Chicago, The Windy City, is a destination that is not always cheap or free. Luckily, there are plenty of outdoor spaces that welcome visitors year round and without any entry fees. If searching for the greener side of Chicago, here are some must visit urban parks, gardens and green spaces to visit throughout the year.
Chicago Botanical Garden
This 385-acre green space is open everyday of the year with the best admission fee, free! The garden opened over 45 years ago and is home to over 27 gardens spread across nine islands, which includes six miles of lake shoreline. Besides admiring seasonal blooms, the garden features various historic architectural structures, some of which was built in the 1970's. The website features seasonal blooms and a guide on the various gardens to visit. The English Walled Garden is one of the most notable in the park.
This 385-acre green space is open everyday of the year with the best admission fee, free! The garden opened over 45 years ago and is home to over 27 gardens spread across nine islands, which includes six miles of lake shoreline. Besides admiring seasonal blooms, the garden features various historic architectural structures, some of which was built in the 1970's. The website features seasonal blooms and a guide on the various gardens to visit. The English Walled Garden is one of the most notable in the park.
Millenium Park
No trip to Chicago is complete without visiting Millennium Park. Located in the heart of Chicago near the water, this urban concrete jungle of a park is open year round with various attractions and events. Most visit for the famous "Bean" sculpture, which showcases reflections of yourself and the city in the backdrop. The other popular landmark is the Crown Fountain where faces appear on an interactive video of pursed lips and water spurts out of the fountain. During the winter months, the McCormick Tribune Plaza transforms into an ice rink and the Christmas decoration produces the most beautiful winter wonderland atmosphere.
No trip to Chicago is complete without visiting Millennium Park. Located in the heart of Chicago near the water, this urban concrete jungle of a park is open year round with various attractions and events. Most visit for the famous "Bean" sculpture, which showcases reflections of yourself and the city in the backdrop. The other popular landmark is the Crown Fountain where faces appear on an interactive video of pursed lips and water spurts out of the fountain. During the winter months, the McCormick Tribune Plaza transforms into an ice rink and the Christmas decoration produces the most beautiful winter wonderland atmosphere.
Garfield Park Conservatory
This magnificent conservatory opened in 1908, and features over 12-acres of outdoor gardens and 2-acres of indoor gardens. Visitors experience various topographies or types of flora and fauna with themed gardens such as The Desert House, The Fern Room and seasonal exhibits like The Flowers of Monet. Admission is always free!
This magnificent conservatory opened in 1908, and features over 12-acres of outdoor gardens and 2-acres of indoor gardens. Visitors experience various topographies or types of flora and fauna with themed gardens such as The Desert House, The Fern Room and seasonal exhibits like The Flowers of Monet. Admission is always free!
Lincoln Park Conservatory
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, walking through the conservatory is like stepping back into time. The conservatory construction occurred between 1890-1895, replacing a former 1870 greenhouse. The design of the conservatory was a collaboration between renowned architects Joseph Lyman Silsbee and M.E. Bell, and is admired locally as an architectural wonder. Today it is home to four display houses, the Palm House, Fern Room, Orchid House and Show House all of which showcase a variety of exotic plants.
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, walking through the conservatory is like stepping back into time. The conservatory construction occurred between 1890-1895, replacing a former 1870 greenhouse. The design of the conservatory was a collaboration between renowned architects Joseph Lyman Silsbee and M.E. Bell, and is admired locally as an architectural wonder. Today it is home to four display houses, the Palm House, Fern Room, Orchid House and Show House all of which showcase a variety of exotic plants.
Buckingham Fountain
Most people recognize Buckingham Fountain from being featured on various television shows and movies. It is one of the largest fountain displays in the world and features a 20-minute water show every hour. Since Chicago winters are rough, the water display shows occur May through October. When spouting, it is a beautiful place to visit since the city is in the backdrop.
Most people recognize Buckingham Fountain from being featured on various television shows and movies. It is one of the largest fountain displays in the world and features a 20-minute water show every hour. Since Chicago winters are rough, the water display shows occur May through October. When spouting, it is a beautiful place to visit since the city is in the backdrop.
Humboldt Park
Named after the notable German naturalist, Alexander von Humboldt, this near 198-acre park is home to plenty of wide open green spaces as well as recreational facilities as well as an inland beach equipped with a boathouse and a historic lagoon. Walking through the park is like being transported back into Europe with vast green spaces that are decorated with historical architectural gems that resemble similar structures in Europe. Many of the park's facilities are available for rent.
Named after the notable German naturalist, Alexander von Humboldt, this near 198-acre park is home to plenty of wide open green spaces as well as recreational facilities as well as an inland beach equipped with a boathouse and a historic lagoon. Walking through the park is like being transported back into Europe with vast green spaces that are decorated with historical architectural gems that resemble similar structures in Europe. Many of the park's facilities are available for rent.
The Lakefront Trail
This 18-mile mixed-used trail welcomes bikers and walkers alike to enjoy exercise with a scenic view of Lake Michigan that trails alongside the shoreline parts of the city.
Milton Lee Olive Park/Ohio Street Beach
During the summer months, this city beach is an ideal place to stay cool during the hot summer days and features excellent views of the city. It's quit an urban beach to experience the best of nature with city views.
What's your favorite green space or outdoor park / garden in Chicago?
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This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to 8 Outdoor Gardens & "Green Places" to Visit in Chicago.
This 18-mile mixed-used trail welcomes bikers and walkers alike to enjoy exercise with a scenic view of Lake Michigan that trails alongside the shoreline parts of the city.
Milton Lee Olive Park/Ohio Street Beach
During the summer months, this city beach is an ideal place to stay cool during the hot summer days and features excellent views of the city. It's quit an urban beach to experience the best of nature with city views.
What's your favorite green space or outdoor park / garden in Chicago?
Let's Connect!
This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to 8 Outdoor Gardens & "Green Places" to Visit in Chicago.
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