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Glencoe, IL

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Chicago Botanic Garden

4.6 (1.2k reviews)
Closed • 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Updated over 3 months ago

CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN · YELP ASSISTANT

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Karen N.

Every time I visit the Botanic Gardens I am in awe of all it has to offer. I was gifted a Fruit and Cheese Pairing Class and admission was included. This was the first time the class was offered and it was very good. The fruits were fruit jams and it was interesting to learn how to pair them with different cheeses and why. They were also selling the jams, apples, ciders and bubs. We had the opportunity to walk the grounds and experience the fall colors. The Botanic gardens has a lot to offer and is an absolute masterpiece. The grounds surrounded by water makes for stunning views . Highy recommend. Parking was $10 - we purchased it online !

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James A.

Located in Glencoe, IL, the Chicago Botanic Garden is a renowned living museum, making conservation an important part of its teaching mission. My brother, his son, my wife, and I met up in Chicago, and decided to take a bit of free time to visit. With the gorgeous Midwest summer weather, and the good company, the afternoon turned into a memorable one. I grew up close to here, but have not had the chance to visit the Gardens until now. Up to now, I've always thought it was located in Highland Park (which would put the gardens in Lake County, not Cook). So was a little confused when seeing that the admission price was lower for Cook County residents. Later learned that it's located in Glencoe, very close to Lake-Cook Road (the divider between the two counties), but definitely on the Cook side. It officially opened in 1972, as a 385 acre site across nine little islands and continues to be a partnership between the Forest Preserves of Cook County (owner) and non-profit Chicago Horticultural Society (operator). The entrance to the parking lot is metered, with parking for non-residents being $12. General admission is $27.95, $25.95 for residents. Fees for both are waived for active military and their families. Major sites to not miss would include the Japanese and Rose gardens. The site's main central focus is the 60 acre lake system with a 6-mile shoreline, with the central lake named the Great Basin. Many of the picturesque shots will include part of the lake as the background. Water is central here, with the view of the lake never being too far away. As we walked around the area, noticed a lot of places where man-made streams with waterfalls were turned off, with the surrounding ground being quite dry. Since it was June, it should have been running, but maybe it was off for maintenance. The huge spouting aerators in the middle of the Great Basin was on, and made for great background shots. During this time, there was also an exhibition of bubble like orbs (Evanescent) throughout the park. Of course, the gardens has a large cafe and gift shop. Whenever I walk through a botanic garden of this size, always wonder how many gardeners/landscapers are needed to keep a place like this looking so nice.

Angela B.

I've never been here prior. This place is really very cool to venture through. Everything about it. There is so much to do. We really enjoyed the Model Railroad Garden and the Butterflies in Bloom as well as the displays of Bonsai trees. That was really cool to see with age of the trees. We also went on the Grand Tram and learned so much more about the full area. I hear it's very beautiful in the winter around Christmas as well.

Lakisha C.

A lovely place to visit in the summer! This was a great small group outing for mother and daughters with plenty of unique flowers & plantscapes as well as beautiful water features.

Sylvia A.

I love Botanical gardens. Flowers and plants have always been my thing. This one has a butterfly garden as well. How cool is that. You pay a small fee for parking. Unless you're a member. I also noticed a tram near the entrance. If you don't feel like walking. I like to explore the premises and there are spots that the tram wouldn't be able to reach. This has to be the biggest botanical garden I've ever encountered. So worth it all though. Make sure you have on comfortable sneakers. It's a lot of walking involved. Don't forget the train station. Model Trains from state to state. Check out my video. This was another favorite of mine. I even saw amtrak from DC. I took so many pictures that I had to start removing old ones from my phone for the space. They also have various indoor plants. I loved visiting the veggie plants. All those fresh vegetables made me want a salad lol. Everything is included once you pay the entry fee. Including those beautiful butterflies. Loved it and afterwards we got something to eat. Which is also located by the visitor center. They also had free water with the cups available. Much needed, just make sure you stay hydrated. Keep a bottle of water available or thermal bottle. It definitely will be needed while walking around. Good way to get your steps in and watch nature at the same time. Enjoy yourself.

John B.

This place is full of many things to do for both adult and kids. A must visit whether you live in the area or in the area visiting. Such a great history!

Confetti Lantana
Anne Marie H.

I returned to the gardens and always love how there's something new to see and explore. After I walked around for a couple of hours, I ended my visit with a tram tour. The female tour guide who narrated during the drive around the gardens was phenomenal. I definitely learned something new! Visiting the CBG is always a wonderful experience, and I will always return again and again.

Miranda L.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is an iconic spot to visit and enjoy when in the Chicagoland area. For a city that's all about the hustle and bustle, the Botanic Gardens is a getaway of serenity and nature. They have many standard exhibits with all plants and flowers labelled for guests awareness. They also have rotating exhibits. When I visited, there was a Bonsai Tree exhibit going on with a Midwest vendor market. There was also an art instillation in four different areas. The art reflected the surrounding nature in a colorful way. The grounds as a whole are beautiful to explore and stroll through. It's nice to see visiting patrons as well as perceived members who use the garden trails as their daily walking/running path. Highly recommend visiting when in the area or traveling to Chicago!

Brenda K.

We visited for the weekly summer concert series and had an absolute blast! The ABBA tribute made for a fantastic soundtrack to a perfect day.

Walter N.

The botanic gardens are a great way to enjoy. The gardens spread over hundreds of acres. The Japanese Garden is very peaceful. The rose gardens were in full bloom. There were several pumpkins for Halloween. The entire property is well maintained, clean, and stunning. Highly recommend .

Karyn M.

It's been a long and dreary winter. I got a burst of life visiting the Orchid Show (Feb 7 - March 22). Boy is it groovy! You'll be Groovin' and getting Good Vibrations, man, from the amazing setting. You'll be a daydream Believer when you see the giant sunshine rays of orchids. Do You Believe in Magic, you will when you see the walls of orchids. The giant lava lamp will Light Your Fire. The sixties tunes, the psychedelics, the dayglo colors, the VW Bug just busting out orchids...it's a trip, man! But most of all you'll just marvel at the orchids, each lovelier and more beautiful than the rest. This show...this is why I'm a member.

Susan S.

Went to the light show was so fun. Never fails. It's spectacular . It's about an hour and a half walk . Great music to accompany the lights Here now to get help for the app . Brenda was wonderful at guest services. Very kind and patient lots of info . I'm interested in tai chi that they're having a class in the organ show how wonderful would that be?

Frank L.

5 stars for the Chicago Botanic Garden! This was my first visit today, and I highly recommend you check it out if you enjoy nature, plants, being outdoors, walking paths and wildlife. I checked it out in the spring where everything is coming back to life - beautiful! Plenty of greenhouses and walking paths with flowers and plants to check out, but I think the best time to come visit here would be in the summertime so you can see everything fully in bloom and the waterfalls going. A very peaceful, unique place to visit - I'd recommend you check it out if you like nature at all, or just see it at least once!

This exhibit is spectacular!

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Ask the Community - Chicago Botanic Garden

Price of tickets?

Pricing varies depending upon whether one is a Cook county resident; depending upon age, etc. Best to visit their website.

Any coupons for the Lightscape event?

IDK doesn't matter it's worth it pay the price

Is there veterans discount parking?

Yes, veterans get free parking. There is no admission to the gardens. Only for special events do they sell tickets, for that event, and there is no discount on that.

How much is the parking?

Buy your parking in advance for faster entry at: https://www.chicagobotanic.org/advance-parking… 

Are small drones allowed?

No.

What are the hours of operation for Saturday and Sunday?

Please check the website for the latest hours. http://www.chicagobotanic.org/hours

Can kids bring their scooters to get around?

I've been volunteering there for five years I have never seen a kid with a scooter to confirm this I would look on the website get their telephone number and asked for the information desk

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Review Highlights - Chicago Botanic Garden

“Loved the singing trees, the Japanese garden, and the string of lights that you walk through was surreal.”

Mentioned in 118 reviews

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Community House - Winnetka
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Chicago Botanic Garden - gardens - Updated November 2026

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