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Chicago Botanic Garden

Botanical Garden

Glencoe

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9.5^/10

709

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Given the COVID-19 pandemic, call ahead to verify hours, and remember to practice social distancing
"The Japanese gardens are beautiful any time of year."(13 Tips)
"four natural areas spread across 385 acres and nine islands."(4 Tips)
"Check out the Wonderland Express model train for Christmas!"(3 Tips)
"Bloomin’ Festival this weekend and bring home some blooms"(2 Tips)

126 Tips and reviews

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biking
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bloomin festival
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Damon SununtnasukMay 1, 2017
Phenomenal. Best Botanical Garden I've visited. Absolutely huge - budget at least 3-4 hours. Free entry but parking is $20 weekdays, $30 weekends
Upvoted Oct 25
Ewa KowalczykSeptember 9, 2013
Absolutely amazing! Bring a camera because you will be amazed at how much beauty you will want to keep. Perfect place to relax and get some fresh air. We will go again soon!
Upvoted Sep 21
SaraSeptember 13, 2014
Always beautiful. Free wheelchairs at the front desk if you need one. There's a mile-long paved trail/bike path/walking path along the road by the science center.
Mehul ShethSeptember 11, 2014
Been here 10+ times
Lots of rotating and permanent exhibits, including a great model train one. Huge space, can easily spend a whole day walking around and taking in the views. Our regular spot for mother's day.
Liam UngerSeptember 15, 2013
Beautiful place!! HUGE!! Make sure to get there early and with plenty food and drinks. Spend the whole day there. Spring is amazing. Lot of the fruit trees start blossoming. They're in cool forms too!
Kristy PodlasekJune 22, 2015
This place makes you feel like you've escaped into a far away. It's the hidden gen of Illinois. If you've never been definitely go in summer on Tuesday nights when there's a live band. BYOF
Jonathan FerreraSeptember 8, 2015
Been here 5+ times
The Japanese garden is one of the most beautiful in the entire complex, especially Horaijima, which you can only appreciate from a distance.
Andrew CasperAugust 13, 2019
HUGE venue with beautiful flowers and greenery and ponds and more!!! Lots of different activities going on too throughout the place (both public and private events)!
Heidi MayerAugust 29, 2013
Becoming a member is well worth it! You can bypass all the long lines at the entrance and go as often as you like. You can also enjoy membership discounts in the gift shop.
venessa tarbellNovember 17, 2011
These gardens deserve an entire day. Don't miss the winter train exhibit and take the time to wander around the gardens in winter. They are beautiful all year! Entry is free, parking is $25.
Esther Y.June 8, 2012
Been here 5+ times
Butterfly exhibit in children's pavilion is amazing. FYI entrance fee is $5 adults $3 children. Members get $1 off. Garden plus members free on Weds. for butterflies, model railroad garden, and tram.
Time Out Chicago KidsJanuary 13, 2012
Tucked inside the garden, the sunny Lenhardt Library welcomes families, kids and teachers. The entire collection is nonfiction with an emphasis on plants and science, from tree types to butterflies.
Allan MarshallFebruary 4, 2017
Do NOT ever visit Chicago Botanic Garden over the 4th of July weekend, due to the insane crowds! Seriously, pick any other day other than over that weekend to visit, if you can. You're welcome.
Kathleen NemecSeptember 14, 2011
This is a beautiful park. With the seasons changing so do the flowers, The Japanese Gardens are very beautiful. It's a good stretch of the legs! However, a tram can take you around the park.
Kathleen NemecSeptember 14, 2011
I recommend for the novice to start at a 1/2 way point like at Dempster or Old Orchard Road. Take plenty of H2O. Skokie Lagoons are very nice with the leaves changing during the Fall season.
Kathleen NemecSeptember 14, 2011
I recommend for the novice to start at a 1/2 way point like at Dempster or Old Orchard Road. Take plenty of water. Skokie Lagoons are very nice with the leaves changing during the Fall season.
Grape AdlerAugust 10, 2013
It's free! Parking is $25.00 but it is a beautiful place. Good walking paths and a bike path.
David SSeptember 28, 2014
For train fans like Gad, the model Railroad Garden is hours ,literally hours of enjoyment. Bring your coffee.
Kevin M. McNally, CMPFebruary 5, 2019
I admit I am a beginner when it comes to gardens. Located in Glencoe, IL on 385 acres. It presents 20,700 sq footage learning center and 27 gardens. Connect with mother nature & smile.
Dylan ConnAugust 17, 2011
Been here 5+ times
Get a membership and parking is free! It pays for itself after just a few visits & you get to skip the line to pay on busy days. Plus, your membership fee is fully tax-deductible.
Fodor's TravelAugust 21, 2015
Free year-round, the Chicago Botanic Garden is home to 26 gardens and four natural areas spread across 385 acres and nine islands.
Fernando VillalpandoMarch 10, 2014
A really nice place to visit. I spent only a few hour but I could of spent the while day walking around. Fruit and veggy island is the best part
Moustafa AlmalikiMarch 20, 2018
I can’t stress enough how beautiful this garden is. It’s an amazing relaxation spot.
DenAugust 19, 2014
Amazing place!!Beautiful nature and very quiet!Walk ,walk and enjoy)))
Mauricio PApril 29, 2013
Amazing. A must see. Take the garden motor tour and check out the giant waterfall.
Laura LernerSeptember 15, 2013
farmers' market has very few farmers...and with the market happening on the esplanade it's hard to get a good selection or do any serious shopping
PhaniDecember 5, 2011
A day is not sufficient to cover the complete place, you have to visit multiple times. Also, try some of the food in the cafeteria, i am told that the veggies used in the food are grown in the garden.
USA TODAYNovember 22, 2010
The city of broad shoulders is home to a huge garden, with 24 display gardens and native habitats spread over 385 acres. The gardens themselves are on islands surrounded by lakes. Read more
Melissa SchulerMay 19, 2010
Been here 50+ times
The Wine Festival-6/12 & 6/13, 12-6pm in the West Meadow. 250+ domestic & int'l wines 4 tasting & purchase. Live music & local restaurants selling food. $25 in advance/$35 @ the door. So much fun! Read more
Melissa SchulerJuly 27, 2010
Been here 50+ times
The Mid-America Bonsai Show & Sale, Aug. 20-22, is amazing! 1 of the top 3 shows in the nation! 100+ bonsai on display & vendors selling plants, bonsai pots, tools & more! Workshops & demos too! Read more
Emily ParkAugust 25, 2010
I love the Japanese Gardens! The idea behind the zig-zag bridge (to prevent evil spirits from crossing) is cute. I also like going into the green house which has carnivorous plants.
Bahar VaeziFebruary 19, 2013
The Chicago Botanic Garden has been selected as one of the great places in USA by American Planning Association, in 2012. Read more
CMay 11, 2012
Been here 10+ times
Garden Café breakfast: get an omelette, they're huge and delicious. Lunch: get the chili, it is cheap and quite tasty.
Killian SkaroneaNovember 25, 2013
Been here 5+ times
Ride your bike and then you don't have to pay for parking. There are plenty of bike racks by the visitors center.
Rahul BhattacharyaFebruary 22, 2016
Take a closer look at every Orchid and you'll fall in love with them.
Melissa SchulerMay 6, 2010
Been here 50+ times
You must check out A Bloomin' Festival, May 14-16 @ Chicago Botanic Garden. Live music, gardening demos, farmers' market & 30,000+ plants for sale! rain barrels too! You'll have a great time, promise! Read more
Melissa SchulerMay 19, 2010
Been here 50+ times
Music on the Esplanade--Tues., 6/8-8/31,6-8pm. Relax 2 live music from local bands. Diffr't music each week-Spanish guitar, jazz & big band. Light fair, wine, beer & other bevys 4 sale. Bring friends! Read more
Rahul BhattacharyaFebruary 22, 2016
Very well maintained good collection of varieties of Orchids.
Melissa SchulerMay 19, 2010
Been here 50+ times
Carillon Concerts--Mondays, 6/7-9/6 @ 7pm on Evening Island. Comp. carillon tours @ 5:30pm. Picnicking is allowed. Bring a comfy chair or blanket, snacks & enjoy an evening under the stars! Read more
HISTORYApril 7, 2010
23 gardens showcase the best plants from the Midwest in a variety of beautiful settings. 3 native habitat areas including woodland, prairie & river habitats feature native & endangered flora from IL.
Iolantik SnetOctober 14, 2014
Been here 10+ times
Absolutely great place to hang at any season. For cook county residents parking cost is just 20$
Lina GonzoOctober 21, 2012
Lots of places, gardens, nooks, and crannies to explore with adventurous kids! Excellent train show!
Kathleen NemecSeptember 14, 2011
If your bike riding all the way up to the Botanical Gardens there are a few nice places to stop along the way on Touhy (Taco Burrito King) & Dempster (McDonalds, KFC).
Time Out Chicago KidsJuly 2, 2012
The Elizabeth Hubert Malott Japanese Garden at Chicago Botanic Garden is nominated for Best Brush with Nature in our Hipsqueak Awards, vote now at timeoutchicagokids.com/awards!
Todd KunaDecember 4, 2019
Always a serene place to visit whether the plants are in full bloom or snow is carpeting the grounds.
Sharon MayJuly 13, 2014
Been here 25+ times
I love working here and it's like I'm in another world. It's so peaceful at night...as I work Graveyard Shift.
Melissa SchulerJuly 27, 2010
Been here 50+ times
Check out CBG's 6th Annual Kite Festival, Aug. 7-8, 11am-4pm. Enjoy stunt kite performances by the Chicago Fire Kite Team & fly ur own kites. Plenty of ice cream, drinks & sandwiches 2 purchase! Fun! Read more
Alex PyatetskyNovember 22, 2015
One of my favorite places in Chicago. I like coming here and spending the whole day.
Rebecca KnightJune 22, 2014
Been here 5+ times
This year they are featuring hostas. Hostas are already all over the place in Peoria. But they have some of the biggest I've ever seen.
JonathanSeptember 18, 2016
Lots of space and different areas to explore. You will never be bored here.

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