Lincoln Park Conservatory

Head for the Lincoln Park Conservatory to soak up the pleasant, peaceful atmosphere. Stroll around the gardens and take time out from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day Chicago life. Divided into different rooms, each brimming with exotic plants such as palms, ferns and orchids, it’s a perfect destination for keen horticulturalists and green fingered visitors to The Windy City.

Designed and built towards the end of the nineteenth century, this spacious Victorian glass greenhouse is an architectural gem in its own right, with distinctive arched roofs hanging over the plants and trees. When it was built, an interest in horticulture had reached new heights across the city, as Chicago at the time had five conservatories erected. Three of these still stand today, and the Lincoln Park Conservatory is not only an attraction for visitors to the city but also as a horticulture research centre.

Wander through the Conservatory and as you walk round learn all about the plants from the accompanying informative plaques dotted around; you may even get some tips for your own garden back at home as you look round the four main rooms.

Throughout the year, the look and flavour of the Show House changes dramatically as flower displays reflect the changing seasons. Head to the Orchid Room to see epiphytes – plants growing on plants – such as orchids and moss. There is also the Fern Room with old and rare ferns on show along with a tropical Palm House.

Spend some time exploring the surrounding outdoor gardens where flowers are planted in May and stay in bloom until the middle of October, reaching their peak at the height of the summer in July and August. The indoor gardens are ideal to explore all year round.

You can’t miss the Conservatory right in the heart of the popular Lincoln Park, an easy spot to reach whether by car or by public transport. Entrance to the Conservatory is free and volunteers are on hand to offer informative tours to visitors.