Chicago Parks in Bloom

The Windy City bursts into bloom each spring. This fact is most evident in the annual Chicago Park District Spring Flower Shows. The Shows run during the early spring, ending on Mothers Day, and encompass two locations: the Lincoln Park Conservatory and the Garfield Park Conservatory.

Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest in the country. It spans 4.5 acres and is a little over 100 years old. It has several permanent collections and a standing exhibit on how sunlight “feeds” plants. The Lincoln Park Conservatory dates back to the late 1800s and is housed in an impressive Victorian glass house. It features ancient fern species, rare orchids, and tropical plants in addition to native blooms.

During the annual Flower Show, residents and visitors to the city will have the opportunity to see spring flowering plants at their best. The Show traditionally highlights azaleas, especially the great azaleas that have been a Chicago landmark since the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. Many of the blooms featured in the show are direct descendants of those original blooms.

Tourists heading to the city and armed with a Go Chicago Card will probably have a full schedule of sights to see. They should definitely consider adding the show to their itinerary to get the full springtime in Chicago experience.