Top botanical gardens
Botanical GardenMorton Arboretum
Botanical GardenChicago Botanic Garden
Botanical GardenLadd Arboretum
Botanical GardenRobert Allerton Park
Botanical GardenGarfield Park
Botanical GardenLincoln Park Conservatory
Botanical GardenAnderson Japanese Gardens
Botanical GardenLilacia Park
Botanical GardenKlehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden
Botanical GardenWashington Park
Botanical GardenAbraham Lincoln Memorial Garden
Botanical GardenUniversity of Illinois Arboretum
Botanical Gardens by county
All botanical gardens (21)
| Name | County | Elevation | Nearest town | Sky |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morton Arboretum | DuPage County | 218 m | Lisle | 8 |
| Chicago Botanic Garden | Cook County | — | Glencoe | 8 |
| Ladd Arboretum | Cook County | 182 m | Evanston | 9 |
| Robert Allerton Park | Piatt County | — | Monticello | 4 |
| Garfield Park | Cook County | — | West Garfield Park | 9 |
| Lincoln Park Conservatory | Cook County | — | Lincoln Park | 9 |
| Anderson Japanese Gardens | Winnebago County | — | Loves Park | 7 |
| Lilacia Park | DuPage County | — | Lombard | 8 |
| Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden | Winnebago County | — | Rockford | 7 |
| Washington ParkSpringfield 1908 Race Riot | Sangamon County | — | Leland Grove | 7 |
| Abraham Lincoln Memorial Garden | Sangamon County | — | Rochester | 5 |
| University of Illinois Arboretum | Champaign County | — | Urbana | 8 |
| Oak Park Conservatory | Cook County | — | Oak Park | 9 |
| Don Opel Arboretum | Stephenson County | — | Freeport | 5 |
| Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden | Champaign County | — | Mahomet | 5 |
| George L. Luthy Memorial Botanical Garden | Peoria County | — | North Peoria | 8 |
| Fell Arboretum | McLean County | — | Normal | 8 |
| Starhill Forest Arboretum | Menard County | — | Athens | 4 |
| The Gardens at SIUE | Madison County | — | Edwardsville | 6 |
| Quad City Botanical Center | Rock Island County | — | Rock Island | 8 |
| Longview Park Conservatory and Gardens | Rock Island County | — | Rock Island | 8 |
Sky = estimated Bortle class (1 darkest – 9 brightest).
Map
How to photograph botanical gardens
Gardens are best on bright overcast days or early mornings when dew is fresh and the wind is calm.
- A macro lens or close-up filter opens a world of detail — try a shallow aperture against a soft background.
- Many gardens restrict tripods or charge for photography; check the rules before you go.
- Backlit petals glow; position yourself so the sun is behind the flower.
- Seasonal exhibits (orchids, tulips, cherry blossoms) draw crowds — arrive at opening.
- Kaleidoscopic and abstract images are great for flower close-ups — try the online kaleidoscope tool.
Season: Spring bulbs and blossoms, summer perennials and autumn color; glasshouses offer winter subjects.