Admire colorful plants and flowers at the Garfield Park Conservatory

Overview

One of the largest botanical conservatories in the United States, the Garfield Park Conservatory hosts thousands of plant species in eight indoor gardens and spans 10 acres of outdoor gardens. It provides a beautiful oasis, especially on a cold day.

Highlights

Each indoor space presents a unique focus:

Aroid House

This house showcases varieties of the popular Aroid plant. It also displays sculptures by the globally acclaimed glass artist Dale Chihuly, created specifically for this space.

Desert House

True to its name, this house is home to cacti and succulents.

Fern Room

Featuring ferns arranged around an indoor lagoon, this room offers a lush, verdant escape.

Palm House

The conservatory's largest structure, it recreates a tropical landscape and houses over 70 palm trees.

Elizabeth Morse Genius Children's Garden

This area is designed to educate children about various plants.

Horticulture Hall

The hall displays an array of flowers and plants and offers seating areas for visitors to rest.

Additionally, the conservatory features several installations by Chicago artists and hosts special exhibits. Visiting in spring for the annual flower show or during the winter flower show from late November to early January is highly recommended.

Hours

The conservatory operates from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.

Tickets

Admission for non-Chicago residents costs $10 for adults, $5 for youths aged 7 to 17, and is free for children 6 and under.

Location and Accessibility

Though situated about 6 miles west of Grant Park, the conservatory is well worth the trip for its serene setting. It's located at the junction of North Central Park Avenue and Lake Street and is accessible via public transit using the Green Line to the Conservatory Stop. A free parking lot and a Divvy bike station are also available.

For more information, visit the conservatory's website.