01/03/07

So dark the con of man

by sahooa

I feel compelled to create an account just to write this review. The wonderland express is a con. You pay $12 for parking, $20 for 2 non member adults and $8 for a child & then see absolutely nothing. Some trains, some soapsuds and some christmas trees.

The price should have been 10 dollars total max.

Throw your money someplace else.

12/11/06

Not for Wonderland Express

by redd5

The gardens are beatuiful during spring/summer/fall. However, I would stay away from the wonderland express that is there now during the holidays. It is a waste of money. You are paying ($10 per person for non members) to look at a 10x10 room filled with soap and gordes (soap falls out of the sky to make it seem like snow and the staff made replicas of some Chicago landmarks out of gordes). I was disappointed with this trip.

• Pros: gardens in nice weather
• Cons: Wonderland Express

08/07/06

This North Shore preserve is one of the country's most visited public gardens.

by Contributor

Overview
The gardens are a showcase of natural beauty that have been lovingly shaped and cultivated. The 385 acres are broken into a collection of 23 specialty-garden areas, 15 acres of prairie and 100 acres of woods, all filled with winding paths and educational signs. There are six guided walking tours available, or kick up your heels and take a ride on the tram.

Features
The garden hosts plant shows and sales, classes and art exhibits. It also has many educational programs geared toward children, including science and environmental programs for school groups, as well as summer day camps and family picnics on the grounds. The garden shop, located in the Gateway Center, sells tools, wind socks and garden sculptures, plus distinctive stationery, floral-painted dishes and educational items for kids. A cafeteria sells sandwiches, hot dogs and more.

05/15/03

It's NOT "relaxing" -- Thank God!

by mitchje

Everyone's entitled to an opinion (especially at Citysearch), but after 13 years visiting the Chicago Botanic Gardens I would disagree with the emphasis on the "relaxing" nature of CBG in so many other reviews -- or at least point out that relaxation would not be the primary benefit I would mark about this wonderful place. Instead, I would stress the powerful inducements to the imagination and aesthetic sense this place can provide -- even the Japanese gardens, places of serenity and contemplation, are not places of "relaxation" -- rather of rejuvination through active contemplation. There is also much humor and creativity and just plain awe in this Museum of Science and Industry for the spirit.

• Pros: Utter professionalism, Science meets art, Humor and spirit
• Cons: Sometimes crowded

09/30/02

Wear your walking shoes!

by tyggergirl

The bugs exhibit made our visit into a mini-adventure searching for the various bugs. If you bring children, it's going to be hard to keep them from climbing the ants! The themed gardens are beautiful; my personal favorite was the Japanese one. As if the gardens aren't enough, the stores compel you to take a look and see how you can create your own version of the gardens.

09/11/02

bountiful!

by judgesully

There are few, if any, places in the Chicago area to match the serenity of CBG. Even if you have no interest in flowers, etc., this place should be high on your list. It inspires and mellows you at the same time.

06/27/02

get away and relax...

by cspeering

The Chicago Botanic Garden has to be the most relaxing place in Chicago. It's absolutely beautiful. There's no better place to escape the stress and noise of the city. Great place to take a nice long walk.

05/17/02

Relaxing place to stroll

by jpanderson_citysearch

I rode up here from the city last summer almost every weekend while training for the AIDS Ride, and it's a really tranquil place to walk around and admire the greenery and flowers. Lovely for walks, nice and quiet.