[3] The complex includes a conservatory, fountains and water features, outdoor gardens, a dining and event facility, and 1.5 miles (2.4 km) of paths.

The gardens are situated to the east of the zoo's entry plaza on the western bank of the White River overlooking downtown Indianapolis.

[5][2] White River Gardens' beginnings date to the early-1990s as Indianapolis Zoo officials sought to bring more public attention to the interdependence of plant and animal habitats.

Andrew Reid's Midwestern Panorama, a cylindrical 3,000-square-foot (280 m2) mural located inside the Bud Schaefer Rotunda, depicts native Indiana flora and fauna cycling through the four seasons.

[17] Glass artist Dave McLary's Capital Campaign Donors Recognition Window consists of four 22-foot (6.7 m)-by-6-foot (1.8 m) panels etched with springtime scenes emblematic of Indiana.

Amy Brier's interactive Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter are four individual limestone spheres situated in urns of sand atop pedestals.