How to use transit to enjoy spring in the Chicago region
April 17, 2023
April 17, 2023
Back in 1837, when Chicago officially incorporated, “Urbs in Horto” (or “City in a Garden”) was the phrase selected for the city’s budding future. Urban designers and landscape architects like Frederick Law Olmsted, Daniel Burnham, and Jens Jensen transformed the city into an urban oasis and advocated for its preservation for future generations. Now that spring has sprung, enjoy the balmy temperatures by taking the CTA, Metra, or Pace to catch a glimpse of Chicagoland’s rich tradition of landscape architecture via one of the many gardens, arboretums, or conservatories listed below.
Located along the lakefront in the Woodlawn community, Jackson Park is truly an urban and cultural oasis. It was home to the 1893 Columbian Exposition, which paid homage to natural beauty and left behind lagoons and gardens fitted with more than 160 cherry blossom trees, a gift from Japan at the turn of the century. Often referred to as the Japanese Garden, the Garden of the Phoenix, nestled between two lagoons on Wooded Island, is the perfect spot for a picnic or a spring stroll.
Where: 6401 S. Stony Island Ave. Chicago, IL 60637
How to get there:
Designed by renowned landscape architect Jens Jensen, Columbus Park is a 140-acre historic park located in the Austin community. The park is one of the few in the nation to be designated a National Historic Landmark and is a testament to the revitalization of native plant species and the natural history and topography of the land. The park also hosts an array of programming from dance, sports, and crafts year-round.
Where: 500 S. Central Ave. Chicago, IL 60644
How to get there:
Originally a Chicago and Western Indiana Railroad yard, Ping Tom Memorial Park has been transformed into a 12-acre park located in the easily accessible Chinatown neighborhood. If you can’t get enough of cherry blossoms, Ping Tom has them along with ample green space, walking paths by the river, and kayak rentals once temperatures rise. Community gathering areas are decorated with Chinese landscape design elements, honoring the Chinese people that have prospered in this area for decades.
Where: 1700 S. Wentworth Ave. Chicago, IL 60616
How to get there:
One of the largest greenhouse conservatories in the United States, the Garfield Park Conservatory is a must-see—especially if winter temperatures are still lingering. Often referred to as “landscape art under glass,” the Conservatory showcases thousands of plant species all year.
Where: Located in Garfield Park, 300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60624
How to get there:
Situated in a Victorian-era glass house, the Lincoln Park Conservatory provides a glimpse into one of the oldest public gardens in Chicago, taking root in the late 1870s. No matter the time of year, the Lincoln Park Conservatory is always green and lush, but the Spring Flower Show, “Cooler by the Lake,” invites visitors to imagine gardens in a different way. The Spring Flower exposition runs until May 14.
Where: 2391 N. Stockton Dr. Chicago, IL 60614
How to get there:
Adjacent to one other, Lurie Garden at the south end of Millennium Park and the North Rose Garden next to Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park are two iconic gardens situated next to killer skyline and lakefront views. Both parks are bustling with life and teeming with tulips, roses, and butterflies in anticipation for spring. As well, Lurie Garden hosts monthly garden walks for those who want to learn more about horticulture.
Where: Located in Millennium Park (220 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60601) and Grant Park, respectively
CTA Transit nearby:
Located along the lakefront in a 65-acre park, the South Shore Cultural Center is home to a butterfly garden, manicured gardens, a nature sanctuary, and tons of other amenities like a solarium, golf course, tennis courts, and a bathing beach. Designated as a Chicago landmark in 2004 and put on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, this cultural and recreational amenity is only a bus or train ride away.
Where: 7059 S South Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60649
How to get there:
The University of Chicago has spearheaded ongoing funding for the Botanic Garden initiative, which has secured its place as one of the few universities where the entire campus itself is considered a botanic garden or arboretum. With over 15 botanic gardens placed around the campus, one can be enveloped in flora. As well, there are two campus vegetable gardens that promote urban sustainability and provide urban farming engagement.
Where: University of Chicago, 5801 S Ellis Ave, Chicago, IL 60637
How to get there:
The Lombard Park District’s Lilacia Park is an 8.5-acre horticultural showcase featuring 700 lilacs and 25,000 tulips. Designated on the National Register of Historic Places, the park is celebrating the floral tradition from May 6 – May 21 with events such as wine tastings, plant markets, historic tours, and other festivities.
Where: 150 S. Park Avenue, Lombard, IL 60148
How to get there:
Visit the Oak Park Conservatory to explore three indoor Conservatory showrooms as well as blooming outdoor gardens, including some Illinois native species. Catch the annual spring plant and seed sales and partake in virtual Learn & Grow lectures to learn about the plants that are available at the sale and how to successfully grow them.
Where: 615 Garfield Street, Oak Park, IL 60304
How to get there:
Home to 385 acres of 27 unique gardens and the Lenhardt Library, one of the country's largest collections of rare botanical books, the Chicago Botanic Garden is emblematic of a “City in the Garden.” With spring being the season of renewal, the garden is ringing in a new year with millions of blooms.
Where: 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL 60022
How to get there:
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