Bust Through the Winter Boredom at These Beautiful Botanical Gardens

Mar 7, 2022

Botanical gardens are incredible places to visit! Not only are they absolutely beautiful to look at and relaxing to walk through, but they’re a wonderful place for science! The botanical gardens document local and exotic flora for the purpose of scientific research, education, and conservation.

Did you also know that spending time within nature has the potential to improve your health, lower blood pressure, improve your mood, and a whole lot more? Between the open spaces, gorgeous greenery, delicate blossoms, and special events like art and music, there’s so many opportunities to find joy, relaxation, and stress relief.

Put a little Spring in your step today, because we’ve got a great list of amazing destinations to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine over spring break. Today’s post is all about gorgeous botanical gardens in the area.

Botanical Gardens and Arboretums to Visit Over Spring Break

Olbrich Botanical Garden in Madison WI
Chicago Botanic Garden in Chicago IL
Boerner Botanical Gardens in Hales Corners
Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum
Frame Park Floral Gardens in Waukesha
Monk Botanical Gardens in Wausau WI
Green Bay Botanical Garden in Greenbay WI
Morton Arboretum in Lisle IL
Garfield Park Conservatory
Lurie Garden in Chicago
Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanical Gardens
The Magic Hedge
Wilder Park Conservatory in Elmhurst
Prospect Gardens Park
Anderson Japanese Gardens
NIcholas Conservatory and Gardens
Sunken Garden in Aurora
Lincoln Memorial Garden Nature Center in springfield
Schaub Floral Display Center in Decatur
Brooks Farms in Fairmount
Herrin Park District in Herrin
The Watershed Nature Center in Edwardsville
Luthy Botanical Gardens in Peoria
Nygren Wetland Preserve in Rockton
Mandala Gardens in Marion

How to Prepare For Your Day Trip to the Botanical Gardens

You’re going to be doing a lot of walking, so we highly recommend that you wear your most comfortable and supportive footwear, dress in layers such as tees/tanks under a hoodie or windbreaker/jacket. Make sure you’re also wearing a hat with a wide brim and sunglasses since a lot of the area will be open without treecover, and likely very sunny.

And make sure to bring a backpack, bag, or tote with the following:

Water and Electrolyte Beverages
Energizing and Protein packed snacks
Sunscreen and bug spray
Cash for donations, souvenirs, access to special exhibits
Portable battery chargers for your phone and camera
Small plastic bags to collect your trash and throw it away easily
Optional – A plant and flower identification guide and/or bird identification guide
Optional – A field notebook or small sketchbook with pens and travel art supplies