The display was created by celebrity tattoo artist Kat Von D, who traded Los Angeles for this quiet Midwest town in southern Indiana. In 2021, she made headlines after purchasing the historic Schenck Mansion, a 35-room Second Empire–style estate, for $1.5 million. Soon after, she added her own signature touch to the landscape: a black tulip field planted just outside the mansion grounds.
Yes… in little ol’ Indiana.
A First Visit to Vevay
Last spring, I made my first trip to Vevay to see the black tulips for myself. If I had explored this town before writing Secret Indiana: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure, it absolutely would have earned a spot in the book.
Set along the banks of the Ohio River in Switzerland County, Vevay may have fewer than 2,000 residents, but it packs a surprising punch. Over two days, I found myself wandering through antique shops, stumbling upon quirky oddities, and indulging in some seriously good local eats.
And before you go, here’s your first insider tip: it’s pronounced: “Vee-vee.” Say it wrong, and a local might gently (or not-so-gently) correct you.
Before you go, plan your trip to Vevay with my Visiting Vevay, Indiana Guide.
Inside the “Goth Garden”
Before moving to Indiana, Kat Von D often shared glimpses of her all-black garden in California, filled with rare, dark-hued plants. The black tulip field in Vevay feels like a natural extension of that aesthetic.
The first official bloom season debuted in 2024 with 10,000 bulbs. For 2026, that number has grown to 15,000, transforming the space into what is sometimes called a “goth garden.” The variety planted here is known as the Queen of the Night tulip, famous for being one of the darkest tulips in the world. While often described as black, the petals are actually a rich blend of deep maroon and purple.
Like any field of flowers, it has faced its share of challenges. Deer and other critters have made a meal of the bulbs in past seasons, and in 2025, the blooms didn’t quite reach their full potential. But 2026 is shaping up to be the best yet, with fuller blooms and even designated walking paths winding through the tulips.
Adding to the charm, there’s a mural on a nearby garage that serves as a perfect backdrop for black tulip photos.
Planning Your Visit
The black tulip field is free and open to the public during bloom season, typically for a short window of about two weeks between late March and April.
A few tips before you go:
- Visit on a weekday if you can, since weekends draw bigger crowds.
- Parking is only on the roadside, so be mindful of driveways and neighborhood access.
- Do not pick the tulips or step on them.
- Please don’t allow your pets to walk on the tulips.
- Respect the mansion’s privacy by staying outside the gates.
- After rainfall, the field could be muddy (be prepared with appropriate shoes).
Location: W Turnpike St, Vevay, Indiana (directly in front of the Schenck Mansion)
There’s something delightfully unexpected about finding a gothic-inspired tulip field tucked in an Indiana river town!
Watch my video of the Black Tulips in Vevay:
Nearby things to do:
- Visiting Vevay, Indiana: A Hidden Gem Along the Ohio River
- Challenge yourself to the Butler County Donut Trail
- Spend a Day in Madison, Indiana
