Plan Your Visit
Welcome to the Chicago Botanic Garden
The Chicago Botanic Garden has 385 acres of nature, beauty, and respite to discover. Try one of our seasonal walks, let your kids roll down the hills of the Nature Play Garden, or explore whatâs in bloom. Plan ahead and get the best admission pricing or learn about our free admission opportunities.Â
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Included With Your Visit
Model Railroad GardenÂ
May to October, weather permittingÂ
Step into a world of G-scale (garden scale) inspiration with 19 model trains running on 19 tracks, passing by miniature American landmarks and surrounded by more than 300 plant varieties.Â
Butterflies & BloomsÂ
End of May to Labor Day, weather permittingÂ
Immerse yourself in a habitat filled with hundreds of live tropical butterfly species from around the globe, as well as species native to Illinois.
Grand Tram ToursÂ
Late April through October, weather permittingÂ
Join a 35-minute narrated tour to get acquainted with the Gardenâs history and science, take in beautiful views, and stop off (optional) to tour additional Garden sites. Board at the Welcome Plaza.
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Plan Your Day
Make it a great visit to the Garden. See below for the perfect path, whether you are coming to stroll, find the gorgeous bird or flower, take photos, shop, eat, or just have fun with your family.
What's in Bloom
Dining
Butterflies & Bloom
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Trams
Walking
Biking
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Mobile app
Bingo
Exhibitions
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Photography
Birding
Garden Shop
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Today's Hours
Open today 8 a.m. â 8 p.m.
Garden View Café: 8 a.m. â 7 p.m.   Â
Garden Shop: 10 a.m. â 7 p.m.
Plant Giveaway
May 15 â October 6
Wednesday â Friday:
11 a.m. â 3 p.m.
Weekends:
11 a.m. â 4 p.m.
Forest Bathing Experience
McDonald Woods
Saturday, May 25, 1:30 â 3:30 p.m.
Circle Garden
Tuesday, June 11, 5 â 7 p.m.
Sunday, July 28, 10 a.m. â noon
Saturday, August 24. 5:30 â 7:30 p.m.
Dwarf Conifer Garden
Friday, June 28, 6 â 8 p.m.
Sunday, August 4, 6:30 â 8:30 p.m.
The Latest Garden News
Know Before You Go
Garden FAQs: See below for information about our policies, admission prices, transportation options, and more.