Chicago Botanic Garden Trails is a 1.8 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Glencoe, Illinois that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from April until October.
Lovely winding paths that go to various exhibits including a sensory garden, bonsai courtyards (one of the trees is 600-1,000 years old), and a waterfall. Accessibility: The trail surface is mostly paved with cement and bricks and typically between three and eight feet wide. Some sections are packed gravel. The slope is estimated to be steep (12% grade or less) in some sections between the 0.7 and 1.4 mile mark which is the south and east portion of the Gardens. The slope is typically mostly gentle (5% grade or less) in most other areas. There are at least 20 designated wheelchair accessible spots at the large and paved parking lots. Most of the trail is wheelchair and stroller friendly. Wheelchairs are available to rent from the Information Desk in the Visitor Center. For additional information, including the location of accessible restrooms and dining, please visit: https://www.chicagobotanic.org/visit/accessibility
March 3, 2021October 17, 2020September 30, 2020it is always a great place to go.
September 19, 2020August 29, 2020August 18, 2020August 9, 2020Mild crowds but still plenty of space to walk comfortably-spaced through the Gardens. Ample shade and lots of quiet areas to explore, all enjoyable even on a hot day. The Sensory Garden is a highlight. Lots of signage visible so you don’t have to double back often, if at all. Will definitely return on a cooler day.
July 27, 2020Spent 3 hours walking and still didn’t see everything. Winding paths - it’s easy to get lost but there’s plenty of helpful wayfinding signs. The variety of plant life and garden styles is amazing. Don’t miss the bonsai courtyards - one of the trees is 600-1,000 years old.
July 12, 2019Fantastic sceanry. One of the best gardens on the planet.
June 2, 2019One of the best botanical gardens I have ever been to. Really loved my time spent there.
September 15, 2018Great place to walk and enjoy the natural beauty of many great gardens.
July 23, 2018Great location to put in 10-20 miles in a day with many varied routes and always beautiful scenery.
February 17, 2018It's actually in Glencoe, Illinois. Be sure to hike the prairie garden at the south end in the summer.
November 5, 2016Beautiful walk through a very beautiful garden.
September 19, 2013This is a beautiful walk or stroll. It is not a hike.
December 28, 2012The Botanic Gardens is connected to the North Branch Trail. The bike trail cuts through the middle of it but the real value is in hiking/walking the 'bike free' trails and islands. Park along the North Branch Trail or the Green Bay Trail and ride in. Beautiful!
October 16, 2012Notes: -You do have to pay to access the Botanic Gardens if you Drive. -There is free bicycle access from the North Branch Trail and a large designated area for locking up bicycles near the welcome center. -They host garden related classes/seminars here -They often have art shows & other events. -There are drinking water fountains located throughout the property. -They have snack & gift shops. I love going to the Botanic Gardens. While it's true that there is an outer trail that allows bicycle and cars, the inner trails are pedestrian only. Some are paved and handicap accessible, others are not.There are so many little areas to discover with trails along waterfalls & around lakes/lagoons, regionally themed gardens, beautiful fountains & sculptures, to the wonderful greenhouses. The trails are vast for such a small area and wind through the property like a spider web. I don't think I would be possible to be lost for long, but having a map (downloaded here or picked up for free at the visitor center) will help you find what your looking for and improve your overall experience. Is this the place to go for a challenging hike, no. Is this a great place to go to pass a morning or afternoon, definitely!
August 11, 2012The botanical garden is beautiful, especially the Japanese garden. The trail surrounding it is ok. Cars are allowed, so it is not very peaceful. You can spot some storks and other wildlife in the Dixon Prairie.
October 26, 2011
First to ReviewOne can never get enough of the botanic garden! Beautiful!
November 8, 2020October 20, 2020October 17, 2020October 4, 2020September 29, 2020September 18, 2020September 13, 2020September 6, 2020August 30, 2020August 17, 2020August 13, 2020
