HUNTER’S NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT: CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN

1000 Lake Cook Rd.
Glencoe, IL 60022
www.chicagobotanic.org

Spring is upon us, so it’s time to sweep the dust out, shake winter out of the house, and get outdoors! Say goodbye to wintry survival mode and reacquaint yourself with nature’s grandeur for some spring cleaning of the soul at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe.

Nestled 20 miles north of the city, this expansive garden is home to 27 lush landscapes, a learning campus committed to education for all ages, an extensive horticultural library, art exhibitions, al fresco dining, and more. An in-bloom guide informs garden goers of species they’ll see on their paths, while walking and tram tours offer exclusive, in-depth guided experiences. To inspire your family’s smallest nature lovers, the Model Railroad Garden (opening May 11) and Butterflies & Blooms (opening May 25) exhibits can’t be missed.

With something for anyone, the Garden provides a respite from the daily grind, reminding visitors to bask in the beauty of the biological world but also calls on us to take responsibility for it. Science and conservation are key motivators at the Garden, where scientists come to study and work to create solutions for our environment’s modern problems. The garden is also dedicated to inspiring the next generation of environmental activists and scientists with an on campus nature preschool and educational field trip programs.

The Chicago Botanic Garden welcomes visitors at varying times seasonally. Spring hours (through June 2nd) are 8am-7pm for the Garden Grounds and 8am-6pm for the Visitor Center Membership and Information Desks. Summer hours (June 3rd-September 2nd) expand to 7am-9pm for the Garden Grounds and 8am-9pm for the Visitor Center, respectively. For more schedule details on the Garden’s additional features, including walking and tram tours, special events and exhibits, garden shop, library, and restaurant offerings, please refer to the website’s full schedule.

Planning your visit: if you plan to drive, the Chicago Botanic Garden hosts six paid parking lots on its campus. Cost varies on day and time of visit. The Union Pacific North Metra line offers access via the Braeside stop—the Garden is located 0.8 miles from the station, which can be reached via walk or 213 Pace bus ride toward Northbrook Court. For more information on alternative modes of transport, or parking cost, discounts, and exemptions, please visit the Chicago Botanic Garden website.