Lincoln Park Conservatory — Attraction in Chicago

The Lake View Conservatory in Chicago is a serene oasis, offering a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle. My visit to this lush sanctuary was a delightful escape, surrounded by the beauty and tranquility of nature.

As soon as I stepped into the conservatory, I was enveloped by the warmth and vibrancy of the various plant collections. The array of flora, from exotic tropical plants to delicate orchids, was not only a feast for the eyes but also a testament to the conservatory's commitment to biodiversity and conservation. The well-maintained pathways led me through different sections, each offering a unique ambiance and a new set of plants to admire.

One of the most appealing aspects of the Lake View Conservatory is its accessibility. The fact that it's free to the public makes it an inclusive space, welcoming visitors from all walks of life to enjoy this natural haven. This accessibility is a significant factor in its charm, allowing everyone to appreciate the beauty of nature without any barriers.

The conservatory's atmosphere is one of calm and relaxation. The sounds of the city seem to disappear, replaced by the gentle rustling of leaves and the soft trickle of water features. It's a place where time slows down, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the present moment.

In conclusion, the Lake View Conservatory is a remarkable spot in Chicago, perfect for those seeking a peaceful break from city life. Its combination of stunning botanical displays, free access, and tranquil ambiance makes it a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. It's not just a conservatory; it's a sanctuary where you can reconnect with nature and find a...

I had an unwelcoming experience during a visit on 2/28. A friend and I were looking closely at some plants near the entrance. We did not observe any signs explaining how to interact with the plants, nor were any directions given to us at check in. My friend and I were being careful, staying on the path and being aware of the space around us. At one point, my friend’s hand briefly and carefully touched a leaf of a tall plant next to us. One of the volunteers came up behind us and rudely said “don’t touch my plants”. It was very startling and off putting.

As a licensed teacher and someone who has worked with students for 10 years, I am aware of much more effective and welcoming methods to redirect people while encouraging learning. This volunteer’s actions here and during the rest of our visit did nothing to welcome us and help us to learn.

During the remainder of our visit, she continued to monitor us, without any interaction. At one point, I observed several visitors touching plants while this volunteer stared at us. In contrast, another volunteer made us feel welcomed again by discussing how to interact with the plants and sharing tips about plant care.

Near the end visit, this volunteer was next to us while we questioned what a certain plant was. At no point did she try to help us. This was a very discouraging end to our visit.

I would be hesitant to bring anyone interested in learning here based on this volunteer’s actions. Garfield park conservatory seems to be the better

Two stars only for the volunteer that took the time to speak with us and explain...

This place is gorgeous. It can get miserably hot in the summer (the ventilation isn't very good, it's like an actual jungle in there), but it is worth a visit, especially in the winter. You could easily get through it all in an hour, but if you happen upon one of the docents, you could spend 2 hours just listening to them talk about all the plants (they're extremely knowledgeable).

Size-wise, it's approximately midway between the Oak Park and Garfield Park Conservatories.

If I could add one room, it would be a desert room because I love succulents.

The bathroom is quite small, but it gets the job done.

I think they should invest more in merchandising. I don't need a full-blown gift shop (selling stuff in the lobby like they currently do is fine for me), I just prefer to make donations in the form of buying overpriced magnets, and the selection on offer was pitiful. It was even less imaginative than the Garfield Park Conservatory.

Make sure to make your reservation online beforehand! Before I visited, I thought it odd they were required, but after seeing how small it is relative to the neighborhood it is immediately adjacent to (and all the people also visiting for the surrounding park), it...