Chicago Botanic Garden — Garden Review | Condé Nast Traveler
"What’s this place all about? The Chicago Botanic Garden, a 385-acre living plant museum, features 28 distinct gardens and four natural areas, draws more than one million visitors annually, making it one of the most frequented public gardens in the United States . What will we find in the garden? The Garden’s living collections feature more than 2.8 million plants from around the world that grow well in the Chicago area and are adapted to Midwest climate and soils. Expect to see a lush array of trees, shrubs, vines, and tropical plants, among other varieties. What did you make of the crowd? Plan to see every kind of person on these grounds—and lots of them. The museum also hosts a slew of special outings and events, from field trips and camps to corporate team-building sessions and weddings (which fill a covetable 40-ish slots every year). How accessible is the space? The team here makes a solid effort to accommodate everyone who visits, offering wheelchairs at the information desk, accessible parking, electric scooters, and the option to bring service animals. The Buehler Enabling Garden is particularly notable: It's a teaching garden showcasing green thumb techniques for those who use wheelchairs. Any guided tours worth trying? A 30-minute narrated tram tour, which runs daily from late April through October, touches upon the Garden’s most popular areas. Gift shop: What will we find? Browse every kind of garden-themed item under the sun, from books and plants to clothing and jewelry. What do they have to eat after an afternoon of viewing the flora? There are three dining options: The Garden View Café, perfect for substantial plates like seasonal omelets, freshly made salads, and brick-oven flatbreads; The Garden Grille, offering comforting fixes like grass-fed beef burgers, bratwurst, and chicken sandwiches; and the Rose Terrace Beer Garden, an alfresco option with local craft beers to pair with sandwiches, salads, and pristine rose garden views. Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged? Once you’ve made the trip here (and snagged the perfect parking spot), chances are you’ll want to stay a while. Plan to make a day of it and enjoy the collections and special exhibits." - Nicole Schnitzler
