Chicago Botanic Garden Park

Address: 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022, United States

Website: https://www.chicagobotanic.org

Hours: Grounds: Daily 7:00am-6:00pm (hours vary seasonally); buildings and special exhibits have separate hours

Admission: Free admission; parking fee $30 per vehicle (subject to change)

The Chicago Botanic Garden is a large public botanical garden on the North Shore of Chicago in Glencoe, Illinois, established as a public garden in the early 1970s and developed into a major horticultural and research institution.

The site comprises display gardens and natural areas across roughly 385 acres, arranged into multiple distinct themed gardens and four natural areas; highlights include specialized collections, water gardens and formal landscapes.

Since opening it has expanded research, conservation and education programmes, including plant conservation science and outreach aimed at horticulture and ecological restoration.

The garden is located in Glencoe on Chicago’s North Shore, about a drive of roughly 25 miles north of downtown Chicago and reachable by regional roads and public transit.

• Seasonal highlights: Spring bulbs and late-May to early-June bloom periods are highlights; fall shows strong colour in many trees and shrubs.
• Access & hours: Open year-round with seasonal event programmes and horticultural exhibitions; public transit and on-site parking provide access from the Chicago area.

What to See#

• Japanese Garden: A Japanese-style garden featuring ponds, bridges and lanterns and designed to showcase seasonal change and traditional planting motifs.
• English Walled Garden: A formal, enclosed garden laid out with hedges, perennial borders and seasonal displays that follows an English walled-garden tradition.
• Bonsai Collection: A nationally important collection of bonsai trees with specimens ranging from young to century-old examples, displayed in a dedicated exhibition area.

From downtown Chicago, take Metra’s Union Pacific North Line to the Ravinia or Highland Park stations; a 10-15 minute taxi or rideshare completes the trip. Driving: take I-94 to the Lake-Cook Road Exit and follow local signs to 1000 Lake Cook Road. Limited shuttle services operate during special events.

• Arrive early on weekend mornings to see the Bonsai & Penjing collection before school groups arrive.
• The Garden's plant trains, tram and bus stop at 'Chicago Botanic Garden' on Pace? Use Metra's Union Pacific North Line to Highland Park then rideshare (about 10-15 minutes) - check seasonal shuttle services.
• Visit the Regenstein Center and the greenhouses on cooler days; the 27 display gardens are best seen by bicycle or the free tram on busy days.