Your Guide to the Chicago Botanic Garden

The 385-acre Chicago Botanic Garden, located in Glencoe, IL, is as many describe, a "living plant museum," with nearly 25 display gardens, nine islands, and countless varieties of lilacs, geraniums, dahlias, lilies, roses, and more. The Chicago Botanic Garden, which opened to the public in 1972, and is owned by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, is a great place for a family get-together, lunch or dinner at its outdoor cafe in the summer, and even for a wedding. Learn more about the garden as a wedding destination with our Most Romantic Wedding Locations Guide.

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1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL.

If driving, from Chicago, follow the Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94) west to Edens Expressway (I-94) and U.S. Route 41. Exit at Lake Cook Road and travel 1/2 mile east to the Garden's entrance, which will be on the right side.

You can also take the Metra train. The Garden is located near the Braeside Metra train station on Metra's Union Pacific North Line. The Garden also has several bike racks if you prefer to ride your bike. (Related Story: Using Public Transportation in Chicago).

The Garden's phone number is 1-847-835-5440. The Garden also has a Web site for detailed information on directions, current flowers in bloom, and more.

7 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily, June 5 through September 5. Hours after September 5 are 8 a.m. to sunset.

Admission is free. Unless you are a member (Memberships start at $80 for 12 months and include free parking.), there is a $20 charge to park a car; $25 for a van; and $60 for a limo. Parking is $7 for seniors on Tuesdays. The Garden also has a $45 Day Pass that includes free parking, Tram Tour tickets, and admission to the Model Railroad Garden for a family of four.

With over 385 acres of land, it is hard to know where to start when you arrive. Options include:

• English Walled Garden
• Rose Garden
• Native Plant Garden
• Bulb Garden
• Aquatic Garden
• And more.

Here is a a complete list of gardens with descriptions and maps.

You can also take a one of several walks around the Garden or take a tram or trolley tour, which includes 35- to 45-minute narrated tours. Cost is roughly $6 per person.

One of the best spots for dining at the Garden is its outdoor Garden Grille, open through September 5, 2011 for dinner. The Grille features ale-braised Sheboygan, Wis. bratwurst, grilled free-range chicken breast, grilled salmon, burgers, wine, beer, and soft drinks.

You can also dine in the indoor Garden Cafe, which does have access to the Grille's outdoor seating, and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Specialties include omelets, fresh baked goods, sandwiches, and salads.

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The Garden hosts several classes, workshops, and events throughout the year that include horticulture, garden design, wellness exercise classes, as well as birdwatching and music concerts in the summer on Tuesday evenings. You can also check out the Garden's monthly calendar of classes and events.