Chicago Botanic Garden
3.7
from The Botanic Garden is made up of 23 specialty gardens including the Sensory Garden, Waterfall Garden, Rose Garden, and the romantic English Walled Garden. Visitors can see prized specimen from the Nakamura Bonsai Collection in a new exhibit in the East Courtyard of the Education Center this year as trees are rotated through from May-October. Three greenhouses grow desert-weather and rainforest plants. Visitors can watch the bees at work in the Fruit and Vegetable garden, while kids can test out their budding green thumbs in the Children's Garden. The Japanese Garden combines carefully groomed plants, peaceful water and graceful bridges to create a harmonious setting. Six types of prairies represent the landscape of Illinois during pioneer days. Narrated tram tours provide a good overview of the entire garden. Events and festivals throughout the year include chef demonstrations, art sales, wellness programs and educational programs.
Getting There
- Cross Streets:
- Interstate 94 and Lake Cook.
- Parking:
- Paid Lot. $20 per car, $25 per van, $60 per limousine, bus, minibus or RV, $7 for senior citizens on Tuesdays; free for cyclists and walkers
- Public Transportation:
- Accessible by Pace regional bus (213).
- Wheelchair Access:
- Yes. Accessible parking is located in parking lots 1, 2 and 3. Nearly all areas of the Garden are accessible.
The Basics
- Hours:
- 8 a.m.-sunset seven days a week; closed Christmas Day.
- Alcohol:
- At Garden Cafe.
- Recreation and Sports Activities:
- Biking, Gardening, Walking, and Yoga Pilates
- Recreation Facilities:
- Nature Trails and Park
Features
- Atmosphere and Personality:
- Romantic
- Food:
- Restaurant and picnic area.
- Features:
- Free Admission, On-site Merchandise, Scenic View, and Tourist Spot. Garden shop open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; sells gifts, books and educational materials. Festivals, fitness programs, lectures and more.
- Facilities:
- Rentals Available. No pets.
- Worth Noting:
- Recommended
- Specialties:
- Plant shows and sales, cooking demonstrations, carillon concerts, nature-related art exhibits, Holiday Enchanted Winter display.
- Payment Methods:
- American Express and Visa
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
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Rate Chicago Botanic Garden
"Huge Disappointment"
By kat from bucktown, June 18, 2009
I work at a senior center and I plan activities for the seniors. I called to enquire about the prices for us to take a trip there. I was told admis...
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"This is a great place..."
By Lara from Aurora, Il, August 1, 2004
This is a great place for everyone to go, kids and adults alike.
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Calendar of Events
Chicago Botanic Garden
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Wonderland Express
11/27/2009 - 10:00 AM -
Wonderland Express
11/28/2009 - 10:00 AM -
Wonderland Express
11/29/2009 - 10:00 AM
