What an awesome place. I had no idea what I was in for. Incredible palm trees from all over the world, things you only see in movies and in photos. Waterfalls, ponds with koi, a desert room full of every succulent and cactus you could imagine. The fern room is like you’re in a jungle, there were so many couples taking wedding photos just to give you an idea of the beautiful background. The flower room smells incredible, the whole place is a an absolute gem. This place is FREE. I did not have cash to donate this first time, but next time I’ll probably put in 5X the donation amount in because they deserve it. The gift shop has tons of cute plant stuff and they even sell extremely healthy looking succulents in quite a variety for very very reasonable prices. I can’t wait to go back.

We've been going for a few years. It's a nice place. Free admission (donations desired). Not super wheelchair friendly. Bathrooms are outdated, but get the job done. There are not many places to sit and just take in the scenery. A few tight spots mixed with someone always allowing their kids to push people or other kids. Not the conservatory fault, but come with a lot of patients. The fern room is NOT wheelchair accessible at all. Again, it's an older building built in a time of non handicap friendly times. No Braille signs are available either. Maybe in the future, society will see demand to include needs for all. The surrounding city is dirty, with trash all over the place. Free parking. It's a bit of a walk if you are mobile challenged. I believe there are 2 or 3 water fountains available (not sure if they are on during the pandemic times). I have not been a fan of their art in the one room, but many rave about it. When weather permits it, the outside adds so much more to the visit. Sadly, many areas outside seem VERY neglected. With all said and done, it's worth a visit. Please give a donation and remember it's an old build and worth love and appreciation. Plus, the plants are amazing.

This was an amazing spot. Easily accessible by train and also had a big parking lot. It’s definitely a nice place to visit when it’s cold outside. They have an area to leave your jackets right after the admissions desks. Reservations are highly encouraged. Gift shop is cute with fun items to remember the visit. I enjoyed the initial room the most.

I love it here. As a little girl I use to come here and it is one of the pleasant memories I have. I brought my four children when they were younger and now I was able to bring my two youngest. They loved it. Looking at plants and enjoying all of the pretty flowers of the season. I’ll continue to enjoy this place and hope to Marry here one day! The staff is very nice and helpful. Plants are well cared for and facility is clean. Will always return.

One of the most wonderful afternoons I've had in a long time. I especially loved the sounds of the waterfalls indoors and the wind chimes in the sensory garden outside. It smells so fresh, clean, and pure. I will return in all seasons. Fantastic!!! Note: small gift shop, no restaurant.

This place is a gem. Running on donations, what a great place to relax and break free from the winter blues. There is plenty of parking and a coat rack to leave your heavy coats. So many gorgeous varieties of plants, and plenty of places to sit and relax. I loved the shop as well. Felt like everything was fairly priced (unlike most places). I got some plants, some honey and some stickers. Follow @ajitho.photography for more pics and recommendations :)

It's hard to believe this peaceful garden is in the city. My friend and I had only been to the Lincoln Park Conservatory, but we enjoyed this conservatory even more. There are so many beautiful rooms to explore. There are also a lot of benches and tables in the outdoor gardens so that you can relax and really enjoy the nature. Our favorite part was probably the labyrinth! It seems a bit odd, but it really was so relaxing to walk around it. There is a free parking lot that is easy to get in and out of and the bathrooms are very clean. There is also a little gift shop where you can buy a few souvenirs and a cold drink. If you need a place to relax for a few hours, I definitely recommend this place!

The Garfield Park Conservatory is a place of Botanical Beauty. It is well maintained, serene & has a variety of lush & healthy greenery (Aroids, Succulents, a magnificent garden, etc) along with a few fish & turtles in the small man-made ponds. You can walk outside on a small bridge & see the plants in the water or just walk the path & take in the beauty of your surroundings. The Conservatory is truly my Happy place & it is a place I go to find peace. I would give it 10 stars if I could. NOTE: The staff is friendly, knowledgeable & helpful.

Absolutely worth the visit! Free entry (donation recommended) & free parking. Get your tickets online in advance. So many plants 🪴; an amazing place all around. They have double doors separating each area, so the rooms stay temperature controlled, and opening each set of doors brings in a new beautiful scene. Koi pond, children's area, seating area, and short nature paths that cut through the plants - what more could you ask for? Great to visit rain or shine! We like to visit in the winter and during rainy days.

If you want to see a variety of plants, then this is the place for you. A great way to spend an hour or two on the weekend. It is free, but donations are accepted. We made a reservation in advance (this process is super easy). Very close to the green line. It is humid and hot inside the building, so dress appropriately. The Children’s area is closed at the moment.

Beautiful and well maintained! Lots of variety of plants and awesome explanations behind several of the room and garden setups. Lovely place for plant lovers to roam and peruse. The only reason I didn't give a 5 star rating is because the bathrooms could use more consistent cleaning and maintenance.

First but certainly not the last visit to this Conservatory! While all of it was gorgeous, I’m really looking forward to going back and spending a copious amount of time in the desert room! Seriously such a peaceful, well kept display of natural beauty! Thank you Chicago parks and rec for yet another spectacular venue to visit! Have I mentioned how much I love living in Chicago? Entry is free with a recommended donation if you can. Reservations are easy to make online.

This place is a real gift to the city of Chicago. The conservatory dates back to 1907 and was the first in its time to design landscapes within the conservatory, extending beyond the collection of potted plants as was common in that day. Signs provide opportunity to learn about the history of the conservatory and the significance of the climate represented in each room. The conservatory is large and holds many beautiful rooms that provide the ideal conditions for palms, ferns, deserts desert plants and more, all from around the globe. It is a great place for all family members. Signs indicate that touching plants "with one finger" is encouraged, which invites guest to engage yet another sense in the serene and flourishing atmosphere. Occasional benches are placed throughout the conservatory with strategic seating to provide some of the most scenic views within the greenhouse; however, they are limited and frequently in use. Paths were easy to walk and would be doable for wheel chairs, though navigating it on a busy day may be difficult due to the narrower pathways. One other highlight: the conservatory really is free with free parking! Suggested donations of ten dollars are requested but never overbearing. It is well worth the donation to keep this gem going!

Smaller than I remember. Perhaps there are some rooms that are closed off, not just the children's garden? The crowds were pleasantly much smaller than I recall, probably on account of requiring timed reservations for all guests. Masks are absolutely required at all indoor areas, and upon entry all guests are given a verbal warning in this regard. The only washrooms are at the entrance, so use them before proceeding into the gardens. Be sure to avail yourselves of the coat rack just beyond the entrance on the right hand side. There was plenty of free parking in the adjacent lot.

The conservatory is always a great place to go during the winter. It is free but reserve spots in advance as Covid has made this place a hot spot, particularly on weekends! Plan a leisure stroll 1-2 hour stroll and breathe in the fresh air. There's even a coffee stand in the space closest to the offices. They have a decent coffee menu and also serve pastries. The gift shop also has a nice array of succulents and plant themed items.

It is one of my favorite garden. It is not too big to go wondering around. There are benches around the garden. There are inside garden and outdoor garden. You can reserve the ticket online( however, I and my senior staff, we walked in). We can reserve the place for a special events. There are so many kind of plants and flowers. You can walk and talk with relaxing environment here. The parking lot is free and the admission by donation. (You can check online) Overall, for me it is definitely worth the time to spend there.

The conservatory is on the top of best things to do in Chicago lists for a reason. It’s much more incredible than I even anticipated. It’s FREE. The are hundreds - maybe thousands of plant species in display in various greenhouses that all interconnect to each other. The spring flower show is spectacular! A true must stop - and I encourage you to donate as it runs on donations. It took us 90 minutes to go through. There’s a small gift shop and bathrooms are dated, but available.

Amazing experience at the conservatory. We went in November when it was really cold outside, but the cool thing about this place is that it’s warm inside so that the plants can grow safely, so you get a break from the cold, which is great. They have coat hangers inside where you can hang your big jackets while you explore the gardens. They have different sections with different types of plants in each one of them. Had a blast with the family, great spot for tourists.

This place is so beautiful and peaceful when not too busy. If you go on a Saturday when it’s cold out, then beware as it will be packed. Still fun but a lot of people. Non the less my first trip here has me excited for more comebacks. They have restrooms. You should make a reservation ahead of time. Especially on weekends since they get packed and they don’t let you in until your time slot. They accept walk ins but it might be rough when it’s busy. I love this place so much. They have a great little gift shop.

This place is great if you enjoy looking at all types of plants and grasses. I was very impressed with the entire offering here from the different rooms to the helpful master gardeners. Whether walking through the sugar room, the desert or my favorite the ferns and wondering the many acres of outdoor space. The conservatory was very responsible with booking people in the time of a pandemic by spacing out the reservations. I was there for about 90 minutes and was able to see about everything.

Spent a Saturday afternoon walking around enjoying all the plants. It's free, but you have to make a time reservation, and they aren't open on Monday and Tuesday. If you want to donate, they're accepted when you make your reservation online, or at the doors. They conserve trees by not handing out paper maps, but there's one on the wall you can take a picture of. All the rooms are accessible except the fern room. It has an historical staircase that hasn't been modified. There's a parking lot, which is also right next to a train stop. If you want to have an event there, or take photos for something like prom or a wedding, you have to get a permit from the parks department. And they have a nice little gift shop just off the lobby.

If you're in the mood for some peace and tranquility in the heart of the city, look no further than the Garfield Park Conservatory! This beautiful oasis is filled with exotic plants from all over the world and provides a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The staff at the conservatory is simply fantastic. They are knowledgeable and friendly, always eager to share their love for the plants and the environment. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just looking for a beautiful place to relax, they will make you feel welcome and help you make the most of your visit. In addition to being a peaceful retreat, the conservatory also offers a range of events and programs that are both educational and enjoyable. From guided tours and workshops to special exhibitions and seasonal events, there's always something happening at the conservatory. It's the perfect place to bring your family for a fun and educational outing. Overall, I can't recommend the Garfield Park Conservatory enough! Whether you're looking for a quiet escape, a place to learn, or a fun family outing, you'll find it all here. So why not plan a visit today? You won't regret it

Absolutely beautiful greenery. I've never seen a lot of these plants this tall...some of the leaves were larger than the top half of my body. There were plenty of areas to look in so make sure you wear shoes good for walking. There is an entire Fern room, desert room with cactus type plants and many more areas including an outdoor area with potted plants sitting in a pond, there's a playground area for the kids plenty of benches for you to just sit and take in. Reservations were super simple to make, I did it the day before visiting. Donate if you can! This place is so worth it. There's a gift shop inside as well parking is ample and free.

The Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago is a botanical gem. The moment you step inside, you're greeted by a symphony of colors and fragrances from the diverse plant life. The well-maintained gardens and striking architecture create a tranquil atmosphere, inviting visitors to wander and discover the wonders of each botanical exhibit. Whether you're a plant enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful escape, the conservatory's lush surroundings make it a delightful and rejuvenating experience. With its stunning plant collections and vibrant displays, it offers a serene escape within the bustling city. The lush greenery, diverse plant species, and architectural beauty make it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Incredible place! I finally got to check this place off my bucket list after 10 years of having it bookmarked and it surpassed all my expectations. This place is an ecology mecca with all kinds of plant species from all over the world. It is amazing how they have maintained this place so well for over 100 years and have nurtured the plants to its natural formation. It's a little out of the way from the city but so worth the trip, just make sure you make a reservation (up to 30 min beforehand).

This is a real hidden gem, that I wish we had visited sooner. The conservatory consists of “room” upon room of meticulously maintained landscapes of various themes. There’s a majestic fern room, a desert house, an aroid house, and many more, and they are all spectacular. The outside gardens are beautiful too, with the city (vegetable) garden being especially gorgeous. This place is well worth a (repeat) visit.

Our visit was very relaxing. The conservatory is a good size with multiple scenes as well as the plants. I might go again! It was a weekend and still not very crowded at all. Nice gift shop for souvenirs.

I did really enjoy my visit to it with my sons,, where joy and knowledge are met. Different plants from all over the worlds. What was amazing is that we saw a wedding proposal in the middle of greens🥰🥰. I bought from the store nice items made from the nature like soap made from the honey

Great place to hangout on a Saturday! The place has so much to offer, you’ll be checking plenty of plants and flowers around the world. They also have a beautiful garden! Mask is required, make some donation if you can, every dollar counts!

What's to say, wonderful place for a walk or photography, and cannot beat the price (free).

Beautiful and well maintained conservatory. We had such a great time looking at the wide variety of plants. The spring flower show with knock-knock jokes is just beautiful. Parking is free and entry is free but a donation is quite justifiable imo. Make a booking for your visit online.

First and foremost... Let's say the staff are great. The gardens and more are beautifully arranged. This well kept gem is currently undergoing some renovations. It was so nice to be back. The outdoor space is awesome.

Amazing place. Come here with several hours to kill as each room takes a while and there’s a whole outdoor area as well. Parking is free and has a security guard, but I recommend not leaving anything in your car. Definitely not a great part of town and car break ins only take a few seconds. Reserve your ticket online but they rarely actually sell out.

Spectacular!! This flower show is worth visiting and it is free. However, reservations are required. It’s enclosed and warm. There’s a rack to hang your coat because you’ll get too warm. I saw a banana and papaya tree😍 Beautiful palm trees and flowers 🌺

What an incredible place to hide and enjoy some peaceful time scaling from the concrete city busy roads. I came here already three times, and I tell you the best is to go during winter. The micro climate built up here is great and while you’re freezing your pants outside during the tough cold winters in Chicagoland, you can be inside enjoying some tropical weather and some unique plants. You come out completely charged with amazing energy! I will visit in summer to check out how these plants evolve!

Great escape from the cold! The conservatory is decked out for the holidays in colors of silver and red. The building brings warmth to cold Chicago winters. Plan on about an hour to walk through all the exhibits. Parking is free and easily accessed.

The conservatory and grounds that it sits on is exquisite. Don’t let the surrounding neighborhood fool you, this place is well worth the visit. I am so glad we went here and spent an afternoon enjoying all the different garden rooms as well as the outdoor paths. Having a picnic under the big oak tree was a highlight of my trip. The fern room is the most beautiful place and it’s magical to walk through. It is free to get in, but please donate if you can! They deserve all the support they can get and more!

My first time visiting was 7/16, I enjoyed myself with my cousin. I made an appointment online, there was a required time entry. There were plenty of plants and trees from across the world here. There was also lots of fun outside space, that was such a bonus a bonus. This place is way bigger than it looks. I reccomend going on their website to checkout their events and etc.

I went here about a week ago for the first time and I’m honestly in disbelief at how incredible this conservatory is! It’s absolutely massive and there are so many plants to see. Even on my way out I feel like I found new plants that I hadn’t seen initially! I’d definitely recommend using a map to make sure you don’t miss any of the rooms, because I realized that I had somehow missed the fern room after I left! If I ever get to visit Chicago again, I will definitely come back!

This was our first time visiting here. We are visiting from out of town and looking for places to go today. This is a gorgeous place that is well maintain and offers a huge variety of plants to see. The different areas are wonderful to walk through. I loved the fern garden. It was very green and relaxing to walk around. The water features provides the perfect ambiance and sound to relax by. It’s highly recommended to go a visit. You could spend a few hours visiting all the different areas. Great place to relax for a stress free day.

Love this place. It is a -pop of green- safe haven among the extreme weather and cityscape that is Chicago. The staff is friendly. Admission is donation based. It's a few minute walk from the green line and best of all it has a parking lot if you're driving in.

What a wonderful place to visit. It's so peaceful and relaxing to see all the plants and their colors. Well maintained and very easy to navigate. Absolute best spot for pictures and the entry is free. Also loved their gift shop.

I love visiting here and even more so with timed entry. It is a warm colorful oasis during the winter and the outdoor gardens are a quiet respite in the warmer months. The staff is all friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. They often provide updates on fauna or random facts.

Blown away, we had a timed entry scheduled on a Sunday morning, and while busy, it was completely manageable. All the plants are well taken care off and it's a clean environment. They have a coffee cart in one of the middle rooms that has a menu for iced and hot drinks. Pro move is purchasing some iced coffee to sip on in some of the more humid rooms. Fern room is a highlight. Picturesque and includes koi ponds.

I spend a few weeks a year in Arizona and yet I learned a lot more about desert plants here at home! Amazing collection of fauna in reasonably well organized exhibitions. Lots to see, we walked through twice. Only one question, could some lighting be added for late afternoon visits? Surely there’s a way it wouldn’t feel quite so gloomy as the sun goes down.

Absolutely beautiful place. Perfect indoor activity to do. We spent over an hour exploring. There are multiple different houses/rooms each with its own type of plant. Entry and parking is free. An absolute must see!

Wow, I never knew about this place until my coworker suggested it. It was free, and we really enjoyed the time here. I can't wait to go back when it gets warmer so we can explore grounds outside. There are so many beautiful tropical and seasonal trees and flowers. Absolutely must visit. Make your free reservation online ( donation suggested)

If you ever have the chance to go after dark, take it. Plantasia in the plants was heavenly, like stepping into another era of earth where plants ruled. A beautiful place stacked with gorgeous and gigantic flora

Very nice! Who needs the botanical garden when you have this. Beautiful! I loved it! All the flowers and trees were so fresh and vibrant..and the place had a pleasant smell..and it's free!!. All that loveliness and beauty for free!

Awesome place! Relaxing vibes, beauty of Nature. Diamond of Chicago area. Some parts of exhibition were under reconstruction, but still a lot of plants to see. Peaceful, beautiful, quiet place. Discovered several new plants for myself. Recommended.

Incredible time at the conservatory. It was a much needed break from the city. Each room is amazing and so fun to walk around and see all the different plants and nature. Every room was like uncovering a new surprise, plus there's no cost just a recommended donation. I really enjoyed seeing all the spices and "food" plants such as Spinach, vanilla, black pepper, papaya, wild oranges, and more. Its really cool to see the plants of the foods we eat. Plus when I went there was a small coffee stand where I grabbed a oat milk lavender latte. It tasted great and it was nice to sip on it as i toured the space. Amazing spot in Chicago, go see it.

I made a reservation & made sure to be on time since it’s usually packed on weekends. Team members are kind & informative. Other visitors were courteous when walking in tight crowds, some even offered to take our pictures, which was very pleasant. There is a wide selection of botanical treasures: we especially loved how each plant has its origin location! The conservatory is obviously very well maintained & clean, however, the bathrooms are scarce. We will definitely be back!

DEFINITELY A MUST COME AND SEE! The amount of great photos I was able to take it insane! It has many interactive features and absolutely beautiful plants! They have many separate exhibits with many photo opportunities or to just sit and relax. The koi pond, flower garden (reminds me of a fairy garden!), desert exhibit, fern room, and their tropical greens were amazing to see. It was also really cool to experience the different changing of climates/temperatures each room has. Even if it was free, I gladly gave them a hefty donation to keep the observatory alive and well!

Free parking and a lot of nature. I love the way it has set up. Quite, calm and an amazing atmosphere. Some plants I saw first time.God bless this places and protect it.

Very pleasant place to walk around. There are interesting tidbits of history on some of the signs that you can read. The desert greenhouse has a good variety of plants. The grapes that you are not allowed to eat taste pretty good

Absolutely stunning — and FREE! A magical escape from the Chicago wind. You’ll need to make a reservation online but it’s quick and painless. There’s even a cute little gift shop! Overall, I’d say the conservatory is very well curated and worth a visit.

It's been a long time since I came back here, it's a very nice place to see the nature where you don't get to see when you are in Chicago where winter is 5 to 6 months long. I love the sensitive plant. You have to come and find it.

If you love plants, you NEED to stop here! You can step into a jungle in the middle of winter in Chicago and feel like you are truly there. I could spend all day here and still not see it all. The fern house is my favorite. They also have a gift shop where you can purchase some of their plants.

Beautiful and affordable! What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon with friends! The plants, both indoors and out, are gorgeous and the pathways and decor are warm and inviting.

Beautiful historic gardens well worth a visit. Take your time strolling through! Wish they had a cafe or snack bar as there are no restaurants or coffee shops in walking distance. Otherwise, top notch!

I just loved everything about it, beautiful atmosphere, and staff were pleasant. It is free, but they do encourage donations if you can afford it, and they ask that anyone looking to visit the Garfield Park Conservatory should make reservation prior to their visit. I made my reservation online, but you maybe able to do it by phone. It was fast and easy to book my time slot online and I did not have to make a donation, but I donated before I left in the donation drop-box, because I wanted to do my part to keep this wonderful place going. you have 90minutes to tour the facility, but be sure to check their website for updates, because they have different events.

Wow, what an amazing experience. Beautiful gardens and indoor plants. I walked around for about 2 hours soaking in all the natural beauty. Great place to come and clear your head.