Chicago Botanic Garden
Located at 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe, Illinois, the Chicago Botanic Garden is the perfect place to experience the pristine beauty of the Great Lakes region and learn all about our local flora and fauna. Get the details below, and then start planning your visit!
Planning Your Day in Chicago
The Chicago Botanic Garden is easy to reach from downtown Chicago by train, so you’ll have no trouble working it into your day if you’d also like to hit up major Chicago landmarks like the Bean, Buckingham Fountain, and Willis Tower.
For instance, you might plan the perfect Chicago day a bit like this:
- 10:00 AM: Visit the Botanic Garden
- 1:00 PM: Explore Millenium Park and shop the Mag Mile
- 3:00 PM: See the city from 103 stories up at Skydeck Chicago
- 5:00 PM: Grab a bite to eat near Willis Tower
If you’re planning ahead for a trip closer to the holidays, learn more about the Chicago Botanic Garden Lightscape event! Tickets sell out every year, so you’ll want to get yours early.
Chicago Botanic Garden Hours
The Chicago Botanic Garden is open every day of the year! During the warmer months, you can generally expect the Chicago Botanic Garden hours to be as follows:
Chicago Botanic Garden Hours
- General: 10 AM – 7 PM daily
- Garden Member Hours: 8 AM – 10 AM daily
- Garden View Café: 8 AM – 5 PM daily
- Grille: 11 – 3 PM starting Friday, May 6
- Garden Shop: 10 AM – 5 PM daily
Keep in mind that hours change seasonally. Be sure to check the Garden’s hours of operation in the weeks leading up to your visit for updated hours!
Getting to the Chicago Botanic Garden
By Metra Train
You can reach the Chicago Botanic Garden via the Union Pacific North Line. Ride to the Braeside station, and then take an ADA-accessible .8-mile walk along the North Branch Trail, to the Garden! Alternatively, take a Pace bus from the Glencoe Metra station. For more information, call (847) 835-5440.
By Bike
If you love to bike and the weather in Chicago is flawless, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Garden’s woodland and wetland landscapes! In partnership with the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Forest Preserves of Cook County, the Garden created a one-mile link between the Green Bay Trail and the North Branch Trail
By Car
If you head in from the suburbs by car, you can stay at the Garden all day and pay a flat daily parking fee:
Chicago Botanic Garden Daily Parking Rates
- Car: $8
- Van: $30
- Limo, bus, or RV: $65
Discover the Chicago Botanic Garden Lightscape & More
There’s no way to fit all of Chicago’s best into one visit—but we’d love to help you try! We’re happy to help if you have any questions about Chicago events, family-friendly fun at the Ledge, and historic neighborhoods. Connect with us to learn more today.