When considering a vacation, or even just a day out with the family, why not consider visiting a local arboretum or botanical garden? You can enjoy a delightful getaway with a visit to one of these beautiful gateways to all that nature has to offer.
Arboretums and botanical gardens work to promote common respect and educates with a drive towards an appreciation of the world of gardening as well as the insects that work to pollinate our plants and flowers.
These nature monuments are just waiting to be discovered and welcome all visitors for a day of tranquility, enjoying their peaceful beauty. Make sure to check out one of the arboretums or botanical gardens listed below.
Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL 60022
The Chicago Botanic Garden has more than 50,000 members—one of the largest memberships of any U.S. botanic garden. People of all ages, interests, and abilities participate in programs, take classes, and stroll the grounds year-round.
Garfield Park Conservatory
300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60624
Chicago’s Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest and most stunning botanical conservatories in the nation. Often referred to as “landscape art under glass,” the Conservatory showcases thousands of plant species from around the world throughout eight indoor display gardens. Year-round, visitors can enjoy the lush flora and tropical temperatures indoors, or more than 10 acres of outdoor gardens, nature play spaces for children, a water lily pond, and much more.
Lurie Garden
201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
Lurie Garden in Millennium Park combines naturalistic plantings and ecologically sensitive maintenance practices to create an urban oasis for city dwellers and wildlife alike.
The Morton Arboretum
4100 Illinois Rt 53, Lisle, IL 60532
Visit The Morton Arboretum to understand the rich diversity of trees in the world and the benefits they bring to people, communities, and the environment. Witness science and conservation in action. Be a champion of trees!
Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens
7402 W Lake Katherine Dr, Palos Heights, IL 60463
Connecting people with nature, Lake Katherine is an 85-acre non-profit park that includes woodlands, prairie, wetlands, gardens, and a 10-acre lake. Lake Katherine provides year-round activities and fun for the whole family. The park offers approximately 6 miles of hiking trails, including a scenic trail around the lake and near a beautiful waterfall.
Wilder Park Conservatory
225 Prospect Ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126
Located in the southwest corner of Wilder Park, the Wilder Park Conservatory is home to a wide variety of plants. In addition, youth education programs are offered with our in-house horticulturist.
Looking for Chicago Airport Parking?