Do you love plants and nature? Here are the must-visit botanical gardens in Illinois:
1Lincoln Park Conservatory
Chicago, ILThe Lincoln Park Conservatory, also known as Lincoln Park Botanical Garden, is a conservatory and botanical garden located in the Lincoln Park sector of Chicago, Illinois, USA. It has been in existence since 1877 and is situated at 2391 North Stockdon Drive, just south of Fullerton Avenue, west of Lake Shore Drive, and is part of Lincoln Park. The conservatory is near the shores of Lake Michigan and just north of Lincoln Park Zoo. 2Chicago Botanic Gardens
Glencoe, ILThe Chicago Botanic Garden is a vast botanical garden and arboretum spanning 156 hectares (385 acres). It is nestled within the Cook County Forest Preserve District, a green belt that encompasses over 68,000 acres (275 km²) of open spaces. This green belt encircles the city of Chicago, Illinois, providing a serene and natural escape from the bustling city life. 3The Morton Arboretum
Lisle, ILThe Morton Arboretum, located in Lisle, Illinois, is a sprawling 1700-acre arboretum and botanical garden. It offers a diverse range of plant life and tree collections from specific taxonomic and geographical areas. The arboretum is generally open to the public every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas. 4Garfield Park Conservatory
Chicago, ILThe Garfield Park Conservatory, situated in Garfield Park in Chicago, is recognized as one of the largest greenhouse conservatories in the United States. This vast conservatory is often referred to as 'landscape art under glass' and spans approximately 4.5 acres both inside and out. 5Oak Park Conservatory
Oak Park, ILThe Oak Park Conservatory is a conservatory and botanical garden situated at 615 Garfield Street in the suburb of Oak Park, Illinois, United States. It is a place where visitors can explore a variety of plant species in a serene environment. The conservatory is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to learn about different types of plants and their habitats. 6Anderson Japanese Gardens
Rockford, ILThe Anderson Japanese Gardens is a sprawling 57,000 m² (14 acres) Japanese garden and botanical garden located in Rockford, Illinois. It is a place of tranquility and beauty, where visitors can experience the serenity of a traditional Japanese garden. The garden features various elements of Japanese design, including waterfalls, ponds, streams, rock formations, and trails. 7Lilacia Park
Lombard, ILLilacia Park, located in Lombard, Illinois, is a unique arboretum and botanical garden that specializes in the cultivation of lilacs and tulips. This 8.5-acre park is a beautiful destination for nature lovers and flower enthusiasts, offering a stunning display of over 200 varieties and cultivars of lilacs and 50 varieties of tulips. 8Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center
Springfield, ILThe Lincoln Memorial Garden, also known as the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Garden, is a significant natural attraction in Springfield, Illinois. Spanning 100 acres, this woodland and prairie garden is owned by the city of Springfield and is managed by the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Garden Foundation. The garden is a testament to the city's commitment to preserving natural spaces and offers visitors a chance to explore a diverse range of flora and fauna. 9The Gardens at SIUE
Edwardsville, ILThe Gardens at SIUE is a botanical garden located on the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Originally established as an arboretum, the garden spans 35 acres of the university's 2,660-acre campus in Edwardsville, Illinois. It serves as a living laboratory supporting the educational and research missions of the university, as well as a place of beauty for the university community and the general public to enjoy. 10Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden
Rockford, ILThe Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden is a vast 63-hectare (155-acre) arboretum and botanical garden situated in Rockford, Illinois. This expansive green space offers visitors a chance to explore a diverse range of plant species and enjoy the tranquility of nature. 11University of Illinois Arboretum
Urbana, ILThe University of Illinois Arboretum is a significant botanical garden and arboretum that covers an expansive area of 64.75 hectares (160 acres). It is conveniently located on the campus of the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois. This location makes it easily accessible for visitors who are interested in exploring the diverse plant collections and installations that support teaching, research, and public service programs. 12Luthy Botanical Garden
Peoria, ILThe George L. Luthy Memorial Botanical Garden is a significant botanical garden and greenhouse located in Peoria, Illinois. Spanning an area of 20,234 m² (5 acres), it offers a vast space for visitors to explore and enjoy the diverse range of plant life. 13Starhill Forest Arboretum
Petersburg, ILStarhill Forest Arboretum is a privately owned arboretum situated at 12000 Boy Scout Trail, Petersburg, Illinois. It has been under the ownership and management of the Sternberg family since 1976. The name 'Starhill Forest' is derived from the Sternberg family name, which translates to 'star mountain' in German. 14Washington Park
Springfield, ILWashington Park offers a variety of attractions for visitors. The park features walking trails for those who enjoy a leisurely stroll or a brisk walk. It also houses a botanical garden and a large duck pond, providing a serene environment for nature lovers. The rose garden is a sight to behold, especially when the flowers are in full bloom. The park also features a carillon and hosts carillon concerts, adding a musical element to the park's offerings. 15Allerton – Park & Retreat Center
Monticello, ILRobert Allerton Park, located in Willow Branch Township, Illinois, near Monticello, is a unique combination of a botanical garden, arboretum, preserved natural area, and conference center. This expansive park was designed and built by industrial heir, artist, art collector, and garden designer Robert Allerton and his adopted son John Gregg Allerton. The park was donated to the University of Illinois in 1946 and has since been a popular destination for nature lovers and art enthusiasts. 16Quad City Botanical Center
Rock Island, ILThe Quad City Botanical Center is a botanical garden and a 599 m² greenhouse located near the Mississippi River in Rock Island, Illinois. This location offers a unique opportunity to explore a variety of plant species in a controlled environment, while also enjoying the scenic views of the nearby river. The center is easily accessible and provides a tranquil setting for visitors to enjoy.- 17
Ladd Arboretum
Evanston, ILThe Edward R. Ladd Arboretum is situated in Evanston, Illinois, specifically at 2024 McCormick Boulevard. The arboretum spans across 23 acres of land, stretching narrowly for .75 miles between McCormick Boulevard and the North Shore Channel. This location provides a serene and natural environment for visitors to explore and enjoy. - 18
Standish Park Arboretum
Galesburg, ILStandish Park Arboretum is a sizable park situated in the heart of Downtown Galesburg, Illinois. Its location is conveniently close to Knox College, making it easily accessible for visitors. The park spans 3.3 acres, providing ample space for leisurely strolls and exploration. - 19
Longview Park Conservatory and Gardens
Rock Island, ILLongview Park Conservatory and Gardens is a city park situated at 1300 17th Street, Rock Island, Illinois. This location is easily accessible and offers a variety of attractions for visitors of all ages.