Chicago Botanic Garden

Explore the Garden

PHOTO: lakeside gardens

Gardens of the Great Basin

Experience the scenic walkways, beautiful gardens, and breathtaking views that encircle the Chicago Botanic Garden's central lake.

The Gardens of the Great Basin — the Water Gardens, Lakeside Gardens, and Evening Island — encircle the Chicago Botanic Garden's central lake and extend into the water. They are linked by scenic pathways and distinctive bridges, and graced with terraces, overlooks, and seating areas of the lake and surrounding gardens.

Together, the Gardens of the Great Basin create an extraordinary sensory experience — one that changes with the seasons, the hours of the day, and each step along
the path.

Find out what's in bloom now.

Download a guide for the Great Basin. (PDF 328K)