Illinois in bloom

The flowers will soon be blooming with spring on the horizon in Illinois.

This means now is the perfect time to plan a spring getaway.

With Chicago’s official motto being Urbs In Horto ‘City in a Garden’, it lives up to its name this time of the year.

Further afield Illinois is perfect for nature lovers and temperatures are ideal for exploring the great outdoors.

From strolling through Grant Park in Chicago to hiking through Starved Rock State Park in Oglesby, Illinois’ many parks and gardens have something to offer everyone.

Chicago and Beyond

The Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago

Chicago’s very own conservatory is the third largest in the world, spanning 12-acres under a glass roof. Currently hosting The Spring Flower Show: What’s in a Name? which focuses on the history and science of botanical nomenclature, teaching audiences how plant names are an important way of communicating history, culture, and identity. It runs until May 12 in the Show House.

Grant Park: Chicago’s Front Yard

Along the shores of Lake Michigan, Grant spans over 300-acres, and is home to iconic landmarks such as the Buckingham Fountain and the Art Institute of Chicago. Wander through neighboring Millennium Park, home to architectural marvels like Cloud Gate, or embark on a leisurely stroll along the scenic Lakefront Trail. Grant Park offers a sanctuary where visitors can reconnect with nature within the city this spring.

Chicago Botanic Gardens, Glencoe

Spread across 385 acres, the 26 gardens come alive with tulips, daffodils, and cherry blossoms during spring, creating a picturesque setting. From the tranquil Japanese Garden to the charming English Walled Garden, and events and workshops, the Chicago Botanic Garden invites guests to experience the joys of the season.

Jackson Park’s Japanese Garden, Chicago

Home to 190 pink and white cherry blossoms that bloom each spring, Jackson Park’s Japanese Garden, also referred to as the Garden of the Phoenix or the Osaka Garden, comes alive with color over a two-week period from late April to early May.

Further Afield

Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby

Starved Rock is a storied natural area located less than 100 miles from Chicago. In spring, once the snow melts, Starved Rocks’ seasonal waterfalls come into full effect. Visitors can enjoy 13 miles of trails and 14 waterfalls as they journey through the dramatic landscape.

Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford

Located 90-miles from Chicago and opening for the season on April 19, Anderson Japanese Gardens is one of the best Japanese Gardens in North America boasting 12 acres of koi-filled ponds, winding paths, gentle streams, waterfalls, and raked gardens. Anderson Japanese Gardens is home to a Wellness in Nature program, offering visitors the chance to feel healthier through sound and gong baths, yoga, meditation sessions, Tai Chi, and awareness walks.

The Morton Arboretum ‘Of the Earth’, Lisle

Explore The Morton Arboretum’s latest exhibition, “Of the Earth” by renowned Polish American artist Olga Ziemska as she brings her visionary perspective to life. Using reclaimed tree branches and other natural materials sourced from the Arboretum’s vast 1,700 acres, Ziemska’s work delves into the links between humanity and nature. Located just 26-miles outside of Chicago, the exhibition runs until spring 2025.

Lincoln Memorial Garden Nature Centre, Springfield 

With over five miles of trails through woodlands and prairie gardens, the Lincoln Memorial Garden Nature Centre is a must visit as the springtime dogwoods are in full bloom. Designed by landscape architect Jens Jensen, this garden is a living memorial to Abraham Lincoln, containing native plants from the states that he lived in. Located 200 miles from Chicago, this 100-acre nature site is home to trails, footbridges, ponds, and dozens of wooden benches inscribed with Lincoln quotes.

For more spring travel inspiration, visit www.enjoyillinois.co.uk 

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