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    Chicago Botanic Garden

    4.6 (1.2k reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

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    James A.

    Located in Glencoe, IL, the Chicago Botanic Garden is a renowned living museum, making conservation an important part of its teaching mission. My brother, his son, my wife, and I met up in Chicago, and decided to take a bit of free time to visit. With the gorgeous Midwest summer weather, and the good company, the afternoon turned into a memorable one. I grew up close to here, but have not had the chance to visit the Gardens until now. Up to now, I've always thought it was located in Highland Park (which would put the gardens in Lake County, not Cook). So was a little confused when seeing that the admission price was lower for Cook County residents. Later learned that it's located in Glencoe, very close to Lake-Cook Road (the divider between the two counties), but definitely on the Cook side. It officially opened in 1972, as a 385 acre site across nine little islands and continues to be a partnership between the Forest Preserves of Cook County (owner) and non-profit Chicago Horticultural Society (operator). The entrance to the parking lot is metered, with parking for non-residents being $12. General admission is $27.95, $25.95 for residents. Fees for both are waived for active military and their families. Major sites to not miss would include the Japanese and Rose gardens. The site's main central focus is the 60 acre lake system with a 6-mile shoreline, with the central lake named the Great Basin. Many of the picturesque shots will include part of the lake as the background. Water is central here, with the view of the lake never being too far away. As we walked around the area, noticed a lot of places where man-made streams with waterfalls were turned off, with the surrounding ground being quite dry. Since it was June, it should have been running, but maybe it was off for maintenance. The huge spouting aerators in the middle of the Great Basin was on, and made for great background shots. During this time, there was also an exhibition of bubble like orbs (Evanescent) throughout the park. Of course, the gardens has a large cafe and gift shop. Whenever I walk through a botanic garden of this size, always wonder how many gardeners/landscapers are needed to keep a place like this looking so nice.

    Miranda L.

    The Chicago Botanic Garden is an iconic spot to visit and enjoy when in the Chicagoland area. For a city that's all about the hustle and bustle, the Botanic Gardens is a getaway of serenity and nature. They have many standard exhibits with all plants and flowers labelled for guests awareness. They also have rotating exhibits. When I visited, there was a Bonsai Tree exhibit going on with a Midwest vendor market. There was also an art instillation in four different areas. The art reflected the surrounding nature in a colorful way. The grounds as a whole are beautiful to explore and stroll through. It's nice to see visiting patrons as well as perceived members who use the garden trails as their daily walking/running path. Highly recommend visiting when in the area or traveling to Chicago!

    Angela B.

    I've never been here prior. This place is really very cool to venture through. Everything about it. There is so much to do. We really enjoyed the Model Railroad Garden and the Butterflies in Bloom as well as the displays of Bonsai trees. That was really cool to see with age of the trees. We also went on the Grand Tram and learned so much more about the full area. I hear it's very beautiful in the winter around Christmas as well.

    Confetti Lantana
    Anne Marie H.

    I returned to the gardens and always love how there's something new to see and explore. After I walked around for a couple of hours, I ended my visit with a tram tour. The female tour guide who narrated during the drive around the gardens was phenomenal. I definitely learned something new! Visiting the CBG is always a wonderful experience, and I will always return again and again.

    John B.

    This place is full of many things to do for both adult and kids. A must visit whether you live in the area or in the area visiting. Such a great history!

    Sylvia A.

    I love Botanical gardens. Flowers and plants have always been my thing. This one has a butterfly garden as well. How cool is that. You pay a small fee for parking. Unless you're a member. I also noticed a tram near the entrance. If you don't feel like walking. I like to explore the premises and there are spots that the tram wouldn't be able to reach. This has to be the biggest botanical garden I've ever encountered. So worth it all though. Make sure you have on comfortable sneakers. It's a lot of walking involved. Don't forget the train station. Model Trains from state to state. Check out my video. This was another favorite of mine. I even saw amtrak from DC. I took so many pictures that I had to start removing old ones from my phone for the space. They also have various indoor plants. I loved visiting the veggie plants. All those fresh vegetables made me want a salad lol. Everything is included once you pay the entry fee. Including those beautiful butterflies. Loved it and afterwards we got something to eat. Which is also located by the visitor center. They also had free water with the cups available. Much needed, just make sure you stay hydrated. Keep a bottle of water available or thermal bottle. It definitely will be needed while walking around. Good way to get your steps in and watch nature at the same time. Enjoy yourself.

    Brenda K.

    We visited for the weekly summer concert series and had an absolute blast! The ABBA tribute made for a fantastic soundtrack to a perfect day.

    This exhibit is spectacular!
    Sue P.

    Visited today for the first time and the weather was spectacular! The gardens are amazing and the layout and paths make it such an enjoyable experience! The shimmering summer exhibit was so fun! There is a restaurant and gift shop on site as well as stops along the way to buy snacks and beverages (alcohol too). There is a trolly available too. Parking onsite at a cost depending on your ticket. Such a great day!

    Frank L.

    5 stars for the Chicago Botanic Garden! This was my first visit today, and I highly recommend you check it out if you enjoy nature, plants, being outdoors, walking paths and wildlife. I checked it out in the spring where everything is coming back to life - beautiful! Plenty of greenhouses and walking paths with flowers and plants to check out, but I think the best time to come visit here would be in the summertime so you can see everything fully in bloom and the waterfalls going. A very peaceful, unique place to visit - I'd recommend you check it out if you like nature at all, or just see it at least once!

    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?

    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.

    Rhonda F.

    As always, my visit was perfect. No matter the season, it is always beautiful. Parking is plentiful. It makes the experience so easy. The lady at the gate was pleasant and welcoming. Walking in, everything is bright and cheerful. The staff easily answers questions and gives direction. We came for the Orchid Show. This time the theme was a fun, retro theme. The music was perfect and all of the installations were fantastic! I could tell they spent a lot of time creating the experience. We also stopped into the cafe for lattes. They were brewed perfectly. The dining room is bright with a ton of windows. Lastly we visited the gift shop. Wow! It is spacious and beautiful. They have so many pretty things. It is a perfect place to purchase a gift for someone you care about or for something for yourself.

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    10 months ago

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

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    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… 

    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

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    Green City Gardens - Northfield, IL - Colorful, welcoming entry

    Green City Gardens

    4.4(26 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    20 years in business
    Locally owned & operated

    I hired JD and Green City Gardens to re-landscape the front of my house and the berm between our…read morelot and neighbors and to plant three large evergreens to provide privacy at the end of the patio. A year later, two of the 7' evergreens are dead and 1/3 of the other plants are dead. Have reached out to JD via phone call/VM and text SEVEN times and he will not respond. VERY unprofessional and he has not honored the warranty he promised. Save your money and your energy and find someone else....

    We hired J.D., owner of Green City Gardens, to design & install a large landscaping project at our…read morehome. We couldn't have been more satisfied with how it turned out - here's why: 1) Expertise: J.D. used his deep knowledge of botany to recommend an ecosystem of plants that were not only stunning to look at, but that fit together in their respective planting beds in size, shape, color & texture, and bloomed at different times to ensure we had spectacular color from spring to fall. 2) Efficient: Installation of the plants was seamless. His crew was professional and competent. 3) Responsive: A few of the plants needed replacing after the frigid temps & harsh winter of 2024. J.D. immediately replaced them with no questions asked. The most important question one should ask themselves about their experience with any contractor they've done business with is - would you hire them again? Answer: we wouldn't hire anyone else but J.D. for our landscaping needs, especially knowing how important beautiful landscaping can be to maximizing the value of our home.

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    Green City Gardens - A custom stone entryway with colorful shrubs, grasses, and perennials...

    A custom stone entryway with colorful shrubs, grasses, and perennials...

    Green City Gardens - My guys celebrating a job well done

    My guys celebrating a job well done

    Green City Gardens - A riot of color in three flower pots, courtesy of Green City Gardens!

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    Chalet Nursery - Chalet Lake House home decor collecstion

    Chalet Nursery

    3.6(187 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

    We called Chalet, who has done all of our landscaping to trim back and remove some bushes. Cory…read morecame out with her crew Daniel and Alberto who did an excellent job. Then, Cory had a vision, a "zen garden" for the side of our yard, which my husband thought was brilliant. Together they came up with a plan that totally changed an unused muddy spot to a magnificent walkway with new bushes and personality. Daniel and Alberto made sure that everything was perfect when they put down the stones and did the new plantings. Cory then suggested we add lights, which we then did. KUDOS to Cory for her creativity and enthusiasm. She is wonderful to work with and you can see how much she enjoys what she does. We are enjoying our yard even more, and now keep the side window open so that we can look at our new walkway. THANK YOU CORY.

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    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

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    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

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    Chicago Botanic Garden - gardens - Updated August 2026

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