Just 23 miles north of the city of Chicago, in Glencoe, IL, the Chicago Botanic Garden is home to over 385 acres of gardens. The expansive and beautiful grounds are home to over two dozen uniquely themed gardens, including a Japanese Garden, English Walled Garden, Rose Garden, Aquatic Garden, Heritage Garden, Native Garden, and Evening Island. Throughout the year, the Botanic Garden hosts unique events, from the Orchid Show, Butterflies and Blooms, and Lightscape, cooking demonstrations, outdoor evening concerts during the summer months, and a holiday-themed light show during the winter season.
Whether your interest lies in native plants local to the Midwest, exotic orchids, butterflies, or one of the many seasonal events and classes offered by the Botanic Garden, there is something for everyone. The garden is a gorgeous place to visit for anyone visiting the Chicago area – one you won’t soon forget.
Chicago Botanic Garden | Hours & Admission
The Chicago Botanic Garden is open every day of the year. The garden opens to visitors at 10am everyday; however, members can often enter at 8am. Admission tickets include narrated Grand Tram Tours throughout the gardens, Butterflies & Blooms, and the Model Railroad Garden.
- Tram tours include a 30-35 minute narrated tour of the gardens, boarding at the Welcome Plaza.
- Butterflies & Blooms is open from late May through November, weather dependent.
- The Model Railroad Garden is also open between May and November, weather-dependent.
- See MAP of grounds for specific event locations.
Admission rates vary by county of residence. Tickets and parking can be booked online in advance for a significant discount. Advance tickets purchased online are currently priced as follows:
- Cook County resident Adult: $22.95
- Cook County resident Child 3-12: $14.95
- Non-Resident Adult: $24.95
- Non-Resident Child 3-12: $16.95
- Children 0-2: Free
Reciprocal Garden Admissions
For those who are active members of other botanic gardens throughout the country, the Chicago Botanic Garden offers Reciprocal Admission. Search for reciprocal gardens in every state through the American Horticultural Society Garden Network. Additionally, be sure to visit the Gift Shop during your visit to the garden. Garden members receive a 10% discount at the gift shop throughout the year.
Chicago Botanic Garden | Parking
The entrance to the Chicago Botanic Garden is located at 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe, IL 60022. Parking is $25 per car on weekdays, and $30 per car on weekends and holidays. Parking can also be purchased in advance online at a discount:
- Cook County residents: $12
- Non-Resident: $10
Chicago, Illinois | Weather
Weather in the Chicagoland can be highly variable, with average summer temperatures ranging from 60-83 degrees. Mid-summer, especially late July and August, can be quite humid. The garden is open every day of the year, and outdoor gardens remain open during the winter months. For a current forecast and weather conditions, check Chicago’s National Weather Service website for real-time updates.
Learn More about Seasonal Blooms
Throughout the year, thousands of different species of flowers are in bloom, from native spring ephemerals emerging in early spring to summer perennials and fall blooms. Before your visit, learn more about what’s currently in bloom in this highly detailed Seasonal Bloom Chart.
Bonsai Exhibit
The bonsai exhibit is open between April and November each year. Over 200 unique bonsai trees are on display in the Searle and Runnells Courtyard. Below I have included images of just a few of the unique bonsai trees I enjoyed during my visit; however, there are many more to explore. See MAP of grounds for the location of the bonsai exhibit.
Japanese Garden
The Japanese garden is comprised of 17 acres, including three separate islands, two of which can be accessed via bridges within the garden. The beautiful arched bridge is pictured below, in addition to an arbor house, dry garden, and numerous stopping places to pause and reflect. By far, this is one of my favorite parts of the botanic garden. The quiet and serene aesthetic transports you to feel as though you are standing in a quiet garden in Japan.
Aquatic Garden
The aquatic garden is home to numerous species of water lilies, lotus flowers, and occasionally, visiting dragonflies. A boardwalk runs throughout the aquatic garden area for a closer look. My favorite lily species is the unique Trickeri Water Platter (pictured below).
Botanic Garden Events | Orchid Show
Each winter between February and March, the garden hosts the annual indoor orchid show. A different theme is observed each year; in 2026 the theme was, “Feeling Groovy”. Rooms are filled to the brim with exotic orchids of all colors, shapes and sizes; the displays are truly impressive. I have enjoyed the orchid show on multiple occasions over the years, and each year I am wowed by the immense variety of colors, species, and presentation of the orchids.
Chicago Botanic Garden Events | Lightscape
Each winter, the Botanic Garden hosts Lightscape, an annual event including numerous light displays along a 1.3 mile trail. Along the illuminated trail and in the main cafe, hot chocolate, mulled wine, and other beverages are available for purchase. This is such a festive event, and a beautiful way to enjoy the garden in the winter season and the creative light displays.
2026 Lightscape dates run from November 13, 2026 through January 3, 2027. Below I’ve included some photos from the 2024 event. Advance tickets can be purchased online beginning in mid-September 2026.
Reciprocal Botanic Gardens | Great Lakes Region
Along the shores of Lake Monona in neighboring Wisconsin’s capitol city, an equally beautiful botanical garden sits along the isthmus of downtown Madison, WI. Olbrich offers reciprocal admission (free admission) for members of the Chicago Botanic Garden. For more information on Madison, Wisconsin’s Olbrich Botanical Gardens, read more in my recent article: Experience the Beautiful Blooms of Olbrich Botanical Gardens.
Enjoy your visit to the beautiful Chicago Botanic Garden!
-Erin