Chicago Botanic Garden
Opened in 1972, the Chicago Botanic Garden is one of the most-visited public gardens in the nation. Spread across 385 acres, its 23 display gardens and three native habitats occupy nine islands that are surrounded by lakes. The garden sees an average increase of 100,000 plants each year, and overall its collection includes 2.3 million plants of over 9,000 varieties. Guests can see the best rose varieties in the upper Midwest at the Krasberg Rose Garden, or learn about English gardening styles in the English walled garden. At the Greenhouses, visitors step into rain forests and hot deserts to see some of the most colorful and unique plants on Earth.
In order to see the most of the extensive gardens, guests can opt for trolley or tram tours. On the Grand Tram Tour, visitors travel 2.6 miles around the perimeter, while the Bright Encounters Tram Tour explores the main island. The Trolley Tour provides visitors with winter-focused garden information. A variety of specialty tours, such as the Herbal Spa Tour and Garden Herbs Tour, are also available.
The Chicago Botanic Garden has numerous indoor and outdoor spaces for private events, ranging in size from 1,100 square feet to 6,600 square feet. The garden's hours of operation vary based on season. The 30-minute Grand Tram Tour runs every half hour, April to October, and the 30-minute Bright Encounters Tram Tour runs every 15 minutes past the hour, April to October. The 30-minute Trolley Tour runs November to March and must be scheduled in advanced by groups. Schedules and prices of specialty tours vary based on season and type. Admission to the garden itself is free. For more information: 847-835-5440
