Let me start by saying, if you love botanic gardens, get the membership! They have options that range from households plus guests to individual memberships. They even have an option for people who live more than 75 miles away. And get this: if you become a member, your entry and parking fees are covered! If you choose not to join, expect to pay between around $16 - $22 per person plus $8 per car (I think vans & other larger vehicles cost more). Once inside, the gardens have acres upon acres of breathtaking displays to enjoy! Our favourites are the fruit & vegetable garden, the Japanese garden, and probably the bonsai display. The gift shop has lovely items plus local honey (so good for you)! The cafe has a good variety of options and the prices aren't too crazy. We haven't tried the tram yet but it's on our list. The garden closes around 8pm so you could literally spend the whole day here!

This is one of my favorite places to visit in the Chicagoland area and it's very affordable. They only charge you for parking and admission is free. I really enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of this place. It transports you into an oasis of wonderful flowers, rare trees, waterfalls, fountains, fish ponds and shrubbery, just to name a few. The overall landscape makes you feel like you're in a different country. If you forget your wheelchair... don't worry, they have you covered with regular wheel chairs and motorized electric wheel chairs - scooters for a small fee, at the visitors center. If you plan on going make sure you wear some comfortable shoes and clothes. I also recommend that you bring some water and a good camera with plenty of memory, so you can take a lot of pictures. A set of binoculars would also be nice, so you can zoom in an the wild life roaming around the beautiful prairie style ponds. If you don't feel like walking, just take the tram and it will take around the whole entire facility. I believe you can visit them all year round and they always have something new going on.

LOVE the new pricing model! It makes sense to charge per person that is entering vs. just by parking a car that could either have one person or seven. Yes, people used to be able to get in for free, either by walking or biking in, I did it several times myself. But if you get to enter and enjoy the gardens, you should also be the one paying for that admission. This isn’t a forest preserve or a park. For large groups, people with kids, and any other individuals that don’t really value the botanic garden or just don’t think it’s worth the price of admission there are plenty of beautiful parks, beaches, trails, and forest preserves in the area that are free. For those that find real value in the experience and/or are frequent visitors, the price of admission or membership is well worth it.

It's a very beautiful place to visit in all seasons. And a must when you visit Chicago it is situated on a 45 min drive from downtown. It is well connected with public transport. Pictures shared are for the month of April when flowers are in full bloom..

The Chicago botanic garden was a new experience for me. Although I wouldn’t consider myself a connoisseur of gardens, plant life or even birds. With the wealth of knowledge from the tour guides and the informational plaques at each garden section, I feel as though I improved my intellect pertaining to different species of trees and flowers. I would seriously consider going here if you’re looking for a fun trip that is scenic and informative.

Always a treat to visit this well known, established and such a gem of a botanical garden. I very much reckoned to visit to enjoy all sorts of botanical marvels they created here. The cafe offers delicious options for lunch and pleasant facility to dine in. I’d suggest to buy tickets online as well as prepaid parking to expedite your movement through the entrance.

Awesome place and we only saw half of it due to child's nap time. The model train garden made me in awe and could spend so long in there just looking at every little detail. The gardens are awesome in general and cannot wait to see more. The Cafe was delicious and would recommend for lunch. Look forward to going back and seeing the rest

Went and saw the orchid exhibit: The Orchid Show Untamed. It was lovely, informative, and set up so thoughtfully. There were several rooms of different temperatures and designs featuring different orchids and plants. There was plenty of seating if you got tired. There were guides to teach you and answer questions. As well as so many Instagram worthy photo spots if you’re into that. Worth every penny. I cannot wait to go back and see the entire outdoor garden in full bloom.

Beautiful. New admission process. Enjoyed our day. We did the tram tour which was full of good information. The model railroad garden is truly excellent and brings us back year after year. Truly appreciate all the people the work and volunteer to support the gardens. Amazing place to have access to.

I’ve been a member since the start of 2023, and it’s been a pleasure being able to come visit the gardens through the seasons. There’s plenty of parking and room to enjoy the walks and trails through a variety of gardens that they’re always updating at the Botanic. They also hold many events. We’ve enjoyed the orchid show a few months back as well as the butterflies and blooms space over by the learning center. This is just a fantastic space to go for a walk and take in nature. Highly recommend to any and everyone! Handicap accessible and the new welcome center is beautiful!!

It’s always a joy to visit the botanic garden. I’ve been to > 30 botanic gardens in the US and this one truly stands out as one of the top ones. Through sheer size and diversity, but also through how well it’s maintained, how beautifully it’s laid out, how informative it manages to be and how amazing some of the events/themes are that they organize (for example, take the pumpkin carving festival). Although quite busy, we didn’t feel crowded or unsafe on our most recent “pandemic era” trip. Their two restaurants had organized take out options and the garden is encouraging people to bring a picnic blanket and find a sunny (or shady) spot on a lawn or the esplanade! Visiting this place is highly recommended!

Such a great place to hang out and spend your day. If you ever come to Chicago, check this place out if you have time. So much to look at and do! I spent a good four hours here without realizing how much time went by! Affordable and good parking if you get there a little early! It gets packed so be ready to wait on some popular picture spots!! Bring water especially during the summer for the walk!! Bring the family and friends if you go since they’ll enjoy it as well!!

Weather stole some of the joy this tranquil place can spare.Esthetic fruit& veg garden, lost opportunity to reach the trolley ride as is tucked away in a tangle of gardens!! Saw three weddings and sweet sixteenths parades- lovely!! Plenty of seating available throughout.People picnicking on blankets 🍷 included.Dahlia Society selling over 40 varieties of potted seedlings.A bonsai garden featuring 600-1000 old tree!Pay $8 parking online along tickets or become a member.Food grossly overpriced.

The botanic gardens were wonderful. A great place for an afternoon walk and to see some wonderful flowers and plants. I would strongly suggest checking out the bonsai garden they have here! The tree look a amazing and the waterfalls are wonderful!

I went to the Lightscape with my sister and walking through the park with the posted guides to direct people was freezing but very beautiful. The exhibits with music playing were so much fun to witness. The art displays and lighting aesthetic against the night sky are ethereal to experience. I would definitely recommend this event to others in the future.

My whole family went to see Lightscape at the Chicago Botanical Gardens this weekend. It was incredible! The lights were beautiful. Be sure to dress warm... It was freezing the night we went. It takes about an hour and a half to walk the entire path and see everything. I would highly recommend going! It was lot of fun... And enjoyable for the entire family.

A great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of plants, each garden has a unique vibe and floral composition. Be sure to arrive early and wear comfy shoes, walking around all the gardens takes a long time, and it's so fun to discover all the hidden statues, fountains and benches where you can sit an enjoy the scenery or read a book. Such a lovely place.

Amazing experience! We live about 3 hours away and drove here to check it out. We'll worth the trip! Wide variety of plants and gardens. The outdoor area is massive--wear comfy shoes and be prepared to walk! Great spot for taking photos, too, so long as you're not crowding and blocking others.

What a wonderful way to spend half a day! There are plenty of sections to meander through, like the English walled garden or the Japanese garden island. It is awesome to hear the bells go off on Evening Island. The waterfalls are lovely. When we visited in early June there were an incredible amount of flowers blooming. I highly recommend this place!

A beautiful and gorgeous palace like an graceful princess with mesmerizing smiles, but down to earth. Or an eye banquet with an elegantly prepared tasting meal at a 3 stared Michelin restaurant. Only it was free. This is one of a few crown jewels of Chicago, you enjoy it with patience and envy. With colorful water lilies, wooden bridges, and lethargic sunshine, many sceneries feel like master pieces of Claude Monet. It's a gorgeous impressionism garden.

Don't even waste your time here. This place would be better off as farm land. Waste of tax payer dollars for sure.

You can never go wrong visiting the gardens. They sometimes have the corpse flower. The greenhouse is beautiful, and huge. The garden itself is so big, you'd have to stay when they open to ensure you see it all. They have trains, tram, bonsai trees and an amazing gift shop.

We loved our trip to this garden! It's beautiful, serene! I could spend hours and not get bored. Every area will help you capture the best of nature! The staff on the entrance and elsewhere too had masks on, which was very good! Would love to visit again!

Beautiful garden with many different flowers and plants. It was way beyond my expectations. It has some hidden sculptures around as well as descriptions of the plants. Especially I loved the the bonsai garden. There are bonsai plants older than hundred years, I know it is mind blowing right?

The lightscape show was quite beautiful and mesmerizing. Face masks and distancing is enforced throughout the walks and displays. Absolutely worth seeing !

This is a beautiful place to walk and learn about different plants as well as their purposes to help the planet. You can also see a wonderful Japanese garden, a butterfly garden as well as a bulb garden. Most people are being considerate and wearing masks even though they are outside. I'm happy the gardens have been able to open again and I hope to visit again soon.

(Translated by Google) Excellent place to relax and enjoy nature, whenever I come to visit Chicago, I stop by (Original) Excelente lugar para relajarse y disfrutar de la naturaleza, siempre qué vengo de turismo por Chicago, paso a visitarlo

Ticket counter person is always not in a great mood. Always has weird answers to any question you have.

These pics are from the summer but it looks great all-year-around! I love that in fall they Han out hot apple cider (not free though!)

Great little station, could be more conveniently located, but this one has things to do while you wait for your next Metra train

Not the cleanest restrooms, but there's a Jimmy John's there.

Website is broken. Do better if you want business.

Great experience with family. This was right before Halloween and they had carved pumpkins exhibitions as well. A lot of indoor exhibitions were closed due to COVID. Make sure to buy tickets online before you go or else they will have you wait on the side of the street till you purchase ticket online. Be prepared to walk a lot, overall great experience.

I took a shuttle bus from the hotel. You do require purchase admission but just happens that day I went was free admission. You need to check online before heading over but it is worth a trip. The garden is amazing. I do advice bring bottle of water, sunscreen and repellent with you during summer it is hot. I got all my tan in one day. 🤪 They have a very nice tea room Cafe and gift shop.

This station is an absolute joke, the ticket counter is never open, this is a weekday 2:30 pm. Why bother still have a ticket counter there of no one is there, just fire the guy, FFS.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is a favorite place to visit. Every season is beautiful. This is landscaping at its finest. You will never see a better place for vibrant, healthy, diverse, and creative landscaping. If it's fall see summer green transition to all the fall colors and mums of every kind and color. See the harvest from the beautiful and educational agriculture garden. If it's winter visit the greenhouse. If it's spring enjoy the orchid show and then the amazing bulb garden. If it's summer you will see the glorious lush greenery, butterfly garden, blooming rose garden, and beauty all around you.

Coffee cakes..it's perfect! !!!!!!

Beginning of October was a beautiful time to go if you love the fall colors. Though it was Saturday, it didn't feel crowded and many times my boyfriend and I were the only ones on a path. The fruit and veggie garden was so educational if you're new to gardening. Parking was easy and the map was super helpful. My favorite was the waterfall garden and the sensory garden. I look forward to coming back when it's warmer and the lotus plants are in bloom.

Such a great little escape from the city! The gardens were much bigger than I expected and all the fall colors were out in full force. There were several smaller gardens (notably the Japanese garden and English walled gardens which were my favorites) that made up the larger garden. They also had a number of pumpkins out on display for the Halloween season. I’ll definitely be making a trip back over the summer to see all the flowers in bloom!

Incredible grounds. Beautiful during the summer. Winter light show is a lot of fun.

Recently had the pleasure of visiting the Chicago Botanical Garden, and it's truly a gem for families and nature enthusiasts alike. This sprawling garden offers an abundance of activities and attractions that cater to visitors of all ages, making it an ideal spot for a family day out. One of the highlights that captured my attention was the mesmerizing model railroad exhibit. It's an absolute delight for small kids and anyone with an interest in trains. The attention to detail in this exhibit is remarkable, and it's a must-see. Beyond the model railroad, there is an array of natural wonders to explore. The garden's extensive grounds are perfect for a family picnic or a leisurely stroll. There's a sense of tranquility here, surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and serene ponds. To satisfy your hunger, the on-site restaurant offers a variety of delicious dishes, making it convenient for a meal while enjoying your visit. The culinary offerings complement the overall experience. In summary, the Chicago Botanical Garden is a fantastic destination for families, offering a wealth of activities, from the captivating model railroad to beautiful gardens and a dining experience that rounds out a perfect day. It's a place where you can create lasting memories and appreciate the beauty of nature.

This botanical gardens is really beautiful! It's very large and spacious. I thought that after two hours we would have had enough and would be ready to go but after being there for two and a half hours we only left because it was getting late! They have many different gardens with a lake around them. Some are islands with bridges to them which makes the whole thing very cool! One specific part that I thought was really creative is the mini train garden. They have all of these mini trains and they mock up all of the trees and flowers to be mini as well! Many museums have mini cities or the like but this one is the most realistic one I have ever seen! I definitely recommend coming here for a visit!

Beautifully maintained garden. We spent several hours walking the different paths and exploring the gardens. The Japanese garden was my favorite- beautiful waterfalls and unique trees. We ended our walk in the Blooms and Butterflies exhibit. Small greenhouse with some really pretty butterflies. I recommend good walking sneakers and bottled water.

This is a huge garden with many acres of beautiful flowers and trees. You will need to get tickets in advance as they had to be purchased on line and they are often sold out especially on weekends. Be sure to see the waterfalls and rose gardens, apple orchards and miniature trains.

The gardens here are lovely, and much more spread out than others we've visited. There are several themed islands, many many MANY trails, all kinds of wildlife (seeing a blue heron and a muskrat were particular highlights of our trip) and a miniature train exhibit as well! There is also a restaurant that incorporates produce grown on the grounds into its menu, but we were not able to visit as it was only open on weekends. Well worth the visit, but definitely wear your walking shoes, bring water, and be prepared to lose yourself for hours in a lovingly cultivated paradise!

I guess the most beautiful place near the Chicago area. Nice park with all amenities and also so many type of plants and trees, flowers. Chicago Botanical Garden is definitely worth visiting. It’s a great place to people-watch!

Will NEVER come here again or give them any money. Restrooms closed but gift shop open. ALL POLITICAL. Crimes against humanity. Bombarded by security for not wearing a mask while taking a family photo. Bye botanic gardens. Keep your reset to yourself.

Loved it. Make sure you get a car full for parking fee.

This place is like heaven. There is a light show at night for winter. If you live in Chicago, you already know this, but if you are here for a short time, I definitely recommend you to experience this. The Japanese garden was very beautiful. The model train section is currently closed, which is a bit sad. Very good!

Lovely place to spend a few hours. Beautiful rose garden and awesome bonsai courtyard. This place is perfect for family with kids. Definitely need to bring a hat if you are visiting on a sunny day, there is not much shade in garden. Or you can also purchase one in the gift shop. Also make sure you bring water and go with a pair of good walking shoes.

My family attended the 2023 Lightscape lighting event at the Chicago Botanic Garden. The show encompasses a multitude of lighting displays synced to music. There are laser light displays, ribbon lights, eclectic artwork and more. It took our group about 90 minutes to cover the entire grounds where the displays are constructed. The trails are easy to navigate, all clearly marked, wheelchairs are available for free, and the paths make it easy to tour the grounds. We heard it can become very crowded later into the holiday season. Tickets for non-members are $37, special event parking is $25. Overall, a nice experience. I wouldn't say "incredible," but I would say it's "enjoyable".

I love the Chicago Botanic Gardens! I’ve visited several times on vacation but now I live here and get to go all the time! Spring and Fall are my favorite seasons at the Gardens. It’s usually quite busy on weekends and holidays, so if you can, go on a weekday. You can still enjoy even when there are big crowds because this place is HUGE! If you live near, it is worth it to get a membership. Mine paid for itself in 3 visits. One of my “Happy Places”! Great for walks, lunch, relaxing or getting ideas for home gardens. It does cost to park too…so the memberships are the way to go, as there’s no parking fee.

Beautiful garden park with 385 acres of paths winding through many varieties of trees, flowers, bushes, and other plants. Many places to sit and take it all in. Not too crowded during my mid-week afternoon visit. I would have liked an opportunity to purchase a drink or snack when I was well into the park. Excellent signage and numerous maps so I always knew generally where I was in the park. Upon leaving I saw numerous parked trams which I never saw running through the park - they would have been a great way to see and experience more.

Great place for a walk in any occasion. Very seasonal so it gets less exciting in between fall and winter, winter and spring. Although they add some content to keep it interesting. But spring, summer especially when flowers are booming it's amazing. But definitely recommended to visit in any season.

This was a freebie from Cook County to all of the forest preserve trail watch volunteers. We were given a free pass to see everything, go anywhere in the botanical gardens. Rode the tram, and we had a two-hour walking tour through the immense facility and greenhouses! This was truly impressive! Later, we had some rather unique and tasty foods in the cafeteria. This place should be visited every season, because it changes so much! If you purchase a membership ($130), you also get free access to the Morton Arboretum in Lisle.

The Garden is a dream come true. Well planned and always inviting every season of the year. You can take a tram that drives you around the gardens so you can enjoy every part of it. Get away from the city and enjoy nature as it is intended.

Amazing. My second time coming here and each time, it feels even more amazing than the last time. Free Parsley Seeds, The Rose Garden, all about Love, Bonsai Garden, etc... Each section compliments the next and no guest will leave empty-handed, in both memories and experiences. Amazing time, anybody can come at any time, and no matter what kind of person one may be, you will never be bored or uninterested. Also, the Railroad Mini Garden is a must see.

One of the most beautiful botanical gardens anywhere. We went on a sunny July day when the roses were in full bloom, and enjoyed strolling down the paths and soaking in the sights and fragrances. We loved observing the butterflies up close, and also really liked the bonsai trees and the English walled garden. I’m sure there was a lot that we missed, we’ll need to come again to continue exploring.

This was truly a wonderful and beautiful experience 💜 💜

Great Christmas lights setup

If I ever take over the country, I am coming for this place as a trophy.

The light walk this year 2020 was a huge disappointment. The CBG is not practicing social distancing and is relying on a mask for public events. People who attended stopped in the middle of the path to take pictures not realizing the large crowd of people behind them. I was even ran into by a man that wasn't paying attention. With all the workers I would have thought better COVID management would be in affect. The light show was disappointing as compared to 2019 which was great. Last year we'll be attending.

Beautiful place

Saw the holiday lights at the botanical gardens this year. Very tastful, artistic light show but less religious than most

I cannot say enough for the grounds and exhibits, they are great. We sometimes feel out of place among the local well-off crowd. However, the staff has always been welcoming.

Amazing place!

very nice thank you

We love this place. Whether to walk, relax, enjoy their many events... the gardens are amazing.

Light show 2020

(Translated by Google) It is a beautiful place to spend a pleasant time, it is very large and you surround yourself with nature. And you can visit any day of the year. (Original) Es un lugar lindo para pasar un rato agradable, es muy grande y pues te rodeas de la naturaleza. Y puedes visitar cualquier día de año..

I went to the Christmas light show. The first part of the show was underwhelming

This place is open from sin rise to sun set. Good Place to visit the fall foliage. It has a small restaurant attached to it. The food is limited or gets over early. There are snack available. The place is separated into multiple Gardens around the world. The English Garden, The Japanese Garden and the Rose Garden are so beautiful. The bonsai trees living here are over 100 years old.It is definitely a family picnic spot. Don't forget to visit during the halloween season for the Pumpkin feast.

I went to the Christmas light show. The first part of the show was underwhelming. The music was dated, like 1950s dated and too loud, the path was crowded and you felt rushed. The second part, that would be after passing the warming and dining station, was much better. There was room enough to see the lights from a distance, they were more imaginative and you felt less rushed. The music was not as dated and was not screaming in your ear. As a whole I expected better from the Botanic Gardens. I will say that the Morton Arboretum light show is a better experience.

I went to Chicago Botanic Garden for the Lightscape event which they have during holiday season. Overall, it was a joyful event but can need some improvements. I think they need to add more experiences plus since this event is in winter, they should probably provide a fireplace or a heater on the trail walks as seen on other such events which would help old people and kids alike atleast. Will definitely try and visit again.

I've been here several times and it has always been beautiful. A bit pricey at the cafe and gift shop, but that's to be expected. Only complaint is that when I went to see the lights they had stands selling food and drink right outside and it was cold so I got a hot chocolate to keep me warm while walking through the lights only to get to the door and be told no food or drink was allowed so I had to chug my hot cocoa. Then there was another vendor selling the same thing inside! Regardless, the lights were very beautiful and we brought home a cute little plant from the gift store so it was a great time.

Fantastic place! I visit this place atlest twice a year and now that i have a kid, i will probably make more visits. Lots of vegetables plants and flowers to see. You can also just sit by fountain and enjoy the wide view. I would suggest visiting them during early morning to avoid crown. Its hard to cover everything in a day and i find something new everytime i come there.

One of the best places in Chicago! It’s not my first time there, we can come back over and over again, and we will

The holiday light show is awesome! The sound system is very clear throughout the walk.

(Translated by Google) When my Son took me to meet him, I found a place in nature that Man has developed by joining! . It is a place of full life full of Peace. (Original) Cuando mi Hijo me llevo para conocerlo, encontre un lugar de la naturaleza que el Hombre ha desarrolado incorporandose ! . Es un lugar de vida plena lleno de Paz.

Such a peaceful place to go and relax. A lot of beautiful sights to behold. Definitely will be back again. Thank you.

A wonderful festival of lights...!

This is a beautiful place to walk and learn about different plants as well as their purposes to help the planet. You can also see a wonderful Japanese garden, a butterfly garden as well as a bulb garden.

I go there any season you will love it . It’s great place for walking surroundings with beautiful flowers and fresh air .

This is the place to go to see flowers!

Holiday show was great!

Such a pretty sight along and completely worth it. Went in October so I can only imagine how much more beautiful it is in the spring and summer! There is a lot of walking and different “islands” to venture off to. Worth it!

Not alot of flowers this time of year but still beautiful. They are getting ready for the Lightscape so they are installing all the lights for the show.

It’s a pretty good station. Close to McAllusters , Jimmy Johns Home Depot and other chains. Better than Deerfield in my opinion.

You can tell who ever did the HVAC is new. .

We had a beautiful day walking among the flowers, and along the water ways. The winding paths presents new sights of beauty. There are plenty of benches to take a rest and absorb the natural surroundings.

Prepare to spend the whole day if you come here! Beautiful well maintained gardens for miles and there's so many different things to see. Definitely bring water when you go! I really wish we had more time to rent some bikes and go down the trail but we walked around the main gardens for like 2-3 hours and we barely finished it. Our legs were definitely a bit worn...