Garfield Park Conservatory Tours and Activities

Garfield Park Conservatory featuring a park
Garfield Park Conservatory showing interior views and a park
Garfield Park Conservatory
Garfield Park Conservatory featuring a garden
Garfield Park Conservatory featuring a park, landscape views and wild flowers


While away the afternoon in this huge conservatory housing tropical and rare plants, waterfalls and art.

The Garfield Park Conservatory, located in the west side neighborhood of Garfield Park, encompasses six greenhouses and two exhibition halls brimming with rare and exotic plants. There are regularly scheduled art exhibitions, flower shows and horticulture lectures. Come for an afternoon or a whole day to stroll among the plants, relax on a bench or on the outdoor lawns in summer. 

It opened in 1908 and was the brainchild of landscape architect and Chicago Parks Commissioner Jens Jensen. Some of the plants in the 4.5-acre (nearly two hectares) of indoor and outdoor gardens are more than 300 years old. There are eight main displays, including the kid-friendly indoor Elizabeth Morse Genius Children’s Garden. Here children can climb and enjoy interactive signposting which teach about plants and how they grow. The Aroid House grows popular house plants around a small lagoon. Don’t miss the glass lily pad sculptures by acclaimed Pacific Northwest artist Dale Chihuly. 

Visit the Desert House to learn how succulents and cacti survive harsh conditions. The Fern Room houses one of the oldest plant species in the world (the cycad), lush ferns, and another indoor lagoon. Keep an eye out for the Flower shows which are held year-round in Horticulture Hall and the Show House. They’re designed around spring, summer and the Holiday Season. Expect Azaleas in spring and sparkling lights and festive flowers at Christmas time. To enjoy a tropical paradise at any time of the year, visit the Palm House.

Between May and October the several outdoor gardens are at their best. The Monet Garden is a recreation of artist Claude Monet’s French garden, which served as an inspiration for many of the Impressionist’s paintings.

Pick up arts and crafts, plants and books from the conservatory gift shop. The shop also serves up sandwiches, fruit and salads and tea and coffee.

Plan a trip to see Garfield Park Conservatory

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Best Lodging Options Near Garfield Park Conservatory

Chicago Avenue Inn

Chicago Avenue Inn

2 out of 5
3305 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL
Chicago Avenue Inn
Luxury Home Away From Your Home

Luxury Home Away From Your Home

Chicago
Luxury Home Away From Your Home
Experience Chicago living near
United Center

Experience Chicago living near United Center

Chicago
Experience Chicago living near United Center
NEW LUXURY PENTHOUSE CONDO

NEW LUXURY PENTHOUSE CONDO

Chicago
NEW LUXURY PENTHOUSE CONDO
Crowne Plaza Chicago West Loop by IHG

Crowne Plaza Chicago West Loop by IHG

3.5 out of 5
25 South Halsted Street, Chicago, IL
Crowne Plaza Chicago West Loop by IHG
Congress Plaza Hotel

Congress Plaza Hotel

3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
Congress Plaza Hotel
Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago Medical District UIC

Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago Medical District UIC

2.5 out of 5
710 S Seeley Avenue, Chicago, IL
Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago Medical District UIC
Hyatt House Chicago Medical/University District

Hyatt House Chicago Medical/University District

3.5 out of 5
1835 West Harrison Street, Chicago, IL
Hyatt House Chicago Medical/University District
The Shamrock

The Shamrock

2.5 out of 5
1212 S Cicero Ave, Cicero, IL
The Shamrock
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Garfield Park Conservatory

At Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago, visitors can explore stunning conservatory gardens and enjoy a leisurely walk through its lush displays. The conservatory also offers guided tours, providing insight into its diverse plant life. Don't miss the Garfield Park Farmers Market for fresh produce, and take a stroll through the artist garden for a taste of local creativity. It's a perfect blend of nature and culture for a memorable experience.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Garfield Park Conservatory, visit Maxwell Street Market, just 6.4km away, offering a vibrant atmosphere. All She Wrote, also 6.4km away, is perfect for unique finds. If you're up for a drive, the Shops at North Bridge, located 8.0km away, features a variety of family-friendly options.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant energy at Wrigley Field with a thrilling baseball game, then enjoy live music at the House of Blues Chicago for a night of entertainment. For a serene escape, visit Northerly Island Natural Area, where you can unwind amidst nature's beauty and rejuvenate your spirit.

Adventure

Embark on the Salt Creek Trail, a scenic hiking path 11.3km from Garfield Park Conservatory, perfect for outdoor adventures. For water fun, visit Rainbow Falls Waterpark, located 111.3km away, offering excitement and entertainment for families. Alternatively, enjoy The Water Works Indoor Water Park, 37.0km away, for thrilling indoor aquatic adventures.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Garfield Park Conservatory is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a romantic evening at the Chicago Theatre, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere at Kingston Mines nightclub, or unwind with drinks and games at Dave & Buster's, all within 8.0km of this beautiful conservatory.

Find the best attractions near Garfield Park Conservatory

When visiting Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago, you'll find a variety of attractions to suit every traveler's interests, from urban parks and historic buildings to stunning skyscrapers. This vibrant area offers a rich cultural experience, perfect for families and those seeking to immerse themselves in nature. Explore the beautiful gardens of the conservatory and the surrounding Garfield Park for a delightful day out.

  • Chicago Riverwalk: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Chicago Riverwalk, a scenic promenade that offers family-friendly outdoor activities. Enjoy stunning views of the river, public art installations, and a variety of dining options, making it a perfect spot for leisurely strolls or picnics.
  • Willis Tower: Visit the iconic Willis Tower, one of the tallest skyscrapers in the United States. Take the Skydeck elevator to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Chicago skyline, and step onto the glass ledge for a thrilling experience that lets you look straight down!
  • University of Illinois Chicago: Explore the historic University of Illinois Chicago, a vibrant campus that embodies the city's rich culture. Discover its stunning architecture, diverse student body, and engaging public events that reflect Chicago's lively academic spirit.

Best time to go to Garfield Park Conservatory

Visitor numbers around Garfield Park Conservatory is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Garfield Park Conservatory can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Garfield Park Conservatory falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Garfield Park Conservatory falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January25.7°F (-3.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February27.0°F (-2.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
March37.0°F (2.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
April46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June67.3°F (19.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August73.0°F (22.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September67.1°F (19.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October54.9°F (12.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
November42.3°F (5.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December33.1°F (0.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Garfield Park Conservatory

When visiting the Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago, consider travelling during the off-peak months of December to February for lower accommodation rates. Tuesdays are typically the cheapest days to stay, whereas Saturdays tend to be pricier. Take advantage of free nearby attractions such as Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels, especially by applying filters like "Eco-certified" for sustainable options. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can lead to significant savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Garfield Park Conservatory are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Garfield Park Conservatory is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Garfield Park Conservatory is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your preferences, such as budget, desired location, and hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation at the Garfield Park Conservatory with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.