Garfield Park Conservatory
One of the largest greenhouse botanical gardens in the United States. Admission is free, and the Fern Room and Palm House feel like stepping into a prehistoric rainforest.
Opened in 1908 and designed by landscape architect Jens Jensen, the conservatory covers about 1.8 hectares. The Fern Room imitates a prehistoric swamp, and the Palm House has tall coconut palms. There is also a desert room, a children's garden and outdoor gardens. Admission is free, though booking on the official website or a donation is recommended. It is located on the West Side, and you can reach it by taking the Green Line to Conservatory station. Visit during the day, as the surrounding neighborhood is not very safe at night.
Opening hours
Approx. 10:00–17:00 (check official website)
Nearby sights
- National Museum of Mexican Art
- Jane Addams Hull-House Museum
- Willis Tower Skydeck
- Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio
- Rookery Building
- Wrigley Field
- Chicago Theatre
- Lincoln Park Zoo