Chicago Botanic Gardens

Residents are invited to get out and smell the roses by joining the Des Plaines History Center’s Historic Adventures trip to the Chicago Botanic Garden Saturday, August 23. Participants will gather at the History Center, 781 Pearson Street, Des Plaines, at noon and carpool to Glencoe.

“Bring a camera and capture the colorful beauty of flowers and shrubs,” said William G. Grice, III, one of the Historic Adventures volunteer coordinators. Grice and Janet Thompson lead excursions around the Chicago area so people from Des Plaines can visit interesting and historic places that they might not go to alone.

With 385 acres to explore, this Historic Adventure will begin with a 2.3-mile narrated tram tour for an overview of the different gardens. This will provide an opportunity to learn the history and science of the grounds while viewing highlights, including the McDonald Woods, Elizabeth Hubert Malott Japanese Garden, the new Learning Campus, as well as to enjoy splendid views of the garden’s 81 acres of water.

After the tram tour, participants can explore the Chicago Botanic Garden on their own. Some might visit the Model Railroad Garden or the Butterflies and Blooms Exhibition. Others might tour the Vegetable Garden or Wheelbarrow Shop or spend time in the Garden View Café or Rose Terrace Café.

Fees for this Historic Adventure are $20 for History Center members and $25 for non-members. Cost is $15 for youth, ages 16 and under. The fee includes admission, transportation, and the tram tour. Food and extra activities at the garden are not included. Those driving will be reimbursed for gas. The estimated return time to Des Plaines is 5:30 p.m.

Registration and advanced payment are required. Please call the History Center at 847-391-5399 or visit www.desplaineshistory.org.

The History Center gratefully acknowledges operating support from the City of Des Plaines, the Des Plaines Park District, its members, and other contributors.