Yes, yes, yes! A must visit!! This place has been on my list for years to come visit and I finally was like let's gooooo!! Came on a nice spring day around 2 pm. The most annoying part was the line to get in. They have qr code to pre-pay in line. But not all guests choose to do this which slows down the line. They only had one staff scanning people in. Beautiful flowers and plants. We saw the turtles as well. Plan to spend about an hour here. There are some people that stop and take too many pictures to block walkways for other guests. Parking was free. Also located right on the green line for convenient public transportation option. read more

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Beautiful conservatory, but don't trust any of the online maps. They're super outdated! Be sure to check out the Fern Room :] read more

What a gorgeous (and free) experience to check out in Chicago! I loved that this wasn't downtown, and there is (usually) plenty of free parking. However, when we visited with our group to celebrate Earth Day, a lot of the conservatory was under construction. Half of the lot was blocked off, along with the children's area, sensory garden, and outdoor paths and gardens. I understand that Garfield is free, but it was a bit of a bummer to make the full trek out from the burbs to only experience half of it. I hope to visit again once this children's area is open, as my 4 year old would love it! The pathway to the entrance isn't very accessible-friendly - glad we didn't have anyone in a wheelchair this go around, as the path is rocky and uneven. Front entrance is under construction, so let's hope that's easier to walk on. Don't forget to make your reservations in advance! No admission without a reservation! read more

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This is a special place on Chicago's west side. It is definitely worth a visit when you're nearby! We were delighted to see a free parking lot and that they support the Blue Star military program. After a seamless entry, they pointed out their temporary restrooms and gift shop during their renovations. We were delighted to see a wedding set up and the photos occurring in the garden. There is so much beauty to see. Plan for a couple hours to take it all in! There are places for the kids to explore too. Gardens areas are inside and out. Don't miss the Chihouly too!! read more

Garfield Park Conservatory - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The conservatory is an underrated gem of the city! A great escape into nature - especially in the colder months, though when it's warmer the outside grounds are opened too! Great way to see some cool new trees and plants, get some steps in along the wandering paths and learn a little bit about the nature around you!! They have great educational programs and events as well and are really such an asset to the city!! Also the coffee stand is good for a quick coffee or iced tea and a snack when they're open! read more

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Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous conservatory! Once you step inside, it does not even feel like you're in the city. The plants are lush and vibrant (except when they are not physiologically mean to be so) and some rooms even have turtles and fish. The signs next to each variety of plant do a good job of explaining what it is, where it is typically found, and how it was brought to the conservatory. One can spend hours just wandering and walking from one room to the other. My favourite is the desert room, which has multiple varieties of cacti. This is definitely a great place to bring kids, but it is important to make sure they don't touch the plants unless specifically permitted to do so. The gift shop is fantastic, with seeds, cuttings, and fun souvenirs. The staff at the conservatory are very friendly. Despite visiting during spring break, the conservatory was not particularly crowded, and I plan to return in the winter. Finally, the conservatory is relatively accessible by public transport, but there is parking available nearby (I don't think they have a specific lot, but I could be wrong). Overall, highly recommend a visit. read more

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Multiple spacious rooms with diverse flora! They even host fun events here. A great place to wander, appreciate the scenery, and talk with friends/family. I also got engaged here (and so did many other couples that day)! read more

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This is a kid friendly place and can also very well be a really romantic spot to come to with your significant other! Everything Is beautiful, scenic and my favorite spot was the field. You can literally just go ground and enjoy the beautiful view. I would even say it's therapeutic if you wanted to go ALONE. The new kid playground inside is phenomenal. Parking can be chaotic in the lot but it's literally right in-front of the green line if you can take the train and accessible to buses as well. Chicago residents are free! Bring your ID and reserve your party online in advance! read more

I love to visit the Garfield Park Conservatory in the winter. When it is cold outside it is either tropical or desert climate depending on which part of the conservatory you are in. A small donation gets you entry into the conservatory. The $10 donation is a steal since, the visit feels like a small vacation to someplace warm. They still had the Holiday display up on our visit. This was an unexpected treat to see the holiday trees and poinsettias. I was disappointed that the lobby was closed and we had to trek thru the muddy makeshift rubber matting path to get to the entrance. If you can wait I suggest going when the lobby is renovated or go early on a freezing cold day when the muddy path is frozen. read more

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I've wanted to visit for a long time and really glad we finally got a chance to visit. The conservatory is really nice and a peaceful place to wander. There is an entrance fee if you live outside the city, but if you show your ID you get the resident rate. I learned that Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest in the country. There are some trees here that are over 200 years old! It was designed Jens Jensen, a renowned landscape architect who also helped establish the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. The Palm room was pretty neat. My favorite part I think was the outdoor garden; it was spring when we visited. The weather was great, the blooms were lovely, and it was fun to watch my little one and her friend chase each other around. The conservatory is RIGHT off of the green line, the Conservatory-Central station. I'm not sure there's actually any parking besides what you'll find on the street or in the parking lot at the park. read more

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Affordable. Beautiful. Peaceful. Charming. Picturesque. Leaving the Garfield Park Conservatory, I felt many things. What a local gem in the neighborhood. I loved all of the greenery - including plants and flowers. I went on a cold day and it was very warm on the inside. I didn't need a jacket or a coat. The walkable area is such a tranquil experience. There were quite a few benches placed thoughtfully in areas that you can rest, reflect and get an amazing picture at while sitting. I really enjoyed my visit! read more

Garfield Park Conservatory - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

If you love plants and live in the Chicago area you need to visit! There are different species of plants from different climates across the world present. From desert, tropical, temperate plants, etc. These plants include fruit trees, herbs, ornamentals, etc. There are also activities for the smaller kids which makes this an ideal location for family time. Entry is free for Chicago residents but you need to make a reservation ahead of time. Non-residents pay $10 to enter I believe but it is worth it. The staff is also amazing! read more

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We love coming to the conservatory, and were very excited to explore the new EMT children's garden/play space today..... but omg! The slide is Dangerous!! My almost 3 year old got in line and went down, feet first and while her grandma was at the bottom to catch her- she had FLIPPED while sliding down. And ended up sliding out head first and very scared. (Anyone seen the "Boston Cop Slide" video??) After running down to meet her- I watched several children FLY out of the tube. Adults Also came down saying "did you hear me crashing in there?" And "I really hurt my elbow!" One little kiddo got out and couldn't find his mom, while crying. The slide safety should really be looked at- the descending angle is very intense! read more

Garfield Park Conservatory - "Boston cop slide" = EMG slide - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Out of town guest here! This conservatory was one of my favorite things I saw in Chicago. Every room in this conservatory was pieced together so beautifully. I saw plants of all kinds, common and rare. My favorite was the pink powder puff trees, so unique and beautiful. The desert and fern rooms were gorgeous. The outside area was pretty, unfortunately the labyrinth and sensory area were closed. The children's area is currently being built and looked really cool. They also had coffee and tea which was a nice add because it was really hot. The tea was refreshing! Highly recommend! $10 for out of town guest. read more

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I live close by and love going in the winter time to visit. It is a beautiful conservatory and is free to Chicago residents. The only downfall is that it can get really crowded. Would recommend going on the weekday to take the time to truly enjoy. When I was there this time they were setting up for a wedding and it was stunning. read more

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Fantastic conservatory on the south side of Chicago. It's indoors, so you can go in the winter too. They have a wide variety of plants and flowers on display from around the world. The staff is very friendly and thy also have a gift and coffee shop. read more

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Free admission for Chicago residents - you have to show ID at the entrance. Parking lot is available. They're currently doing renovations and closed the main entrance. So if you're parking in the lot, it's a bit of a walk to the current entrance. I would recommend street parking if you're bringing your family for a shorter walk. I love this place! The different rooms and plants are always a nice sight. We did a big group photoshoot here and the permit price was quite affordable. They also have a rack and hangers where you can hang your coat. When I visited in the summer, they had a unique vending machine by the bathrooms of goodies/trinkets from local businesses. read more

I was recently at the Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago and loved all the different plants they have there. It's nicely taken care of. While it is out of the downtown area, it's easily accesible by metro(about 25-30 min or so). The metro service is reliable with trains every 10 min. I'm so happy I included this botanical garden in my itinerary, and you should too. I think the entrance fee should be a little bit cheaper, but it's worth overall. read more

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Beautiful beautiful beautiful! I can't say enough wonderful things about this gorgeous place. I always recommend to our guests to go here. The place is just stunning. A must see if you are in the west side of Chicago. read more

It was freezing during our Chicago trip so we decided to visit Garfield Park Conservatory on a Sunday afternoon just to be indoor. we took the Green Line from downtown, and it dropped us off right by the entrance. The admission fee was $10 per person for non resident, and they recommend purchasing tickets online in advance. The ticket asks for an arrival time, but in our experience, they didn't strictly enforce it. The conservatory is entirely indoors and feels like a giant greenhouse. they have a coat rack area, so you don't have to carry your jacket around. The conservatory has several beautifully themed rooms, including a cactus room, a fern room, and a floral plant room, etc. It truly feels like an indoor botanical garden, and it's a great place to walk around. read more

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It's free, peaceful, and the best cure for seasonal depression. When Chicago turns to gray skies and snowy slush in January, I recommend the conservatory. It truly looks like paradise in the Midwest. I personally found the warm and humid air refreshing! - AD read more

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Absolutely stunning conservatory in Garfield Park! Chicago was under a heat dome so we arrived just after opening to enjoy the beautiful displays of plants and flowers from all over the world without totally melting from the heat. The conservatory is lush and features koi ponds and tons of turtles in addition to immaculate, plant-filled landscapes. There is an interesting area full of cacti and succulents, as well as gorgeous mosaics and living green walls. There are also gardens you can tour outside. Loved it. Free for Chicago residents, $5-$10 recommended donations for visiting kids and adults. Reservations required and free parking in the visitor's parking lot just next door. read more

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This place is pretty and has some great plants to see. It isnt as wow-worthy as some bigger botanical gardens in the area, but still a fun stop and probably a place I'd only visit once. We visited in the summer and oh my did that greenhouse exasperate the heat and humidity. I would not recommend visiting in the summer or hot times as it wasn't enjoyable. Staff was pleasant and welcoming. Easy to buy timed entry tickets in advance online, which is what they recommend as they can sell out. They do have a little gift shop onsite that also sells ice cream bars and souvenirs, not too much bigger food items so keep that in mind. read more

We came here on the Juneteenth holiday. It was 95 degrees in the SHADE when we entered this hothouse! I thought somehow it would be airconditioned, but I was wrong. We made a donation when we entered and even bought stuff from the gift shop, though it is free admission. It makes sense, plants should be in their natural habitat and temperature. It was not all unpleasant though. I appreciated the plaque/decorations celebrating Juneteenth too! There were just the right amount of benches to sit, and room to roam as well. If you have the chance to go definitely visit this place. I may go back in the fall/winter, when the place is probably a break from the cold. read more

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One of the best gardens I had ever visit. If you are in the area and want some peace and some relaxing time this is the perfect place to visit. If you are resident of Chicago is a free admission if you are not is only $10. 00 the entry. read more

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Such a hidden gem - I lived in Chicago 10 years and only just found out about this fabulous FREE venue to relax, read, admire, feel renovated surrounded by nature. There are multiple thematic rooms and also beautiful outdoor spaces of the weather is nice. I loved the lily pond and wish I could go hang out there daily. Getting tickets on their website is easy and yes, for Illinois residents, it's absolutely free. The green line El stops right next door - it's so convenient to visit. read more

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A gorgeous tranquil spot to be in nature or near nature while technically still inside with a koi pond and stunning art. Unfortunately it's so good it was also full of tourists when I went but I guess you can't keep something this good hidden. read more

This place is one of those establishments that makes Chicago one of the greatest places in the world in my opinion! It provides a wonderful, peaceful place for everyone to enjoy. Simply come and sit on one of benches and enjoy the greenery. The spring season is worth visiting right now for their flower show. They also have nice outdoor spaces and an urban garden area. It's hard not to fall in love with this place and visit again and again! read more

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Came here with my boyfriend for a little day trip and we both really enjoyed this conservatory. Plants and flowers bring me so much joy so this was such a fun time. The conservatory is absolutely beautiful and you can tell that they really take pride in these exhibits. Super fun date idea or something to do with anyone who enjoys plants :) read more

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Free for Chicago residents. Beautiful rooms with diverse plants and life. Beautiful would go back. The green line can take you here! read more

Garfield Park Conservatory - Flowers - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Intro: Before I take a trip anywhere, I check out the top attractions in the city on TripAdvisor. Garfield Park Conservatory was mentioned as one of the top attractions in Chicago. Since I'm a nature guy, this was an easy sell. I made my way to check out the conservatory on a Wednesday afternoon. They have free parking in their spacious lot which is patrolled by security. Logistics (3.5/5): Garfield Park Conservatory is free (always a plus!) but they request that you RSVP for a time slot on your website. I'm generally not a fan of reservations as my schedule isn't always 100% predictable (especially in a city with atrocious traffic like Chicago). Nevertheless, just a minor inconvenience. And although Garfield is free, they recommend a $10 donation. Experience (3/5): I have been to quite a few conservatories and botanical gardens in my day and by comparison, Garfield is about average/slightly below average. Not that it's not worth visiting. It is. You'll come across a lot of different plants and you'll learn about them too. And there's an outdoor area where you can take a short hike. If you're exploring the conservatory in its entirety, it will take you around an hour and a half to get through. Some better upkeep would take Garfield to the next level, as well as a larger collection. Overall: Garfield Park Conservatory isn't located in the best part of town but if you're a plant/nature lover, check it out for an hour or two. read more

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One of the most beautiful indoor conservatory & exterior horticultural wonders in the midwest. They are working on a portion of their exterior parking right now but I found a parking spot right on the adjacent street. read more

Garfield Park Conservatory - A Conservatory space - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The most breathtaking conservatory I've ever been to! It's quite literally my favorite place to visit, and I never miss an opportunity when I'm in Chicago. read more

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A must visit in Chicago and definitely the best free tourist attraction. I wasn't expecting too much since most free tourist attractions are pretty crowded and small but this was worth going to. There's so many plants to see that are collected from all over the world. Different climate greenhouses and most of all it was not busy at all on a Saturday afternoon. There's so many angles and places to take cute photos and videos. A must go away from the busy downtown of Chicago. read more

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After lunch, I went online and made (same day) reservations. Suggested donation is $10 per adult. After we got inside the greenhouse, there is a coat rack for visitors. There are two acres of greenhouse space with several houses/ rooms. I enjoyed the show house most because of the beautiful flowers. I also liked the fern room, where turtles were lounging in the lagoon. The aroid house has yellow lily pads, which were created by the glass artist Chihuly. We didn't go to the outdoor gardens since there wasn't much (start of spring). All in all, I'm glad we visited! read more

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Still is magical. Every time I go, there's something new blooming, something I never noticed before. . read more

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I always have a great time here. I can draw and take photos and escape into my own world. I notice others doing the same and it brings me joy knowing that a space like this exists in Chicago read more

People who visit here should shower and wear clean clothes because in this enclosed environment with humidity, the smells are much more apparent. Other than that rant, this immense and incredible eco-system is a veritable haven. As indicated in their page info, the site is free, I love that you can also donate online, so I can retain my cash :) Reservation is required. You can do so online to reserve a time of arrival or if not when you arrive you can scan a QR code by the entrance to sign up. You can leave your coat on the racks by the lobby. It is warm and humid inside the greenhouse. There are several rooms mimicking different tropical environments displaying various species of plants. There's a pond, tiny man-made waterfalls and streams along the sites. You will be inspired to adopt house plants if you haven't already and if you are inclined, you can find a few plants to buy at the gift shop. There is a coffee cart in one of the rooms but no cafe. Parking is free. Or commute via the Green line. read more

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If the high cost of Chicago fun is getting you down, the amazing Garfield Park Conservatory is great...and gratis (but donate, if you can). Packed with tons of fantastic gardens, it makes for a sweet escape on a snowy or rainy day. In nice weather you'll want to cruise the cool outdoor gardens in the back, but indoors you've got your choice of Palm House, Desert House, Show House and more. Don't miss the chance to breathe in the oxygen-stoked atmosphere of the Fern Room. So many beautiful plants! Get a preview and particulars about upcoming exhibitions on their website: https://garfieldconservatory.org/gardens-collections/ There's free parking if you've got a car, but I always prefer to take the Chicago Green Line El Train to the Conservatory stop. As a former Chicagoan, this is one place I always come back to when I visit. Relaxing as all get out, and sometimes you really need that in noisy old Chicago. read more

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I liked the extended Wednesday hours. However, there wasn't anything on the website or building to indicate it was "open mic night". The R&B music was loud and made communicating with entry staff difficult as the performance area is in the entry area. Bathrooms were only accessible by walking on the "stage" for the performers. Because of construction, please note the restrooms are in a temporary trailer up a set of stairs. It's a peaceful destination but the evening's entertainment seemed out of place and, for me, affected the peaceful tranquility of the space. read more