Garfield Park & Conservatory, Chicago

Stretching across 185 acres, Garfield Park has enchanting flower gardens and a serene lagoon, along with a diverse array of sports facilities, including tennis, basketball, soccer, and baseball. A playground and a refreshing pool offer further recreational opportunities. Inside the park lies one of Chicago's best-kept secrets, the Garfield Park Conservatory, the larger and more impressive sibling of the Lincoln Park Conservatory. Branded as "landscape art under glass", the present conservatory stands amidst the park's lush surroundings, having been erected between 1906 and 1907 to replace its predecessor, the original glasshouse, which had fallen into disrepair and was subsequently demolished.

A leisurely journey through this horticultural wonderland leads you among banana trees, through a delightfully arid desert section (particularly enjoyable during a Chicago winter), and into the expertly crafted Fern Room, a masterpiece designed by the renowned landscape architect Jens Jensen. Exploring these diverse sections can easily occupy several hours, and younger visitors will find entertainment in the interactive displays within the children's garden, such as guiding a colossal "bee" into a flower by turning a crank, among other activities. Additionally, an outdoor sensory garden invites you to touch and inhale the fragrant scents of various flowers and fruits. For exploration, visitors can embark on self-guided tours, while guided tours are exclusively available to members. The well-marked and easily navigable gardens are typically uncrowded, providing a tranquil setting for your botanical adventure.