List of botanical gardens and arboretums in Illinois facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Welcome to the amazing world of botanical gardens and arboretums in Illinois! These special places are like living museums for plants. They help us learn about different kinds of trees, flowers, and other plants from all over the world.

A botanical garden is a place where many types of plants are grown, studied, and shown to the public. They often have themed areas, like a desert garden or a rose garden. An arboretum is similar, but it focuses mainly on trees and shrubs. Both are great spots to explore nature, learn about plants, and enjoy some peace and quiet.

Illinois is home to many wonderful botanical gardens and arboretums. Let's discover some of the most interesting ones!

Famous Green Spaces in Illinois
Other Notable Gardens and Arboretums
Images for kids
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Famous Green Spaces in Illinois

Chicago Botanic Garden

The Chicago Botanic Garden is one of the largest and most popular gardens in Illinois. It's located in Glencoe, just north of Chicago. This garden has 27 different gardens and four natural areas. It covers 385 acres and is spread across nine islands!

A green roof garden at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

You can explore a Japanese garden, a rose garden, and even a special garden for children. The Chicago Botanic Garden is also a big center for plant research. Scientists here work to protect plants and teach people about nature. It's a fantastic place to visit any time of year.

Morton Arboretum

The Morton Arboretum is a huge arboretum located in Lisle. It's dedicated to trees and covers 1,700 acres. That's a lot of trees! The arboretum has more than 222,000 plants. It's a great place to see trees from all over the world.

A peaceful woodland scene at the Morton Arboretum.

You can walk or bike on miles of trails. They also have special exhibits and educational programs. The Morton Arboretum helps people understand and protect trees. It's a wonderful spot for a family outing or a quiet walk in nature.

Garfield Park Conservatory

The Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest and most beautiful conservatories in the United States. It's located right in the city of Chicago. A conservatory is like a giant greenhouse, keeping plants warm and healthy all year.

The beautiful glass structure of the Garfield Park Conservatory.

This conservatory has amazing plant collections. You can see tropical plants, ferns, and even a desert house. It's a perfect escape, especially during cold Illinois winters. The conservatory offers a chance to see plants you might not find anywhere else.

Lincoln Park Conservatory

Another beautiful conservatory in Chicago is the Lincoln Park Conservatory. It's located within the famous Lincoln Park. This conservatory opened in 1895 and is known for its stunning Victorian-era glasshouses.

Inside the Lincoln Park Conservatory, filled with lush plants.

It has four main display houses: the Palm House, the Fern Room, the Orchid House, and the Show House. Each house is filled with different types of plants. The Show House changes its displays with the seasons, always offering something new to see.

Anderson Japanese Gardens

If you love Japanese culture, you'll enjoy the Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford. This garden is designed in a traditional Japanese style. It features beautiful waterfalls, ponds, and carefully placed rocks.

A serene view of the Anderson Japanese Gardens.

The garden is a peaceful place for reflection and enjoying nature. It's a great example of how art and nature can come together. You can learn about Japanese garden design and enjoy the quiet beauty.

Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden

Also in Rockford is the Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden. This place has a wide variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers. It covers 155 acres and has many walking trails.

A colorful scene at the Klehm Arboretum.

Klehm Arboretum is a great spot for a walk or a picnic. They also have educational programs for kids and adults. It's a wonderful resource for learning about plants native to Illinois and beyond.

Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens

The Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens is another gem in Rockford. This beautiful conservatory is located along the Rock River. It has a tropical plant collection that makes you feel like you're in a warm, faraway place.

Inside the tropical display at Nicholas Conservatory.

The conservatory also has outdoor gardens that change with the seasons. It's a popular spot for events and a lovely place to visit with family.

University Gardens and Arboretums

Many universities in Illinois have their own botanical gardens or arboretums. These are often used for teaching and research.

The University of Illinois Arboretum in Urbana is a large and diverse collection of plants. It's part of the University of Illinois.

A view of the University of Illinois Arboretum.

They have different themed gardens, like a Japanese garden and a children's garden. It's a great place to see many different types of plants and trees. The university also has the University of Illinois Conservatory and Plant Collection, which is another wonderful place to see plants.

The University of Illinois Conservatory.

Fell Arboretum is located at Illinois State University in Normal. It's a historic arboretum with many old and interesting trees.

Fell Hall at Illinois State University, part of the arboretum.

The Gardens at SIUE are part of Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. These gardens are a beautiful place to explore and learn about plants.

A bridge in The Gardens at SIUE.

Other Notable Gardens and Arboretums

Lilacia Park

Lilacia Park in Lombard is famous for its amazing collection of lilacs and tulips. Every spring, the park bursts with color and fragrance. It's a beautiful place to visit when the flowers are in bloom.

Beautiful lilacs in bloom at Lilacia Park.

Abraham Lincoln Memorial Garden

The Abraham Lincoln Memorial Garden in Springfield is a unique garden designed to honor Abraham Lincoln. All the plants in the garden are native to Illinois. It's a quiet and natural place to walk and reflect.

A peaceful path in the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Garden.

George L. Luthy Memorial Botanical Garden

Located in Peoria, the George L. Luthy Memorial Botanical Garden is a lovely spot with many different garden areas. It has a rose garden, a perennial garden, and a conservatory.

The beautiful grounds of the Luthy Memorial Botanical Garden.

Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden

The Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden is found in Mahomet. It's part of the Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve. This garden offers beautiful landscapes and a variety of plants to enjoy.

A covered bridge near the Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden.

Quad City Botanical Center

The Quad City Botanical Center in Rock Island is a tropical oasis. It has a beautiful conservatory filled with exotic plants, a waterfall, and even a koi pond. It's a great place to visit for a taste of the tropics.

The tropical conservatory at the Quad City Botanical Center.

Oak Park Conservatory

The Oak Park Conservatory in Oak Park is a smaller, charming conservatory. It has three main display rooms: the Tropical Room, the Mediterranean Room, and the Desert Room. It's a wonderful place to learn about plants from different climates.

The entrance to the Oak Park Conservatory.

These are just some of the many amazing botanical gardens and arboretums you can find in Illinois. Each one offers a unique experience and a chance to connect with nature. They are important places for education, conservation, and simply enjoying the beauty of plants.