Best Botanical Gardens In Chicago

Botanical gardens are a great way to see plants, flowers and trees growing in their natural state and form. No matter the season, visiting a botanical garden in Chicago is an excellent way to get closer to nature and experience the wonderment of plant life. The botanic gardens can be enjoyed by all members of the family and it is a great way to spend the day outdoors.

Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL 60022
(847) 835-5440
www.chicagobotanic.org

Chicago Botanic Garden is one of the top living museums and science conservation centers in Chicago. It is composed of 385 acres which include 26 gardens and four natural areas. The acreage is located on and around nine islands and six miles of shoreline. There are many programs available for youth and family members. Also, birding, biking, photography, garden walks and tram tours are available to enjoy the scenic views of the gardens.

The Morton Arboretum
4100 Illinois Route 53
Lisle, IL 60532
(630) 968-0074
www.mortonarb.org

The Morton Arboretum is a non-profit outdoor museum committed to the planting and conservation of trees. The Arboretum offers educational programs for adults and kids of all ages, plus numerous events for adults and kids planned throughout the year. The beautiful trees, shrubs, flowers, four-acre children's garden and one-acre maze garden are just some of the many highlights of the Morton Arboretum.

Lurie Garden
Millennium Park
201 E. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 742-1168
www.luriegarden.org

This five-acre botanical oasis is located directly in the heart of the City of Chicago; nature at its best can be found in an urban area. One of the dramatic features of the garden is the 15-foot "shoulder" hedge that is beautifully lit and encompasses the garden on two sides and protects the beautiful perennial garden. The Lurie Garden is a living piece of art and can be enjoyed all year round with texture and color variations that change with the season.

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Cantigny Park
1S151 N. Winfield Road
Wheaton, IL 60189
(630) 668-5161
www.cantigny.org

At Cantigny Park, beautiful gardens abound such as the Rose Garden, Formal Gardens, Prairie Garden and Idea Garden, but Cantigny offers even more than stunning botanical gardens. The park has an historic home to tour, military museum, playground, championship golf course and dining facilities. There is something for everyone at Cantigny Park.

Garfield Park Conservatory
300 N. Central Park Ave.
Chicago, IL 60624
(312) 746-5100
www.garfield-conservatory.org

The Garfield Park Conservatory offers outdoor gardens that include City Garden (open year round), Demonstration Garden (open May 1-November 1) and Monet Garden (open May 1-November 1). There are also six greenhouses and two exhibition halls; the greenhouses offer a huge variety of plants to see and learn about. Special educational programs are available to children and adults at no cost.

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Michelle Guilbeau is an elementary teacher living in Chicago, Illinois. She has also experience in school administration and literacy coaching. Michelle enjoys sharing her knowledge of education and parenting issues with her readers. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.