14 Botanical Gardens to Explore in Illinois

Checkout places to visit in Illinois

Located in the Midwestern area of the United States, Illinois is a vast state filled with charming towns, vibrant metropolitan cities, lush coastal plains, and natural prairies. From Chicago to Springfield and all other points in-between, each part of Illinois offers its own unique vibe that locals and visitors alike can appreciate. The region is steeped in history and culture; among its many landmarks are the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum, Cahokia Mounds State Historic site, and

Botanical Gardens by destinations in Illinois

Cook County (3)

Winnebago County (2)

Champaign County (1)

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Madison County (1)

Menard County (1)

Ogle County (1)

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Botanical Gardens to Explore in Illinois

Anderson Japanese Gardens

Anderson Japanese Gardens is the perfect place for peaceful contemplation. Located on 12 acres of woods and wetland meadows, this nonprofit garden features a stunning array of trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals that are native to Japan. The pathways throughout the garden are winding and twisty, allowing visitors to slow down and enjoy the area's serenity. The beautiful koi pond beckons with its tranquil tranquility, offering hours of relaxation for those who come to visit.

Chicago Botanic Garden

The Chicago Botanic Garden, is an oasis of natural beauty amidst the bustling city. Spanning across 385 acres, this amazing garden features 27 stunning display gardens and 4 natural areas, as well as a 38-acre fruit and vegetable garden. Visitors can take nature walks on 6 miles of picturesque paths or wander through the greenhouse conservatories. There are also special events throughout the year, such as art exhibitions, lectures and cooking classes at the Regenstein center.

Fu Dog Garden is a unique combination of oriental and Western appeal. The garden features bronze dogs by the entrance, stunning landscape scenery, an elaborately constructed gazebo, and even a reflection pond. Paths are made up of hazel logs leading visitors to the four colorfully crafted pagodas with stone stairways crafted in the style of ancient Chinese architecture. Artful sculptures are laid out across the garden including a three-eyed Fu Dog, the spiritual guardian of Chinese emperors.

Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden

Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden covering 140 acres of beautiful grounds, visitors are able to take tours that provide insight into the local and regional flora and fauna of the area. There are three miles of pathways for hiking or biking, and events like Nature Story Time for kids offer a gentle introduction to the wild world outdoors. Additionally, an array of starlight events are available throughout the summer months.

Lurie Garden is a magnificent 5 acre public garden, which boasts a wide array of perennial and annual plants, shrubs, trees, and grasses that bloom throughout the Spring and Summer months. The garden allows visitors to view native plants while appreciating the beauty of the prairie landscape. Natural sand dunes are featured throughout the garden – creating a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The Garden also houses several art pieces that compliment nature’s scenery.

Missouri Botanical Garden

The Missouri Botanical Garden is a botanist's dream come true. Home to over 800 varieties of plants, shrubs, trees and flowers, the garden offers visitors a tranquil and colorful backdrop for their outdoor adventure. Known for its impeccable landscaping, the garden has something for everyone; featuring a wide variety of natural habitats like meadows, ponds, wetland areas, rock gardens, and hiking trails.

Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens

Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens is a must-see for anyone with an appreciation for stunning horticultural displays. Offering everything from beautiful walking trails to gorgeous formal and tropical gardens, it offers something for everyone. Inside the Conservatory visitors can explore Mediterranean, desert and wetland garden ecosystems as well as butterfly house exhibit and a seasonal display featuring festive decorations, live music, holiday shows and more.

Phillips Park Sunken Garden

Phillips Park Sunken Garden is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. Located just outside of downtown Aurora, the park’s main attraction is the Sunken Garden. Featuring winding pathways and scenic blooms, this lovely walk is also surrounded by mature trees that provide natural shade during the hot summer days. For those looking to stay active while exploring the park, there are also two playgrounds on each side of the garden where children can play.

Quad City Botanical Center

The Quad City Botanical Center with its tranquil gardens, greenhouse full of tropical plants, outdoor pavilion for special events, and wide variety of educational classes, the center is sure to delight year-round. It features an impressive collection of rare species from around the world displayed in an aesthetically pleasing and colorful setting. Visitors can explore vibrant gardens of native and exotic plants while discovering interactive sculptures specifically designed.

Starhill Forest Arboretum

Starhill Forest Arboretum, is a stunning display of natural beauty. Stretching across 625 acres of lush forest, this arboretum not only has a wide variety of amazing plants and trees but also hosts educational activities to foster understanding and appreciation for the environment. Visitors to the arboretum can enjoy the diverse plant life including oaks, maples, hawthorns, hickories and beeches as well as wildflowers like trilliums and ferns during hikes throughout the park.

The Gardens at SIUE

The Gardens at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a wonderful place to visit and explore all the grandeur that Madison has to offer. Located in the heart of the campus adjacent to the Student Success Center, this 10-acre oasis features an array of horticultural displays including colorful annuals, herbaceous perennials and ornamental shrubs. It also contains an impressive three-dimensional plant collection that provides spectacular seasonal color and landscapes throughout the year.

The Morton Arboretum

The Morton Arboretum is an incredible treasure for nature-lovers. Boasting over 200 kinds of trees, 16 miles of trails, and a variety of interactive exhibits, it is an exemplary destination for people to appreciate the beauty of flora and fauna. With 1,700 acres of naturalistic landscapes to explore, this arboretum offers its visitors an array of educational opportunities from research and science-based classes to Children's Garden activities.

The Morton Arboretum.

The Morton Arboretum, is a 1,700-acre public garden known for its diverse mix of plants and majestic trees. Visitors to the arboretum enjoy exploring an extensive trail system as well as seeing over 4,000 different types of trees and shrubs. The living collections are mainly composed of native species but visitors can also find a wide range of plants from temperate zones around the world.

University of Illinois Arboretum

This is truly a sight to behond. Spanning one-hundred and thirty acres, the Arboretum is comprised of numerous gardens, each one more breathtakingly than the last. Visitors can explore perennial gardens; butterfly gardens; a formal Japanese Garden; and fruit and vegetable gardens. It additionally includes a variety of walking trails along with Greco-Roman-style amphitheater, allowing visitors an opportunity to admire nature or have an outdoor picnic without having to leave the premises.

Map of Botanical Gardens to Explore in Illinois