Discovering the District: Chicago Botanic Garden

A new addition to the 14th District, the Chicago Botanic Garden is a crown jewel of Cook County's nature offerings that is enjoyed by more than one million visitors every year.

The Chicago Botanic Garden traces its origins back to the Chicago Horticultural Society, founded in 1890. With the groundbreaking for the Chicago Botanic Garden in 1965 and its opening in 1972, the Society created a permanent site on which to carry out its mission. Today, the Garden is a successful public-private partnership between its owner, the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, and its operator, the Chicago Horticultural Society.

Today, the Chicago Botanic Garden boasts 28 gardens and four natural areas, along with a renowned Bonsai Collection, all situated on 385 acres of land. The property is also home to nine islands and six miles of lake shoreline. Each year, the Garden hosts a number of seasonal special events such at Lighscape, Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns, and the annual Orchid Show. Plan your visit today!