Can’t Miss Gardens of the Chicago Western Suburbs

Walking through a garden, you notice every color imaginable, in mounds of varying heights. The sweet scents wafting in the air as you walk down a succession of meandering paths,. The beauty of a professionally maintained garden is one of the great pleasures of the seasons. Something about the marriage of smells, the sculptural artistry, and the variety of texture and colors never fails to awe, even with repeated exposure. As such, there are never too many gardens to explore. The gardens of the Chicago western suburbs are no exception.

While Chicago holds plenty of beautifully manicured gardens, I’ve never been one much for crowds. Even as a city dweller, it’s worth making a trip to see these gorgeous gardens of the Chicago western suburbs. Don’t take my word for it; three of these gardens started as the country estates of wealthy Chicago business magnates! What’s more, many of these locations are four season destinations with highly decorative holiday light displays in the winter.

Cantigny Gardens

1S151 Winfield Road
Wheaton, IL 60189

A 500-acre estate of former Chicago Tribune editor Robert McCormick, the gardens are three acres of an entire property of significance. There is the beautiful McCormick House, and three, 9-hole golf courses. The property hosts themed events and concerts throughout the year, and changes its theme and art installations yearly. Additionally, it boasts a First Division World War I Museum, and a tank park that is great for kids. This is truly one of the four season gardens of the Chicago western suburbs, as it also has a beautiful winter lights installation.

Cantigny does charge for parking, which can vary between $5-$15, although if you register online, you can get free parking/admission on Wednesdays.

Visit the most beautiful gardens of the Chicago suburbs

Lilacia Park

150 S Park Ave
Lombard, IL 60148

One of the gardens of Chicago's western suburbs is Lilacia Park — Lilacia Park light tunnel for toddlers.

Managed by the Village of Lombard, Lilacia Park is a spectacular installation of serenity in the midst of a bustling downtown. This garden of the Chicago western suburbs is located steps from the Lombard train station. A seven-acre square, it is most majestic in early spring during Lombard Lilac Time, when the park blooms full of 35,000 tulips! Accompanying the tulips, and shortly thereafter, the scent of hundreds of lilac bushes perfume the air of this aptly named destination.

For children, the regular passing of trains adds excitement and wonder to the serenity of the green space. After the excitement of the tulips has passed, Lilacia Park is home to movies in the park as well as an annual Mutt and Strut 5K with animals.

As beautiful as Lilacia Park is in bloom, its winter Holiday Lights display is the best free lights display in the area. All acreage is packed full of dancing lights, 20-foot tall blinking toy soldiers, and bright tunnels bursting with colorful designs. It has become a favorite of my family, and we haven’t missed it since we’ve lived in DuPage County.

Morton Arboretum

4100 IL-53
Lisle, IL 60532

Morton Arborteum Joy Path — One of the Yearly Large Scale Art Installations at Morton Arboretum

When he wasn’t running Morton Salt in Chicago, executive Joy Morton sought reprieve in a country estate 25 miles outside of the city. What began as a private estate in Lisle grew to a 700-acre celebration of trees shortly before Morton’s death. Today, its 1700-acre grounds are filled with themed tree lined walks like the Magnolia, Confier, and Linden collections. More place based routes are also plentiful like the North American collection, Plants from Appalachia, the Asian collection, and so much more.

The Arboretum also installs a large-scale, property wide art exhibit every other year. The installations are spread out throughout the east and west sides of the property. Identifying them all is a great way to visit parts of the Arborteum that you haven’t before seen.

Walking through the Spruce Plot is a soothing exercise in forest bathing.

My favorite spot is the Spruce plot, an ethereal walk tucked next to the P12 parking lot. Planted in the 1920’s as a woodlot for their own lumber source, the trees were planted to crowd one another. This caused greenery to start higher up the trunk and leave spindly trunks below. A feathery canopy brushes the sky and walking through it feels as if walking through an orb of calm peacefulness.

Entry to the Morton Arboretum requires a paid ticket or paid membership, but you can save $2 by booking online instead of upon entry. At the time of this post, adult entry varies between $17-$21, while children and seniors are between $13-$16 depending upon the day.

Fabyan Villa and Japanese Garden

1925 S Batavia Ave
Geneva, IL 60134

Fabyan Japanese Gardens — This large scale lantern was used

Notice the oval from the bridge reflection in the water. — This large scale lantern was used

One of the best kept secret gardens of the Chicago western suburbs is Fabyan Villa and Japanese Garden in Geneva. At over 100 years old, this highly decorative Japanese garden was just one jewel of the Fabyan Estate. The roman style swimming pool, bear enclosure, and plentiful fountains helped add to the 300-acre country estate of Colonel George and Nellie Fabyan. Their Japanese garden is simply one of the most spectacular free public gardens of the Chicago western suburbs.

With a short operating season and even shorter hours, you’ll need to plan ahead. Managed by the Fox Valley Forest Preserve, the gardens are staffed by county employees. Open June through October, on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 12-3pm, exploring this jewel is worth the effort. Consider making a whole day of it by arriving for the 11 AM guided villa tour as well. Renovated and redesigned by none other than Frank Lloyd Wright, the tour is 60-90 minutes well spent. Afterwards, tour the garden and grounds, and then continue a stroll along the Fox River into downtown Geneva for some food and shopping. Alternatively, the drive into town is under ten minutes.

Bird Haven Greenhouse

225 Gougar Rd
Joliet, IL 60432

Bird Haven Water Features — Bird Haven Greenhouse in Joliet is a beautiful spot for Christmas foliage!

An Italian Renaissance-style greenhouse managed by the Joliet Park District, this stunning garden is free to the public. It lies at the entrance of Pilcher Park and Higginbotham woods. It’s rooms are comprised of waterfalls, tropical plant rooms, a desert plant room, and more. This is a popular wedding location, and professional photos require a paid permit. When it’s too cold in the fall or winter, or too rainy in the spring and summer, this is a great garden to visit.