Spring has officially arrived, and with temperatures on the rise, it’s the perfect time to shake off the winter blues and enjoy some time outdoors.
From thriving gardens to lush greenhouses, Chicago offers plenty of places to immerse yourself in nature. Here’s your guide to the best spots to see spring flowers in and around the Windy City this season!
The Magnificent Mile
Every spring, Chicago’s Magnificent Mile becomes a sea of color as thousands of imported tulips bloom along the sidewalks of Michigan Avenue.
Right now, teams of horticulturalists are working hard to cultivate this year’s spectacular flower displays. After a helping of spring showers, the tulips typically bloom between late April and early May.
Be sure to plan a day trip downtown this spring to take in all the beautiful blooms, and treat yourself to some shopping while you’re in the area!
Chicago Botanic Garden
There’s no better one-stop destination for all things spring flowers than the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Located just north of the city and easily accessible via the Metra, the botanic garden is gearing up for an unforgettable season of spellbinding floral displays.
Tulips are the unofficial star of the show from late March through early May. The elegant flowers bloom in a wide variety of colors, making for some unforgettable scenery.
Plan your next trip and learn more information here.
Garfield Park Conservatory
One of the largest plant conservatories in the nation is located right here in Chicago, and now is the perfect time to explore it!
The Garfield Park Conservatory contains nearly two acres of indoor space with thousands of plant species. Guests can walk their way through lush rainforests, desert landscapes, and multi-color flower displays.
The best part? It’s all free of charge! Thanks to the Chicago Park District, the conservatory is free to the public all year long.
For those feeling generous, the conservatory accepts donations. Guests can also support the conservatory by purchasing a souvenir at the gift shop.
Jackson Park
Jackson Park along the South Shore is the place to be this spring to see gorgeous Cherry Blossom Trees in Chicago.
The trees line the park’s Columbia Basin, and typically bloom during our first stretch of warm spring weather. According to the Chicago Park District, the trees usually bloom over a two-week period.
After admiring the fluffy pink blooms, be sure to visit the nearby Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.
Lincoln Park and Conservatory
There’s so much to see and do this spring at Lincoln Park! The lakefront natural area home to numerous attractions, including its sprawling plant conservatory, outdoor gardens, zoo, a farm, and more!
Come springtime, the park teams with countless varieties of flowers and plants, making it a perfect destination for a picnic, spontaneous photos shoot, or bird watching.
Ping Tom Memorial Park
A day trip to Chinatown isn’t complete without a walk through Ping Tom Memorial Park. The 17.44-acre park features picturesque rolling hills and cherry blossom trees, set against the backdrop of the Chicago River.
The park also offers some of the best skyline views anywhere in the city!