Chicago Botanic Garden

Ranked among the city's most popular tourist destinations, the Chicago Botanic Garden attracts upwards of 1 million visitors each year. Situated across nine different islands, and boasting 6 miles (10 kilometers) of lakeshore, the garden is one of the most tranquil and picturesque destinations in Chicagoland. Its highlights range from bonsai and rose gardens to a sensory garden and plant science center. As a complement to its living museum, the Chicago Botanic Garden also does important conservation work.

• Book admission and on-site parking in advance for a discounted rate.

• The GardenGuide smartphone app is free to download, and includes an event calendar, interactive map, guide to what’s in bloom, and more.

• Most areas of the garden are accessible to wheelchair users (including the tram tours); wheelchairs and electric scooters are also available to rent.

• There are eateries and a shop for gifts and gardening items on-site.

If you're using public transportation to reach the Chicago Botanic Garden, a number of Metra trains run between downtown Chicago’s Ogilvie Transportation Center and the Braeside Metra station each day; then it’s a short walk or cab ride to the garden. Between mid-May and early September, trolley service also runs between the Glencoe Metra station and the garden during the daytime.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is open daily, though its hours vary depending on the season; its various restaurants and facilities also have their own hours. The garden also offers a number of free admission days for Illinois residents, and hosts special events throughout the year, from cooking and photography classes to guided walks and exhibitions.

Looking for a simple way to discover the highlights of the garden? The site hosts tram tours daily from April to October, which cover a 2.3-mile (3.7-kilometer) loop.