Categories: Chicago History Entertainment and Attractions

Chicago Botanic Garden

Author: Jody Robbins

About the Chicago Botanic Garden
Known for man-made landmarks like the gargantuan Sears Tower, Chicago is still a city that likes its nature. Natural life abounds here and nowhere more so than the grounds of the Chicago Botanic Garden. Plants of every kind are organized around the 385-acre property and the avian species (birds!) know a good thing when they see it. The higher mission is the conservation of plants and the natural world, which has been the case since its first inception in 1963 and its actual opening to the public in 1972. The Chicago Horticultural Society received a 300-acre grant in 1963 and have made that into the Chicago Botanic Garden as we know it today: one of the city of Chicago 's most treasured attractions.

The Chicago Botanic Garden Exhibited
Understanding and conservation of the natural world is the goal of the folks at the Chicago Botanic Garden , but just thereafter comes providing access to a stunningly beautiful natural environment to Chicagoans and visitors to the city alike. It is one of the country's most visited public gardens, houses priceless scientific collections, and is a center of learning, as well.

The Gardens
Top architects and designers have charted the aesthetic course that has resulted in the gardens here as we see them today. Located on nine different, lake-surrounded islands, you'll find three different native habitats and there are 23 distinct display gardens overall throughout the grounds. Completed in 1982, the Malott Japanese Garden , Sasho-En, is a visitor favorite. Collections include landscape plants, trees (100 acres of woods), shrubs, perennials, and numerous water features. Native and non-native species are represented here, and generally include plant types that thrive in a temperate climate in both wet and dry conditions—like the 15 acres of prairie you can check out. There is even a collection of 180 bonsai trees. >>more

The Wildlife
Bird watchers, bring your binoculars and your notebook, and get ready for a busy day. More relaxed viewers can just sit on a bench as they enjoy the presence of the more than 255 bird species sighted here, and around 750,000 visitors a year do just that. A wide range of other animals call the Garden home, from rabbits and squirrels to aquatic creatures.

The Mission
The overall collection here includes a mind boggling 2.3 million plants representing just under 10,000 plant varieties. The breakdown: 15,151 trees, 921,671 bulbs, 1,139,364 perennials, 14,704 aquatic plants, and 60,557 shrubs. Around 100,000 new plants are added to the collection yearly. The point is to act as a conservation depot for a certain section of the natural world, and to both entertain and educate while doing so. Hundreds of educational classes are offered, from gardening basics to culinary demonstrations by top local chefs. Also, more than 35,000 school kids and 2,000 teachers interact with the property yearly, as do staff members and volunteers.

A Plan of Action: Chill or Get Busy
Stroll through the grounds, hit the bike path, or take a tram ride. Whichever way you go, an abundance of nature and beauty awaits your prying eyes at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

• Garden Tours and Riding the Tram
  Wander aimlessly to your heart's content here, or get more organized with a tour, or a tram ride. Guided strolls give you and yours a more intimate understanding of the park and so will the narrated tram ride. Get the skinny on the English Walled Garden , the Fruit & Vegetable Garden , or the Greenhouses. Group tours must be arranged in advance with a minimum of 15 people. The tram tours last about 35 minutes, and cover lots of territory in that time. Reservations usually are not required, and they are wheelchair accessible. >>more
  

• Birding and Photography
  Photographs intended personal use are allowed and encouraged, and birders can personally document the more than 255 bird species that have been sighted here. Permits are necessary for more formal and professional shoots, but otherwise, click and shutter away to your heart's content. Just remember, the grounds shut down at sunset, and stay on the trails and out of the flower beds and plant displays. >>more
  
  
• Dining Options
  The Garden Café keeps thing fresh with menus that keep evolving as the day progresses. In the morning, it's made-to-order omelets and Starbucks coffee. Later, it's soups, sandwiches, salads, and pizza. Or, take a seat at the open-air amphitheater at the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden . Top toques work with fresh, local ingredients as part of the “Great Chef Series.” Demonstrations happen every Saturday and Sunday from May through October. Centered in the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden 's open-air amphitheater, the Great Chef Series features noted chefs preparing recipes with garden-fresh ingredients. >>more

Respect the Garden
Unlike nature, it isn't a free-for-all at the Chicago Botanic Garden It is safe and peaceful, and let's keep it that way. Stay off the plants and plant beds, and be mind of creatures large and small. No pets are allowed; support animals are. Picnics should occur only in designated areas, and the same with biking. In other words, leave it like you found it. It's not an amusement park.

Map of the Garden
Chart your course with this downloadable map of the Chicago Botanic Garden : >>View Map

Getting There: >>directions

Check out places of interest near Chicago Botanic Garden:

Cafe Central
455 Central Ave., Highland Park, IL 60035

This casual European-style cafe offers a wide selection of fine-dining specialties. Diners can come for lunch or dinner to enjoy the French cuisine, a favorite of Chicago's affluent North Shore. 

ZED451
739 N Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610

ZED451 offers a guest-focused, intimate dining experience.  Chefs not only prepare the meal, but present it as well.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra
220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60604

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is the heartbeat of Chicago. The CSO has numerous concerts and special events throughout the year. See the full list at their website. Tickets range from $10 to $200.

Lenhardt Library
1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022

A treasure of the Chicago Botanic Gardens, Lenhardt Library is open to the public.

Ravinia Festival
418 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park, IL 60035

A lineup of pop, classical, folk, jazz and other musical performances under the stars or an open-air pavilion. Concerts March through Sept.

Wendella Sightseeing Boats
400 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

Located on the Magnificent Mile, Wendella Boats are guided by expert staff.