This was a great experience for me and my wife visiting on a weekend. Great collection of exotic plants from around the world, and a perfect spot to try your photography skills!Worth considering adjacent Lincoln Park Xoo (free entrance) to make the most out of your visit to Lincoln Park. This conservatory in itself can be explored in about 2 hrs or so, unless you are a deep enthusiastic willing to deep dive into the details.There is a restroom inside, but no restaurants or food joints. The entrance is free of cost!Overall, would highly recommend visiting this place with your family!

Built in 1890, the Conservatory is one of the true treasures of Lincoln Park. Its an oasis in the city. A must see for all of the incredible plant houses (fern, palms, and orchids). Theres also an extra house for special events like the Spring flower show. Best of all, its free except for occasional special events. Donations help keep it free so please donate if you can.

I love visiting the Conservatory! Especially in spring, when its still cold outside, and I get a chance to see the flowers in bloom; it gives me hope that summer is coming! Its divided into different rooms, which, though relatively small overall, makes it a long and breath-taking experience. At times, staff is present to provide extra botanical information! Its also free!... though they do accept donations at the door...

Breathing such clean air an catching the floating trail of ever changing fragrance coming from the myriad plants as you move through the conservatory can be a very restorative experience and a way to find your center amid a hectic day. I wonder if anyone has a particular favorite plant that they visit? I certainly do!

What a magical place! Especially in the winter. You can walk in and breathe deep. The air smells like a garden in the summertime. The volunteers and staff are amazing. One gentleman stopped to share his wisdom with us as we asked several questions. Currently they are having the Spring Flower Show. A volunteer told us the flowers change throughout the season as new things are in bloom. The fern room feels like a time capsule to Illinois 200 million years ago. So cool. Highly recommend this place. Also...it is free!

The conservatory is especially lovely as a winter reprieve, but interesting to children and adults all year. Remember that youre not supposed to touch the plants, many of which are delicate. We saw a few people pull off flowers and photograph it without thinking through the consequences of even ten people per day doing that. Being from Maine, I especially loved the Lobster Claws. (First photo)

Visited the park in rainy day in May. That was so pleasant - such a lovely place full of colors and, plants and flowers, big and small. (Free admission, welcoming stuff). If you didn’t get any guide – you are not lost here – every plant and exhibit it described , unknown flowers recognized and remembered. We met a small group of kids age of 5 (!). It was so nice for them to visit such a place of beauty to enjoy and love the nature. Great place to relax and admire !

Loved my short visit here! It definitely only takes 10 ish minutes to walk through, but it’s beautiful and free! Also a warm place to go in the winter. I took a book with me and sat on one of the benches for the last 45 min that they were open and read while I watched people walk by and enjoyed the atmosphere. The volunteers were very kind and the place itself was well maintained. Walk across the block to the little sushi restaurant after, it’s wonderful as well!

Its a beautiful conservatory. Ive came here to see a Christmas flower exhibition. As all conservatories it has a beautiful rooms with amazing tropical plans. Take a look at these pictures! Recommend to visit for families with kids, students and just anyone. Very educated and esthetic beautiful.

Take a full day to stroll at Lincoln Park Zoo and Botanical Garden. Bring a picnic lunch. Enjoy life at a healthy pace in the most beautiful surroundings. Book a party at Cafe Bauer. Or, just STOP. LISTEN. LEARN. You might decide to pay for an Ive cream

Awesome free chi ago attraction. Parking is free is you can find it. Bathrooms and water fountains available. Great display of exotic plants from across the globe. Great place for a date or just a day by yourself. Get out and enjoy nature!

Lincoln Park Conservatory is an extraordinary place to see flowers and plants of many beautiful varieties. When I visit Chicago I always love to visit the Conservatory. I take advantage of their paid parking because its so convenient and saves time trying to find parking in the neighborhood. I highly recommend Lincoln Park Conservatory for a relaxing and uplifting experience.

Wonderful place to go around and more fun if you have kids

FREE. So many plants and trees to see! Right next to the Lincoln Park Zoo which is also free. When it’s Winter in Chicago and you want something indoors to do I’d recommend this place. The warmth and plants will make you forget it’s freezing outside.

This conservatory is much bigger than how it looks from the front. There are so many different variety of ferns, flowers, orchids, and trees. This is wonderful to walk through especially during the Chicago winters. Its right next to Lincoln Park Zoo and best of all, its free.

I love colors so going to this conservatory is so refreshing because I got the chance to see the vibrant colors of the plants. And its free, so theres no reason not to go. I came here a few years ago and I hope they havent changed. Or actually even has improved.

A little smaller than Garfield, but a great stop on a cold day

Beautiful garden with knowledgeable volunteers. Clean and well kept if a bit outdated restrooms. Definitely a great place to escape to in Chicago winter, especially for their holiday display!

Loved it. I like how each plant is named and also says where they are from. Absolutely beautiful place to visit. The flowers are stunning.

Its a beautiful conservatory. I enjoy the fern room. The orchids are stunning. They have seversl display places that feature different plants through the year. If you plan on taking wedding, family, or any other kind of proffessional photo you need a permit.

What a great free place to visit. Go during the cold winter months for some relief. Many rooms to check out including a fern room and jungle room. We had a very nice volunteer show us around and teach us a few things. Would come here again

Beautiful array of flowers and plants!Free admission!

This was the surprise highlight of our most recent trip to Chicago! I love plants, and this conservatory was brimming with beautiful blooms and trees, ferns and fronds! There were a number of exotic and impressive plants and trees. I truly loved this place.

A must stop for any travels on a budget. Beautiful, well maintained plants facility. The volunteer staff was extremely accommodating and knowledgeable.

The docents were knowledgeable and helpful. The gardens were immaculate. There were so many of varieties of flowers and plants. Impressive.

Very well maintained place and extremely knowledgeable and quirky staff. Definitely worth visiting for anyone that has any curiosity about plants in general. The orchids (look out for the vanilla!) and fern halls were my favorite. The staff were always walking around and pointing out some interesting plants and facts throughout the different areas. The palm room has lots of hidden gems. The koi pond and gold fish were added bonuses. The train sets and poinsettia added to the festive feel. I’d love to take a book and go hang out on the benches. There were some people knitting and relaxing. Highly recommend this place and only take very well behaved kids since all plants (and other creatures) are off limits to touching.

Small and beautiful. Its easy to do along with the zoo. One can easily see its entirety in 30 min but surely worth it.

Beautifull! Very good.

If you are a plant enthusiast and would like to see a variety of different plants including during winter months this is a nice place to go. Its not too big but the variety is nice. The place does not charge any entrance fee. Its free.A decent 1 to 2 hours of time will spent. Make sure you ask questions, the volunteers are so over the area. Very informative if you do that.

I really enjoyed this place. I think if your at the zoo or in the area it’s a must see.

Very neat place!!! We went as a family shortly   closing while visiting the Lincoln Park Zoo and loved our short visit. It was as nice as many large botanical gardens weve been to that charge, so for this to be free was incredible! The Ice Age area was really neat, we especially enjoyed the model train area and the mammoth. The amount of plants crammed into every square inch of this place is mind blowing and some of the plants are huge! I would highly recommend this to anyone visiting the area whether you are a plant enthusiast, just wasting time or trying to take in some of the more uncommon attractions of Chicago!

Amazing!! Thats it, I like the facts that are written beside each unique plant or fish.

I cant give enough accolades here. Everyone loved our visit. The orchid room and the fragrant flowers were amazing. I could have sat they all day and read a book. You must go and see all of the flowers!!

Beautiful space. Great to spend time with family walking around some amazing exotic plants.

An awesome FREEBIE in an awesome city. If you have some time on your hands, the conservatory is open year round and is always free! They have a great variety of plants and the glass makes for some awesome lighting for photos.

Great place to visit, right next to Lincoln park zoo.

The smells of the roses and the trees there is hard to describe. Amazing.

Sometimes I walk inside and tell myself that one day my wedding will be here. Other times, I am convinced that my proposal will occur in this place. But the more I visit, I firmly believe that no matter what state or status I will always find peace and tranquility in the fresh air that I breathe upon entering. The flowers with both name and story draw my attention and remind me about the simplicity and beauty of life. And perhaps in that moment I consider my own beauty like that of a flower

This place is great. Its like a jungle got dropped right in the middle of the city!The orchid room is a must see. The volunteers are always so kind and knowledgeable.Definitely check out the sausage tree and banana trees. The flowers are simply stunning!This place is a wonderful place to take your friends, family, or even a date. Definitely check it out!!

The conservatory had huge variety of plants and some looked very awesome. Personally my favorite part was the orchid room. Plus the coolest part is that you can go in for free, its amazing. The staff were very friendly and overall the entire place was well kept and looked very neat. It was very relaxing and i would definitely recommend it if you are staying in Chicago

Love coming here every zoo visit. ️

Beautifully peaceful without having to pay anything makes it even better. Great place to take your kids or just read a book

My favorite getaway place in the city. In the winter it is heaven, warm and humid. Being from FL, the Fern Room is like home. Its nice to sit on the bench in there and listen to the weird ambient music and sweat in the humidity. Its amazing in a rainstorm, the rain against the glass roof. The orchid room is just incredible as well.

Beautiful to visit. True gem in the city. Wish parking were easier. Signage to get around from space to space could be better.

Chicago is unique among cities when it comes to its nature conservatories. Lincoln Park and Garfield Park conservatories are jewels in the crown of the Chicago Park District. While the parks are a great place to get with nature during the spring and summer, the conservatories are a great place to soak up some warmth, humidity and tropical forestry.

Such a great place to visit in the winter, it is nice to see flowering and blooming flowers and plants. A nice warm repast for a cold wintery day

The Lincoln Park Conservatory is a free location to visit (donations are suggested). The conservatory is very well maintained and full of both natural as well as architectural beauty. A must do for visitors and locals alike.

Totally worth a stop when visiting the Lincoln Park zoo just a short bus ride north of the Loop. Free admission. Opens an hour before the zoo at 9am so suggest going here first before the zoo. Lots of exotic plants, flowers, and trees. They also always seem to have art installations imbedded within the gardens all within a art deco-ish dome. Art and creativity never goes out of place anywhere in Chicago.

Very beautiful and smells lovely. Its an oasis Im the city!

This is free! It is filled with the most beautiful plants. I couldnt stop oohing and ahing. Everywhere you look, gorgeous and healthy flowers and plants. If youre in Chicago, you must take advantage of this place! Its right next to the zoo, which is also free. Parking nearby is expensive, but for a day in the area, its worth the price.

Absolutely stunning. Went in just to get out of the cold and was greatly surprised by how large, well maintained, and beautiful this conservatory was. They have a number of different rooms, from the Palm room to the fern room to the flower room. A couple was there taking engagement pictures when we went, and it’s easy to see why!! I was absolutely blown away by this place.

Discovered this beautiful place today. Its free and great to go for a stroll with loved ones.

What a great place to visit with the family! Unique plants, variety of orchids, fountains, turtles, fishes. Entrance is free. Restrooms available

Very peaceful Conservatory to walk through. The plants that they put in are wonderful. The smell and aroma are also give the building a nice little touch. Also the fact that it’s FREE and in Lincoln Park are also very cool. If time allows do visit.

Walking through the conservatorys 3 acres of desert palms, jungle ferns and tropical orchids is like taking a trip around the world in 30 minutes. The glass-bedecked hothouse remains a sultry, 75ºF escape even in winter.

What a beautiful place. Wonderful on both inside and outside. 4 different rooms for the various types of plants. Best part is thats its free !

Ideal place to scape from winter in middle of the city and a peaceful place to relax. Is overwhelming the tropical plants.

The rotating art exhibits are always very well done amd the place as a whole is so enjoyable. Great for sketching!

Beautiful, free, and changing constantly. A wonderful time

Excellent conservatory with loads of beautiful plants. The landscaping is phenomenal and the staff is extremely friendly and welcoming. Take a walk around the park, check out the conservatory, and youre having a great day.

Unfortunately, we only got to enjoy a brief visit as part of a Chicago bus tour we took. We will definitely go back when we have a LOT more time. It was absolutely beautiful!!

This place is so much fun! My boyfriend and I visited in April just to escape the cold and we ended up LOVING what we found. Neither of us would call ourselves plant people (I mean, Ive killed a cactus), but theres something so cool about finding a little oasis like this in the middle of Chicago. There are four different rooms to check out. My personal favorite is the main room, but I would still visit just for the other three rooms. Plus, if youre into photography, there are a ton of opportunities (just dont plan any kind of photoshoot without contacting the staff first)!

Need a place to just get away and breathe... this is your sanctuary. Always lovely. Find a bench and just sit.

So beautiful. And really rad to see plants from all over the world coexisting so well. Each room was better than the last, just a really chill way to spend an afternoon.

One of my favorite places in Chicago. We took a friend from the Netherlands there and he was just enchanted and loved every minute of it. The docents are knowledgable and interesting, the plants are, of course, just stunning. I really have to come back more often to keep the beauty and serenity from here with me in my daily life.

Came to see the flowers, and I stayed for the atmosphere. It was free to enter, and I was greeted with greenhouse-after-greenhouse of unique plants, orchids, and ferns. Definitely a great Chicago experience for those on a budget and a love for nature.

A lovely collection of plants and flowers. I try to visit every few months to see their seasonal exhibits. Its convenient to get to from the lakefront the lakefront or the CTA, so its an easy stop on the way home. It also has a bathroom so if nature calls this is one of the nicer places to answer that call in lincoln park.

A great place to walk around with the kids for free! The staff were friendly and engaging and made the experience so fun for my young nephews by giving them a hunt and find activity

One word, BEAUTIFUL. Amazing Oasis in the great of the city. Come here to relax, reflect, smell the flowers, take some cute insta photos. Cant believe this place is free! 100% recommend it.

I used to live across the street and the conservatory was such a great place to go and relax. On rainy days, Id grab a book, head on over and curl up on a bench to read. Also, Ive been known to take my tiny friends to the fern room to search for dinosaurs (plastic dino figures hidden in the foliage) and the train display in the flower room during the holidays!Other good-to-know info: entry is free, bathrooms (very clean) are by the entrance, and its easy to navigate with a wide stroller (except the fern room which has stairs)

Its just peaceful and smells amazing. I love to come in here a few times in the year, i wish i could stay

Its so beautiful and relaxing. Its a great spot to take pictures as well.

A magical wonderland! Very cool architecture and a lush abundance of plants. The fern room is particularly great.

Free place can donate. There are public restrooms that are clean, they have beautiful flowers and plants.

Great place to spend some time among green in the bleak Chicago winter. The plants are gorgeous. Nice benches to sit on and talk or read.

Wonderful botanical garden with free admission and free street parking located in Lincoln Park. What more could one ask for? The zoo is just down the block. The park is vast open space filled with a beautiful fountain and a plethora of flowers. The conservatory itself is stunning and gives off very tranquil vibes. I’m sure the place is usually packed but I went on a Sunday morning when it opened at 9 am and no one else was there. Recommend for families, couples, literally anyone who actually appreciates botany and nature.

We stopped here on Dec 29th before going to the zoo to see the lights. It was the most amazing poinsettia display I have ever seen. The wide variety of orchids was also impressive. Great stop to warm up as well after we walked in the snow.

This place is free and well maintained. The staff was friendly and full of information if you had any questions. The bathrooms were clean. It made a lovely place to visit on our walk around the park.

The Conservatory was amazing and beautiful. The workers were eager to help and answer questions. Will return soon.

The fans swept in a pleasant breeze. The Renaissance Rooms classical music was so calming that it made me sleepy. And, of course, the plants were all so vibrant, soft to touch, and had a natural sweet fragrance.

Small and quaint but absolutely packed with vibrant colors, tons of orchids, and the fattest koi fish Ive ever seen.

Lincoln Park Conservatory is a Brilliant place to visit any time of year but especially so for when the sunlight gets sparse in the Chi (basically anytime during the colder months.) Spaces like this one, filled with tropical plants and humid air, will fill you with good energy and jumpstart your mood. The only downside is that you might be tempted to forage fruits from the plants, like papaya and oranges. But alas, please Dont eat anything off this landmark but do come by and drop a donation if you are able, as the Lincoln Park Conservatory is one of the only free conservatories in the country.

Most beautiful conservatory I have ever seen.

Must visit for any trip to Chicago! Its free, well kept, and climate controlled. Highly recommend checking it out.

Another great place to visit thats completely FREE!!! Just like the zoo, donations are welcomed and deserved. If you go in the colder months, be sure to wear layers, its very warm and humid in the Palm House. Its absolutely beautiful!! I could spend hours reading on one of the many benches listening to the chiming bowls and rain sounds.

Very beautiful, well kept conservatory! Wonderful!

Small place so expect it to only be a quick stop. Beautiful spot nonetheless!

What an excellent free activity. Beautiful spring flower show!

Its a beautiful and quiet place. if you wanna relax dont hesitate and visit this beautiful place

Nice and extense flower collection in a beautiful environment next to the zoo. Free access.

No admission fee! Parking can be challenging.

This is a nice side trip if you are visiting the zoo. It is right next door . The admission price is free.

This is a wonderful, free little gem in this beautiful city. Outside of the conservatory is a gorgeous view of the skyline past a beautiful park. Its small enough to not get lost but big enough to kill an hour or 2. Great place to bring kids or take photos!

The conservatory was beautiful. Theres free admission. Kid friendly. I loved the orchid room. There were even turtles walking around.

Very quick to walkthrough, but a beautiful opportunity for great photos!

Well labeled with friendly staff offering to answer questions and happy to show you their favorite plants. It’s a wonderful tropical getaway when it’s cold out. And it’s free!

Fantastic place. Do not miss.

This place is simply stunning. A gem in the Lincoln Park Zoo. The flora is well kept and of high interesting variety.

A magical place you can get lost in. I thoroughly enjoyed my afternoon here!

Gorgeous place to visit and take a break from the heat.