The 8,000 Sq. ft. Oak Park Conservatory In Illinois Is A Plant Lover’s Paradise

If you consider yourself a lover of all plants, you probably enjoy visiting botanical gardens and conservatories. And in Oak Park, there's an exceptional conservatory with more than 3,000 plants. The Oak Park Conservatory in Illinois is a must-visit for all you nature and plant lovers out there.

Part of the Park District of Oak Park, the Oak Park Conservatory first started as a place to hold exotic plants that were brought back by residents from their foreign travels.

The glass structure that houses the conservatory was built in 1929 in a striking Edwardian style. Not only is it a place for plant lovers but for architecture lovers as well. It's been on the National Register of Historic Places since 2005.

Inside the conservatory today, visitors can view over 3,000 plants. There are walkways and even some benches where you can sit and rest and take it all in throughout the building.

There are also several areas of the conservatory including a Mediterranean Room, a Tropical Room, and a Desert Room which showcase plants from specific regions, ecosystems, and climates.

Located in the Tropical Room are a variety of tropical birds as well as koi, goldfish, and turtles. Children will especially enjoy this room!

Head outdoors where you'll find the Rubinstein Memorial Garden and the Elsie Jacobson Discovery Garden. These gardens mostly feature plants that are native to Illinois.

The Oak Park Conservatory is closed on Mondays and major holidays. Admission is always free, however, donations are gladly accepted!

Have you been to the Oak Park Conservatory in Illinois yet? If not, what are you waiting for? Make plans to go now! For more information, including hours of operation, visit the Park District of Oak Park's website and Facebook page.

Would you like to see gardens filled with flowers in bloom? Check out these stunning botanical gardens in Illinois.