Chicago Botanic Garden

The Chicago Botanic Garden is a magnificent 385-acre living museum and conservation science center located in Glencoe, Illinois, just north of Chicago. Open to the public since 1972, this nationally recognized botanical garden is one of the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County and features 28 display gardens and four natural areas, containing more than 2.6 million plants.

The garden showcases stunning landscapes throughout the seasons including the renowned Japanese Garden (Sansho-En, or Garden of Three Islands), English Walled Garden, Rose Garden featuring hundreds of varieties, Waterfall Garden, Aquatic Garden, Fruit & Vegetable Garden, Native Plant Garden, and the spectacular seasonal Orchid Show. Visitors can explore beautiful greenhouses with tropical and desert plants accessible year-round, offering warmth and botanical wonders even in winter months.

Educational programming is extensive and award-winning through the Regenstein School, which offers adult classes in gardening, horticulture, botanical arts, wellness and fitness (including popular yoga programs), and professional development. Youth programs include Camp CBG providing nature-based summer experiences, school field trips with curriculum-aligned programming for all grade levels, the Science Career Continuum supporting students interested in plant science careers, and teacher professional development workshops.

The Negaunee Institute for Plant Conservation Science and Action conducts crucial research and conservation work, managing natural areas, engaging in action-oriented programs, providing education and training for conservation professionals, and maintaining extensive plant collections for research and preservation. Scientists work on protecting endangered plant species, restoring ecosystems, and studying climate change impacts on plants.

Windy City Harvest, the garden’s urban agriculture initiative, operates year-round programs teaching sustainable farming practices, offers farm-to-table produce, provides tours and field trip experiences at urban farm sites, and hosts workshops and events focused on food systems, community gardening, and environmental justice. The program helps create opportunities for Chicago residents interested in urban agriculture careers.

The garden features multiple amenities including the Garden View Café offering seasonal cuisine with garden views, the Garden Shop selling plants, gardening supplies, books, and unique gifts, and the Lenhardt Library providing horticultural research resources and a seasonal seed library (January-March) where visitors can borrow seeds for their gardens. The beautiful facilities are available for private events including weddings, corporate gatherings, and celebrations.

Visitor services include free parking with advance reservation recommended during peak times, tram tours offering narrated rides through the gardens (seasonal), free guided walking tours, accessible pathways throughout the property, and a mobile app for self-guided exploration. The garden hosts special events year-round including Lightscape (evening illuminated garden walk), The Orchid Show, and seed swap programs.

Membership options provide benefits including early access hours, free admission to special events, discounts at the shop and café, and reciprocal privileges at gardens nationwide. The garden operates with special Members-only early hours (8 a.m. – 10 a.m.) before general public admission beginning at 10 a.m. Operating hours and admission times vary by season, with advance ticket purchase available online.

The garden is committed to accessibility with wheelchair and stroller availability, accessible restrooms, sensory-friendly resources, and staff trained to assist visitors with various needs. Guests can contact customer service at (847) 835-6801 or membership services at (847) 835-8215.