Chicago Botanic Garden, Illinois, United States

5LifeAsMummyPeanut 5:00 PM May 9, 2021

Spring Visit with Tram Tour - Covid Precautions
You must have a prepaid parking pass which you can book online and just show it as you enter the garden. We went on Mother's Day and there were a lot of people but everyone was wearing a mask even outside and even apart. I think it was more because it was chilly but I am glad to see them aware of everyone else. The place is really big and there were beautiful blooms all around. We did not get to every island because it was just so large. We took a Tram tour around the garden. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and I learned a lot about prairies and the behind the scenes of the garden as well. I can feel she really loved nature and the whole place. This garden is so beautiful. It offers a different feel and ambience than Morton Arboretum (of which we are members) and I love the cultivated feel of the place. There is also a children's interactive playground about 5 minutes from the visitor center. If you are a member of a reciprocal garden, you can ask for a refund for your prepaid parking at the customer service. Just show them your membership and paid ticket. We did not ask for a refund because we want to support the garden. Admission is free. Parking was $30 (weekend rate) per car regardless of how many people are inside.

5chi-lette 5:00 PM Feb 19, 2022

Oasis of natural botanic peace
This is an extremely calming place, especially if you arrive early or go on a weekday. Stroll around to each of the specialty areas, like edible fruits and vegetables (see what well-tended lettuce, peppers, and more look like in late summer!), the walled English garden, Japanese garden, sensory garden. In the summers, they have beer gardens. In autumn, stunning color. In winter, the light and orchid shows. There is also a cafe and gift shop in the welcome area. A few times that I've been there very early, I've seen amazing wildlife: deer, heron, frogs. It's not too far outside Chicago and easily accessible by public transit too (take the 213 bus from Howard station or check for the nearest stop North of Howard). It used to be free but this year (2022) they started charging admission fees and are members-only before 10 AM. There are free days and it's cheaper if you book in advance. If you're coming from out of town or have other garden memberships, see if they offer reciprocal admission privileges with Chicago Botanic Garden. It seems to draw a lot of people from various different cultural backgrounds. You'll hear different languages spoken around the grounds and the like. I don't see many people who look like me there, but I've never personally felt unwelcome. Go and enjoy some quality nature time.