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A garden with a bridge

Gardens in Illinois

It's time to lose yourself in a sea of prairie coneflowers or stroll under a canopy of cherry blossoms, as you discover the best gardens in Illinois.

Yes, we're about to meander through Illinois's most enchanting gardens, from the tulip-lined paths of Chicago's lakefront to the wild orchid hideaways of the Shawnee National Forest. Lace up your walking shoes and maybe bring a sketchpad – by the time we're done, you might find yourself dreaming in shades of prairie gold and cardinal red, with a sudden urge to turn your backyard into a mini-botanic wonderland.

Gardens and Botanical Gardens in Chicago

Ever seen a desert bloom in the middle of the Midwest? Or wandered through a serene Japanese garden with a towering city skyline as a backdrop? That's the kind of surprise Chicago's gardens have in store for you. The city's green spaces are a world tour for plant lovers.

So forget what you think you know about urban jungles. Chicago's gardens are here to show you that sometimes, the most spectacular natural wonders are hiding right in the heart of the city.

  • Beautiful garden pathway in the Chicago Botanic Garden.

    Chicago Botanic Garden

    Step into 385 acres of horticultural heaven just a stone's throw from the city. The Chicago Botanic Garden is its own world: one minute you're strolling through a prairie alive with butterflies, the next you're in a Japanese garden so authentic you'll wonder if you've somehow teleported to Kyoto.

    Chicago Botanic Garden
  • Indoor park full of flowers and greenery.

    Garfield Park Conservatory

    Dubbed "landscape art under glass," Garfield Park Conservatory is where the Midwest meets the tropics in spectacular fashion. Wander through a prehistoric fern forest, dodge the spray of an indoor waterfall, or lose yourself in a sea of palms reaching for the soaring glass roof.

    Garfield Park Conservatory
  • The front exterior of the Lincoln Park Conservatory, with a glass and copper roof and brick frontage

    Lincoln Park Conservatory

    This Victorian time capsule of wrought-iron and glass will sweep you away you to a bygone era. You'll find four display houses here, each with its own slice of paradise. Breathe in the scent of orchids, marvel at towering palms, and let lush ferns carry you on a tropical daydream...

    Lincoln Park Conservatory
  • Flowers and plants in an glasshouse

    Wilder Park Conservatory

    They say good things come in small packages - this Elmhurst gem proves it. Take a quick tropical getaway to this century-old glasshouse, packed with ferns, palms, and seasonal blooms, complete with the sound of trickling fountains and the gentle rustle of leaves.

    Wilder Park Conservatory
A garden with a pond, chair and some flowers

Gardens and Botanical Gardens in Illinois

Explore horticultural gems scattered across the state with these Illinois gardens. You'll find zen-like serenity, worlds of global blooms, and opportunities galore to wander among majestic trees. Relaxing, inspiring, invigorating - you're about to head on a blooming wonderful journey.

  • A bridge crosses a pond surrounded by fall foliage

    Anderson Japanese Gardens

    In Rockford, they've transported a slice of Japan to the Midwest at Anderson Japanese Gardens. Here, winding paths reveal new vistas at every turn: koi gliding through placid ponds, the sweep of willows falling to the ground, the soothing sound of gentle water features. It's tranquility defined.

    Anderson Japanese Gardens
  • Exterior of a conservatory, nestled amongst rock gardens next to a lake

    Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens

    We've got your ticket to the tropics! Well, "the tropics" alongside the Rock River, anyway. Lush greenery and soothing water features will surround you throughout your visit, but for maximum relaxation, make your way up to the rooftop waterfall. It'll be your new go-to oasis to reflect and reset.

    Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens
  • Flowers

    Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden

    This is a 155-acre tree-lover's paradise. Here's a preview: wandering the trails, you'll come across themed gardens, scenic vistas, a children's garden, and generally just a whole lot of arboreal inspiration. It's beautiful in any season, and you'll leave with a new appreciation of Illinois' flora.

    Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden
  • Quad City Botanical Center

    It's your botanic vacation: lush indoor conservatory brims with vibrant plant life, and the outdoor gardens showcase the beauty of nature. Favorites include the Sun Garden, ornamental ponds, and the butterfly pergola garden. Plenty of folks enjoy the visit, but it's a particular hit with families.

    Quad City Botanical Center
  • A garden with pretty trees

    Lincoln Memorial Garden

    This Springfield woodland and prairie garden pays tribute to Abraham Lincoln, with plants native to the areas where he lived. Walking along Lake Springfield's shores, you'll discover the kind of landscape Lincoln knew, connecting you to the past while appreciating the moment.

    Lincoln Memorial Garden

Tulip Festivals in Illinois

Spring in Illinois gardens means tulips, and lots of 'em. If you're itching to see fields of color after a long winter, here's where to go.

Richardson Adventure Farm Tulip Festival

Head to Spring Grove to see what 300,000 tulips look like all in one place. They've planted more than 30 varieties across five acres, right next to a big lake. Weekends get a whole lot more colorful with music and food trucks, and you can pick your own bouquet to take home.

Midwest Tulip Fest at Kuipers Family Farm

Kuipers Farm in Maple Park is new to the tulip game, but they're going all out. Here you can walk amongst an impressive half a million tulips across seven acres. It’s also a great date night destination with their "Sips at Sunset" event. Turns out that tulips look even better with a glass of wine. 

Lilacia Park's Tulip Time

Lombard's got a two-for-one deal with their tulips and lilacs blooming together. The park's offering of tulips is a little smaller than our options above, but the 35,000 blooms arranged in carefully curated beds offer great doses of vibrant color. It's right in town, so you can grab lunch nearby after your flower fix.

Phillips Park Sunken Gardens Tulip Festival

Aurora's tulip show might be a little smaller at 10,000 flowers, but it's just as charming. The sunken garden's design gives it a hidden gem feel - perfect if you’d prefer to avoid the crowds. 

Lesser-Known Illinois Gardens and Hidden Gems

Illinois has plenty of green secrets tucked away in unexpected corners. From pocket parks in bustling neighborhoods to quiet nature preserves off the highway, these lesser-known Illinois gardens and hidden gems are worth seeking out. Discover what’s waiting for you around the state.

Cherry Blossom Magic in Illinois

Forget about booking that flight to Japan - Illinois has its own cherry blossom show. Here's where you can catch these pink beauties.

Garden of the Phoenix, Chicago

Tucked away in Jackson Park, this garden is a cherry blossom hotspot. It's busiest in early May when about 160 trees burst into bloom. The annual Hanami Festival adds Japanese music and food to the mix, but the real star is the tunnel of blossoms along the footpath by the East Lagoon.

Japan House, Urbana

The University of Illinois campus has a secret: a stunning cherry tree allée near the Japan House. It's smaller than Chicago's display, but the rows of blossoms create a canopy you can walk under. Time your visit right, and you might catch one of their tea ceremonies among the falling petals.

Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe

Cherry trees dot the Japanese garden here, reflecting in the pond when in full bloom. It's not the largest display, but pair it with the garden's bonsai collection, and you've got a full day of Japanese-inspired nature.

Illinois Gardens Through the Seasons

As the seasons change, so too do Illinois’ gardens. Each time of year brings its own surprises, whether it's summer's prairie blooms or fall's fiery maples. Let's take a trip through the year in Illinois gardens, and discover what’s waiting around the corner.

Explore the gardens

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