FollowChicago is a city that focused on appreciating the outdoors from the very beginning, no matter how large it became. With Lake Michigan as a backdrop, the land up and down the coastline was set aside for the public to gather. Here they could enjoy as much green space and lake air as possible. Most of the area remains undeveloped to this day. The parks and public gardens bring Chicagoans and tourists outdoors for recreation time.
The Chicago gardens and conservatories are a great way to spend an afternoon or entire day. All of them are easily accessible from every corner of the city.
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
The Chicago Botanic Garden is internationally known and recognized as one of the leading botanical institutions and scientific laboratories. All the work towards conservation and promoting the botanical arts has led to some of the most beautiful and creative gardens in the world. Gardens are interactive, inspirational and educational, showcasing ideas for bringing what you see to your own home. Over twenty different types of gardens are spread out over 300 acres at the Chicago Gardens.
These take you around the world and right back to the natural prairie of Illinois. The skilled team has even made it possible to enjoy it year round. They have managed this with carefully selected and designed gardens which ensures that there is something of interest to enjoy. In addition to the gardens, festivals, exhibits and performances are held at this location almost every weekend.
http://www.chicagobotanic.org/
Lincoln Park Conservatory
The Lincoln Park Conservatory sits in the heart of Chicago. It is located just north of downtown and is part of the Park District of Chicago complex. This complex includes Lincoln Park and the beaches.
This stop is best combined with a trip to the Lincoln Park Zoo, which it sits next to, and admission to both are free. Built in the late 1890s, the Conservatory was meant to be a showplace for the exotic plants that collectors brought back to Chicago. You can easily walk through it in an hour.
The four tropical rooms have an abundance of plant treasures. It is best that you grab a free guide to pinpoint which exhibit you would like to see first. You can save yourself some time by asking on of the docents what their favorite plant in the house is.
http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks/lincoln-park-conservatory/
Garfield Park Conservatory
The Garfield Park Conservatory is the larger of Chicago’s two conservatories, at just under five acres under glass and spread out over lawns. The outdoor garden space is used for garden friendly recreation, learning gardens and special exhibition gardens including everything from Monet inspired to low water garden ideas. Beautifully restored, the Conservatory is a Chicago gem and free to all who visit. Eight houses feature everything from an interactive children’s garden to a cactus house. This garden is very much a center of the community so you will find helpful classes offered daily, gardening co-ops and creative and educational ways to create gardening fun.
http://www.garfield-conservatory.org/
Lurie Garden
The Lurie Garden is Chicago’s newest and most visited public garden. It sits in the new Millennium Park in the heart of downtown Chicago. The mission of the garden is to show residents how plants natural to the area can thrive in a city garden. All the while, still preserving water. Low maintenance, native plants are the focus here. You will find new and innovative ways to include a garden in small urban areas and environments.
Whether you are a local or a tourist Chicago Gardens are definitely a place of beauty and tranquility. Plan to visit one or more of these breathtaking environments.
