5Allyson C. 2 months ago

It's hard to believe this peaceful garden is in the city. My friend and I had only been 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!

5A R. 2 months ago

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.

4Altinay C. 2 months ago

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.

5Diandra J. 3 months ago

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.

5Flash P. 3 months ago

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.

5Ruji S. 3 months ago

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.

5light t. 4 months ago

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.

5Kirsten B. 5 months ago

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!

5Hamdi H. 7 months ago

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

5c. 9 months ago

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.

5Ms. I. 1 year ago

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.

5Yulia G. 1 year ago

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.

5Sandra R. 1 year ago

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!

5Leora D. 1 year ago

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.

5V. 1 year ago

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!

5ENRIQUE C. 1 year ago

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!

5Beth M. 1 year ago

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.

5Elisha R. 1 year ago

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.

5Cortney A. 1 year ago

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.

5G. 1 year ago

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!

5David S. 1 year ago

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.

4Sunshine D. 1 year ago

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.

5William M. 1 year ago

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.

5Nzingha T. 1 year ago

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.

5Samir J. 1 year ago

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.

5Amy M. 1 year ago

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.

5Anna B. 1 year ago

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.

5Ajimon T. 1 year ago

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 :)

5Jonathan S. 1 year ago

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.

5Jessica B. 1 year ago

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!

5Guineviere C. 2 years ago

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!

5Hunter F. 2 years ago

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

5Howard W. 2 years ago

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

5D. 2 years ago

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.

5د. أريج �. 2 years ago

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

5Shawn S. 2 years ago

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.

5Yang C. 2 years ago

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!

5Daisha O. 2 years ago

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.

5Joe S. 2 years ago

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.

5Bryan O. 2 years ago

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.