I went to the Christmas light show. The first part of the show was underwhelming. The music was dated, like 1950s dated and too loud, the path was crowded and you felt rushed. The second part, that would be after passing the warming and dining station, was much better. There was room enough to see the lights from a distance, they were more imaginative and you felt less rushed. The music was not as dated and was not screaming in your ear. As a whole I expected better from the Botanic Gardens. I will say that the Morton Arboretum light show is a better experience.
I've been here several times and it has always been beautiful. A bit pricey at the cafe and gift shop, but that's to be expected. Only complaint is that when I went to see the lights they had stands selling food and drink right outside and it was cold so I got a hot chocolate to keep me warm while walking through the lights only to get to the door and be told no food or drink was allowed so I had to chug my hot cocoa. Then there was another vendor selling the same thing inside! Regardless, the lights were very beautiful and we brought home a cute little plant from the gift store so it was a great time.
Such a great little escape from the city! The gardens were much bigger than I expected and all the fall colors were out in full force. There were several smaller gardens (notably the Japanese garden and English walled gardens which were my favorites) that made up the larger garden. They also had a number of pumpkins out on display for the Halloween season. I’ll definitely be making a trip back over the summer to see all the flowers in bloom!
We loved our trip to this garden! It's beautiful, serene! I could spend hours and not get bored. Every area will help you capture the best of nature! The staff on the entrance and elsewhere too had masks on, which was very good! Would love to visit again!
Extraordinary! My wife and I bought a year membership and it is truly worth every penny. The gardens are well kept and maintained. Watching the garden progress from spring to fall the past 2 years has been memorable. I enjoy the lillies and water lillies just past the entrance of the vegetable and fruit garden during the early-mid summer. My wife enjoys the early spring bloom of the magnolia trees and the late summer aromas of the plush hostas scattered throughout. The garden to the right, after you enter through the main building is always breathtaking. Early spring, there is a magnificent showing of tulips. The Chicago Botanic Garden is a refuge from the bustling city. It's no wonder I see so many people in Chicagoland wearing the member baseball cap.
It's the most wonderful time of the year. to visit the Chicago Botanic Garden. In my family it has become a family tradition to come here every year and explore the Wonderland Express! It's made beautiful from and ll sorts of material and it smells amazing!
The best thing was admission is free. Yet, the parking was $20, so it will be much better to park the car somewhere else nearby and then walk to the garden. The most beautiful place in the Chicago Botanic garden, I think, is Japanese garden, and the small waterfall hidden behind the walk. However, as we came here in the late Fall, most of the plants were not at their peak. Thus, the best time to visit here definitely is between late Spring and early Summer.
The theme of the area was arranged by plant species, so people will very likely to find something that they are interested in. I was pretty excited walking the Japanese garden, while my friend fell in love with Rose Garden. Also, there were a beautiful Bonsai collection and the Orchid show located in the same building that is so worth to visit.
All in all, this garden is a right place for hanging out and having a picnic, perhaps, in the weekend with family. However, the food was little overpriced. Besides, mostly we just walked and took some photos as we did not find so many things to get involved here.
What a beautiful place. We went for the Pumpkin event. 1000 carved Pumpkins. Amazing! Can't wait to go back in the Summer to see the Gardens. A must see. You won't be disappointed.
Very beautiful place you must visit whenever you can. Very very well trained staff and nice too. They are there to help you in any way they can and will make you feel comfortable. It is kind of expensive but I think to maintain the garden fees must be charged.
ABSOLUTELY beautiful place! It's changing every season so it keeps you coming back for more. Amazing wildlife and nature at it's best. The food is good but seemed commercial and a bit pricey. The diversity of plants will astonish you; from the cactus rooms to the bonzai tree courtyard. The waterfalls are beautiful and the butterfly garden is must see!
This place is incredible! It's always immaculately groomed. The staff is friendly and helpful. They always have lots of seasonal adjustments and special displays. Best of all, it's free. Tip for families: head towards the learning center when the weather is nice for some fun on the moguls and in the small river for kids.
This is my happy place. The gardens are a different experience every time I visit. The painstaking care and experimental spirit are evident in the beauty of the space, also well explained along the paths. It's an excellent place to catch up with old friends or spend some quiet time, admiring the beauty and variety nature has to offer. You won't regret your visit! The greenhouses are a fantastic place to spend time if it's raining.
Awesome ✅ I can stay all day in there. I went to there winter time. It was cold and lake was ice. But this time was really good📷 You can see the all flowers trees birds. You can acces to there with car but you need pay for parking I guess it was $20. But there is a park close the garden. We Parked over there and we walked 10 minutes in the wood✅ restroom ✅ clean✅ fresh and nature ✅
This place is truly a must-see if you're in Chicago, especially if you're on a budget. Unfortunately, it was windy and chilly when we went, but thanks to the greenhouses, we were offered frequent periods of respite. I am used to the walled St. Louis Botanical Garden, but this is truly a beautiful, sprawling complex. We will definitely be coming back, but picking a date later in the spring to ensure warmer weather.
I visit the Garden often. By far one of my favorite places in the Chicago area. It is beautiful all year round and there is always something new to see. Keri at the information desk is so sweet and helpful. Whenever I visit and see she's working I always make it a point to go over and talk with her. She knows the garden very well and always has great suggestions of things to see. She and all the other employees seem to truly love their jobs. I would too - the gardens are magnificent.
Chicago Botanic Garden is a beautiful respite from the business of Chi town. This garden is beautiful year round because they try to incorporate indoor garden events such as the orchid festival in February (pictures below). Additionally, visiting the Japanese garden after or during a heavy snowfall will provide a totally different experience than during the warmer months. The lanterns catch the snow in an intentionally beautiful way.
The Chicago botanic gardens are a must. If you live in the area I HIGHLY recommend getting a season pass. We have used ours at least 15 times already because we always take friends and family who come to visit. Being able to take an entire car full of people with only one season pass is awesome! The bistro inside serves excellent food and beverages (including Starbucks coffee) year round. During the summer they open a grill on the deck which serves organic and grass fed beef (fairly pricey but typical) and beer.
Additionally, there is a walking/bike path around the gardens which is great for outdoor exercise. They have bikes that you can rent if you don't have or want to bring your own.
All in all, this is a great place that may seem pricey at first glance. But if you can, get a season pass and it will be totally worth while.