I love the Botanical Gardens! It is absolutely beautiful and soul-soothing. I definitely recommend the Japanese gardens. It is free to go, but if you are driving then you have to pay for parking. There is a bus that goes directly there and there are also bike paths that you can take from Chicago to the gardens.
Written Sep 19, 2007
Phone: 847.835.5440
Website: http://www.chicago-botanic.org/
I'm putting this tip in the Off the Beaten Path section due to it's distance from the city of Chicago, it's about 25 miles to the north of downtown Chicago. The easiest way to get there is by car but if you look at the website provided below there are directions on how to get there using public transportation.
The gardens are free to visit, if you drive there is a parking charge per car. Some of the highlights of the gardens are lovely rose garden, the Japanese garden, the English walled garden and the interactive sensory garden where you can touch and smell different plants. You could easily spend the good part of a day here if you are a flower/plant lover. There are special festivals and activities throughout the year, check the website for more information.
If Glencoe is a little too far for you to go have a look at some flowers, you can also stop by one of the two free conservatories in Chicago, the Garfield Conservatory or the smaller Lincoln Park Conservatory
If you do find yourself with a car up in this area, you might think about combining a day to the Chicago Botanic Gardens with a visit to Ravinia which has evening concerts in the summer months.
For more info and pictures, please go have a look at my Glencoe, Illinois page
Updated Jun 4, 2006
Phone: 847.835.5440
Website: http://www.chicago-botanic.org/
Well I have met many women in this way.
I will go to the botanical gardens wearing a rain coat. I will introduce myself and the next thing you know I having sex witha stranger near the Banana tree. It's fun discreet and highly recomended for swinging singles.
Please make sure you always protect your self. *** res[ponsably.
Sincerely,
Bigdickforyou
Written Feb 25, 2006
Phone: 847.835.5440
Website: http://www.chicago-botanic.org/
So... the Chicago Botanical Gardens are actually located in Glencoe, which is about 25 miles north of downtown Chicago. This is a great place to come to chill out and enjoy natural surroundings, or to learn about plants and horticulture. There are greenhouses and all kinds of gardens- including English, Japanese (there's a rock garden too), Rose,etc... Bring a camera and walking shoes. (I'll post some pictures soon!)
This a very cool organization that "encompasses three important components: collections, education and research."-CBG website.
There are always events happening, and I think almost anyone can enjoy themselves here. So bring your kids, too.
If you're an traveller on a budget, you can take a 213 Pace bus that can drop you off at the gate about every 40-60 minutes (Monday through Saturday). Or if you get hold of a bike, you can take the bike trail up to Glencoe. You can download a map of the trail on the website listed below.
Cost of admission: Free
Cost of Parking: $10.00 per car (including tax)
Don't forget to check the rates for senior citzens and the like.
Written Oct 29, 2004
Phone: 1(847).835.5440
Website: http://www.chicagobotanicalgardens.org/
The zen garden in the Chicago botanic gardens will balance any undue stress and rid you of your jet lag. Maybe that is a little too grand of a claim but it is a relaxing place to walk and look at some interesting fauna.
It is located in a suburb north of the city. Take 90/94 towards Milwaukee. Exit on Lake-Cook Rd and turn right at the top of the ramp.
Written Sep 29, 2004
Website: http://www.chicago-botanic.org/
Beautiful park located on Chicago's North Side. Lots of flowers, trees in a very park-like setting. There's all kinds of plants in the park. There's even a Japanese garden. And the best thing, the admission is free! (but parking is not free) But it's a great place to spend your weekend.
Written Oct 30, 2003
Website: http://www.chicago-botanic.org/
Drive your bike either to the intersection of Devon and Cullum (North side). You'll see the Forest Preserve parking lot on the N. Side of Cullum just west of Devon. Park there, bike for 20 miles through a lush forest preserve on a well maintained paved path until you get to the garden. You'll know when you get there. It's beautiful.
Written Sep 8, 2003
A view of the island section of the Japanese gardens--Chicago Botanic Garden
Written Aug 25, 2002
This is in the Walled English Garden at the Chicago Botanic Gardens. Lost in a field of black-eyed susans...
Written Aug 25, 2002
1 - 9 of 9
Sponsored Links
The Peninsula Chicago Chicago
4 Reviews and 305 Opinions The Peninsula Hotel in Chicago is an absolutely wonderful hotel! Every detail is thought through and...
Hotel Monaco Chicago - a Kimpton Boutique Hotel Chicago
4 Reviews and 706 Opinions Had a great time at the Monaco. We've stayed at the SF version and it was pretty much the same...
Sofitel Chicago Water Tower Chicago
5 Reviews and 1037 Opinions One of the prettiest, sleekest, nicely designed hotels i've been in.
1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe
Chicago Botanic Gardens tips and photos posted by real travelers and Chicago locals.
Write a Review
This is in the Walled English Garden at the Chicago Botanic Gardens. Lost in a field of black-eyed susans...
4,559 members live in Chicago

Q: My family is driving from WI to Chicago (Hwy 90) the night before an early morning flight. Any suggestions for a clean hotel that...

A: I got this through Hotwire the last time I was in the area, and they do offer Park-Sleep-Fly for up to seven days (more than seven days for a fee). Nice place, good free...
Read 3 Replies
1

I'm having fun in my hometown of Chicago. Summer is my favorite time of the year in Chicago, the city really comes to life from Memorial Day until Labor Day with a multitude of festivals every...
2
Captivating City of "The Big Shoulders": Chicago

"I have struck a city--a real city. And they call it Chicago. The other places do not count." Rudyard Kipling I recently took this photograph (July, 2006) on a beautiful day in the city when my...
3

I've been updating my Chicago pages (i.e. as of September 2007) - you have to stay on your feet in order to keep up with the ever-changing Windy City! You'll find lots of new architectural tips on the...
4

STOP THE PRESSES!! A Chicago institution will close its doors on February 28. It's the family-owned Berghoff Restaurant [see my restaurant tips] -- parts will remain open, but the old main dining...
5
Chicago - My Favorite City in the United States!

My connection with Chicago goes back to February 1994 when I visited there for the first time. Though a much too long story to mention here, I became best friends with a wonderful grandmother named......
Build your own Chicago page
Sponsored Links