Garfield Park Conservatory

This is one of my favorite places in the world, no joke. I used to work near here and go all the time. It’s one of the most relaxing places I found in Chicago.

It’s better and bigger than the Lincoln Park conservatory, and there aren’t as many people there, because it’s a little more out of most tourists way and the neighborhood can be a little sketchy. But it’s a pretty awesome place. Beautiful and peaceful.

See plants and flowers from all over the world in this completely enclosed Garden of Eden. For lovers of the world’s flora, this is Chicago’s best kept secret. Parking is free and pleniful, and the Conservatory is seldom crowded. It’s a great place to go and relax. I was so impressed I bought a membership!

I was here about 4 years ago to see the Dale Chihuly installation, which was breathtakingly beautiful. I do think he’s an ass, though, for demanding that the city buy the Persian Pond piece for some obscene price instead of doing the right thing and donating it, even on loan.

It’s a wonderful spot just off the Garfield stop on the Green Line.

http://www.garfield-conservatory.org/