Garfield Park Conservatory – Chicago, IL

Photography by Lise Chapon

The Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest botanical conservatories in the nation; and it’s only located 14 minutes (by car) from downtown Chicago. It has thousands of plant species that come from all over the world. This was one of the first things I visited when I moved to Chicago in July 2022, and I loved it.

Another great thing about the Garfield Park Conservatory is how immersive it feels. Walking through its different rooms like the Palm House, the Desert House, and the Fern Room feels like stepping into entirely different worlds. The greenery, towering trees, and vibrant flowers make it easy to forget you’re in the middle of a city. It’s a peaceful escape, especially in the winter when everything outside is cold and gray.

What makes the conservatory even better is that it’s free to visit, which is pretty amazing considering how much there is to see. They also have events, workshops, and exhibits throughout the year, so there’s always something new to check out. Whether you’re into plants or just looking for a relaxing spot to spend an afternoon, it’s definitely worth visiting.