Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Chicago Botanic Garden

    4.6 (1.2k reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
    Updated a few days ago

    Chicago Botanic Garden Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Chicago Botanic Garden

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Brenda K.

    Always great to just come here and walk around and seeing all the plants and flowers! There wasn't much growing at this time! It was a gorgeous day to just hang out with family!

    Karyn M.

    It's been a long and dreary winter. I got a burst of life visiting the Orchid Show (Feb 7 - March 22). Boy is it groovy! You'll be Groovin' and getting Good Vibrations, man, from the amazing setting. You'll be a daydream Believer when you see the giant sunshine rays of orchids. Do You Believe in Magic, you will when you see the walls of orchids. The giant lava lamp will Light Your Fire. The sixties tunes, the psychedelics, the dayglo colors, the VW Bug just busting out orchids...it's a trip, man! But most of all you'll just marvel at the orchids, each lovelier and more beautiful than the rest. This show...this is why I'm a member.

    Susan S.

    Went to the light show was so fun. Never fails. It's spectacular . It's about an hour and a half walk . Great music to accompany the lights Here now to get help for the app . Brenda was wonderful at guest services. Very kind and patient lots of info . I'm interested in tai chi that they're having a class in the organ show how wonderful would that be?

    Henry P.

    It was pretty nice seeing all the flowers but a the gift shop they said only 2 students at a time which wasn't nice

    Ashley W.

    I came here for the Holiday light! It is about a 1 mile walk. The different exhibits were beautiful! I especially liked the sphere of lights near the end. I did get the hot chocolate ($8) and hot apple cider ($10). The hot chocolate claims to be house made, but it tastes so similar to Swiss hot chocolate packets! Overpriced as expected, but I thought the quality would be better.

    Lori S.

    I came for the Orchid show & it was absolutely beautiful! What a great way to spend a cold day inside a brightly lit & colorful greenhouse. When we arrived we were hungry so we grabbed a bite to eat in the cafe, loved the coffee. And after exploring the flowers we hit the gift shop. There were so many great choices, I got a shirt with the name on it & blossom oil which smells great! I plan to visit again as soon as it gets warmer so that I can view the outdoor gardens.

    Botanical Gardens
    Haley F.

    I 10/10 would recommend visiting. The flora and landscape were absolutely beautiful. Rather you are a local or tourist, this place is certainly worth the visit. My friends and I spent nearly 2 hours here exploring the grounds. They also host a cooking show on site. I think you have to RSVP beforehand, but it was a cool thing to see as we walked around. The staff were super nice. Had a pleasant experience with everyone I interacted with.

    Marcus D.

    Love this place, no matter what the season is. I do like it most in the spring and summer with everything in bloom and all the colors out. I'll go here to clear my head and relax in the serene landscapes. Went for winter programming and it was amazing. Very cool carvings and winter libations too. Looking forward to the spring again here at CBG!

    Ashley H.

    The gardens are absolutely beautiful! I just can't believe it took us so long to make it there. We went over Labor Day weekend and it was the last weekend the butterfly exhibit was open. I'm sure glad we made it before that closed. I was also surprised that it didn't feel too crowded on a holiday weekend. Whatever you do don't leave this place until you check out the trains. Possibly the coolest thing I've ever seen. They set the train and track up in all places around the US. Hollywood, Statue of Liberty, Wrigley Field, etc. And the bridges are all built from sticks. We also booked a time for the tram which takes you around the gardens for a little historical tour. We learned some pretty cool facts. Overall we really enjoyed our time there and plan to come back. I do think the gardens needs more songs directing people around. It was hard to find ourselves around. But other than that we really loved it there.

    Lorri P.

    I was born in Chicago and grew up here as a kid and NEVER KNEW this place existed! None of my family or friends had been here! My fiance took me here yesterday on a day date and we had the best time! It's so beautiful and serene here! The tulips greet you when you walk up and they are truly beautiful! The grounds are breathtaking. A couple were getting married and we thought wow! What a great venue to get married at! This is a gem in Chicago indeed!

    Sharon B.

    My husband and I are still wondering why we never visited this beautiful garden sooner. The flowers are just beautiful and stunning. You could literally spend hours walking around. Beautiful trees, an herb garden, a little railroad park area, gift shop, and a small café. We did not eat there, but might try it another time. Everyone who works there was very helpful when we asked for directions. My husband noticed that they had a sign up indicating they will have a winter light show as well. We will definitely be returning to this great place. It would be a good place to take little ones as well. We saw lots of people with strollers and small kids.

    Heather B.

    Love this place. Been here a couple times. It's still a little too early to see roses yet, but other things were in bloom! We had a map, I just wish more bathroom signs were readily apparent when you're in the back of the gardens. Nicely cared for, gift shop was nice.

    Aesha E.

    This review is solely based upon our visit to the orchid show, and not a larger visit to the full garden. I'll return and update my review once we've done the garden as a whole. The orchid show was fine, but I thought it would be larger. There were some beautiful displays. The colors were amazing, and the variety of orchids were impressive. This year's theme was India Blooms, which is apropos since India is a hotbed of orchid activity. There were some beautiful hanging baskets made of flowers themselves--I think carnations--which were huge and so colorful. The centerpiece of the show was a large peacock designed entirely from various orchids. It was stunning, truly. The designer of the show really set a high bar. Overall though I was a bit disappointed, I rounded up my 3.5 to a 4 because it's a beautiful green space and, as they say, the crown jewel in the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. Though it's part of the FPDCC, there is a charge for it unless you're a member. Their gift shop was pretty good and I bought a beautiful hand-blown and hand-painted orchid ornament and a cute keychain with charms. They also have a nice looking cafe, though we didn't eat stop in. They have quite a few educational programs, for adults as well as children. One is a nature preschool and though I have my eye on one through the Paris district for my little one, this one looks great and has longer days with the before and after care so I may look into this one instead. I'm looking forward to the warm weather months when we can explore the garden in all its beauty, and then the winter walk through the holiday lights.

    See all

    2 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rhonda F.
    1499
    1161
    11499

    3 months ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 1
    Love this 11
    Oh no 0

    18 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 1
    Love this 11
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Susan S.
    305
    1038
    6280

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    7 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Glean L.
    0
    203
    15

    19 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jickles H.
    4
    199
    117

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Beautiful gardens. The site is quite large. Huge lake in the center. You can spend hours here.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Steve A.
    4747
    5539
    8461

    2 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Shay R.
    266
    571
    2425

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    The ground are Beautiful. Orchid show was lovely and fun. I value and enjoy my membership

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sue S.
    0
    24
    0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    The Garden is superb! It's well arranged, educational, easy to locate, even emotional in its beauty!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    I have grown up going here with family. I love it. Zero complaints. Beautiful sights, beautiful experience.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 30

    Chicago Botanic Garden Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Chicago Botanic Garden

    Price of tickets?

    Pricing varies depending upon whether one is a Cook county resident; depending upon age, etc. Best to visit their website.

    Any coupons for the Lightscape event?

    IDK doesn't matter it's worth it pay the price

    Is there veterans discount parking?

    Yes, veterans get free parking. There is no admission to the gardens. Only for special events do they sell tickets, for that event, and there is no discount on that.

    How much is the parking?

    Buy your parking in advance for faster entry at: https://www.chicagobotanic.org/advance-parking… Read more

    Are small drones allowed?

    No.

    What are the hours of operation for Saturday and Sunday?

    Please check the website for the latest hours. http://www.chicagobotanic.org/hours

    Can kids bring their scooters to get around?

    I've been volunteering there for five years I have never seen a kid with a scooter to confirm this I would look on the website get their telephone number and asked for the information desk

    View All 8 Questions

    Review Highlights - Chicago Botanic Garden

    Loved the singing trees, the Japanese garden, and the string of lights that you walk through was surreal.

    Mentioned in 116 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Botanical Gardens 2,276 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Chalet Nursery - Chalet Lake House home decor collecstion

    Chalet Nursery

    3.6(182 reviews)
    5.1 mi
    $$$

    04/04/26 - This afternoon I was on my way up to the northern suburbs to pick up my older sister…read morethat is visiting from the east coast & currently staying w/my younger sister. I stopped in @ Chalet Nursery for a brief look as spring is here. What I found is a very nice nursery w/an assortment of items needed to do spring planting, landscaping materials & an assortment of seeds, plants, planters, gardening tools & fertilizers.... Basically almost anything you need to start or enhance a garden. They also have an area on the north end where they have a glass enclosed area. Unfortunately I really didn't have a lot of time to shop as I was on my way to pick up my older sister but would like to come back sometime when I have a little more time to peruse the items in the store

    Just a quick note to say that chalet is still killing it. I came several times throughout the past…read moreseason and it's always a visual feast to explore. Also, they do incredible sales after Christmas, so my neighbors and I were all able to pick up a few goodies at a massive discount (one commented that she's all set on gifts for next Christmas lol). A few years ago I got a Christmas cactus for an insanely low price at their sale on a discount shelf and it is still alive and kicking! I'm excited for them to get set up for spring and to attend some of their free classes and lectures for the new year. There's something for everyone here.

    Photos
    Chalet Nursery - Chalet Chicago Annual plants for the summer

    Chalet Chicago Annual plants for the summer

    Chalet Nursery - Chalet Chicago Summer Annual Plants

    Chalet Chicago Summer Annual Plants

    Chalet Nursery - Chalet Chicago Summer Annual Plants

    See all

    Chalet Chicago Summer Annual Plants

    Dante's Native Landscape Services - After

    Dante's Native Landscape Services

    4.7(76 reviews)
    15.8 miCragin
    Family-owned & operated
    10 years in business

    Dante and his team were incredible. I submitted a request for help through Yelp and they responded…read morethe same day. He provided an organized and detailed quote within 24 hours of our first conversation. The quote was very competitive with quotes we had received from other groups. After confirming we wanted to move forward with Dante's team, they started the work within one week. The team was extremely efficient and had the work done in 2 days. They were polite, professional, and knowledgeable of the process to help manage our expectations. They went above and beyond what we had asked to ensure the new grass would not be overrun by surrounding weeded areas. They did an exceptional job cleaning up the area once the work was done. Dante came back to our place outside of normal business hours to help with our maintenance and care plan. We could not have had a better experience and are very grateful for Dante's work on this.

    This is the second time that I have hired this company. Previously it was to plant a birch tree. On…read morethis occasion it was for fencing. In my experience Dante's provides everything a homeowner desires when hiring a contractor. They are quick to respond, their pricing is fair, they perform the work in a timely and efficient manner, and produce excellent results. I would not hesitate to hire them again

    Photos
    Dante's Native Landscape Services - After

    After

    Dante's Native Landscape Services - After

    After

    Dante's Native Landscape Services - After

    See all

    After

    Community House - Winnetka

    Community House - Winnetka

    4.3(23 reviews)
    4.0 mi

    I learnt about the Winnetka Community House when we went to the North Shore Art League for the…read morefirst time to attend the opening reception of their new exhibit -- "Summer Open".  The art league is located on the second floor of the Winnetka Community House.  The Community House was completed in 1911, and it has been expanded several times since.  That's why it was interesting for us to enter a historic building that's over 100 years old, but discovered a modern extension where the art gallery is after climbing a flight of old-fashioned stairs. Apparently, the center hosts many performing arts programs that include dance, theater, music and more.  When we were viewing artwork of the exhibit, a friendly elderly actor of the center greeted us while taking a break on a comfy couch.  We could hear music rehearsal in the theatre when we passed by. They also have education programs, youth sports programs, a full-service fitness center, classes and lectures -- all kinds of activities that help enrich lives of residents of not just Winnetka, but of the broader North Shore. When I read their Yelp reviews, I learnt that the center is even a popular weddings and events venue!  It is truly a versatile community house! As a privately supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Community House is not funded through tax dollars.  It's good to know that donations are 100% tax deductible.

    If you have high expectations for your wedding venue, this is not the place. I left feeling very…read moreunderwhelmed with both the space and the service. We had a tour scheduled with Sahra, but it was moved to a different time, which seemed like it may have been to accommodate another group. When we arrived, the front desk gentleman was very kind, but we ended up waiting about 20 minutes while Sahra continued speaking with the previous tour group. She clearly saw us waiting but didn't acknowledge us or apologized when she eventually came over. Once the tour finally started, it felt very rushed. The entire walkthrough lasted maybe 15-20 minutes, and there wasn't much opportunity to ask questions before she quickly moved on to the next area. At the end, I asked if she could send photos of the space set up for weddings so we could better visualize it decorated. Her response was, "I won't remember, just email me--I had three tours today." We were the third tour, which made the comment feel dismissive. What stood out even more was that the previous group had asked about placing a hold on the space and did not receive that same response. Overall, the experience felt unprofessional and unwelcoming. After touring around 20 venues, this was by far the most disappointing experience. As for the space itself, it felt very small and somewhat outdated. The bridal and groomsmen suites were essentially small conference rooms. In my opinion, the venue may be better suited for smaller events like a bridal or baby shower rather than a full wedding. Unfortunately, due to both the service and the space, I would not recommend spending your time touring here.

    Photos
    Community House - Winnetka
    Community House - Winnetka
    Community House - Winnetka

    See all

    Chicago Botanic Garden - gardens - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...