Chicago Botanic Garden

Category: Parks-Gardens

The most striking aspect of the Chicago Botanic Garden is its physical face: beautifully designed gardens brimming with two million plants. Twenty-three different gardens showcase the best plants for the Midwest in a variety of beautiful settings. Three native habitat areas, including a woodland, prairie and river habitat, feature native and endangered flora of Illinois. The Chicago Botanic Garden welcomes approximately 900,000 visitors each year.

You can take a 45-minute tram tour or a guided walking tour. The Grand Tram Tour, available every day, is a narrated tram tour around the perimeter of the Garden providing an overview of all areas. The Bright Encounters Tour, available week days, is a narrated tram tour that offers a closer look at the gardens on the main island. Advance reservations are required for the walking tours and you'll be able to choose from seven different themes -- English Walled Garden, Rose Garden, Fruit & Vegetable Garden, Japanese Garden, Landscape Gardens, The Greenhouses, and Seasonal Festivals. There is a nominal fee for these tours.

Dining options include The Garden Cafe, serving breakfast, lunch and snacks in the Gateway Visitor Center, The Grille, for outdoor dining on the Café decks, and Rose Terrace Ice Cream Shoppe. Picnicking is allowed in the picnic area.

Be sure to call ahead or visit the Garden's website for seasonal hours of operation.