The winter blues are real, and this time of the year in Chicago hibernation is seemingly the only way to get through the cold. Alas, the city and surrounding suburbs have numerous hubs for greenery to get a taste of summer.

Studies show that being around plants helps people concentrate better and can increase compassion and improve relationships with others, while flowers reduce stress-related depression and improve mood. When the days are short and gloomy, explore one of these plant-centric spots to feel uplifted. 

Garfield Conservatory - Garfield Park

The Garfield Conservatory is one of the largest in the nation, spanning about two acres inside. The conservatory is located in Garfield Park at the intersection of North Central Park Avenue and Lake Street, and it’s open to the public daily. Admission here is free, but a donation is suggested at the door.

Different species of plants are spread out among eight rooms in six greenhouses and two grand exhibition halls. The biggest of the rooms is the Palm House, which is 65 feet high and 90 feet wide, featuring more than 70 palms. This tropical room has a collection of other warm-weather plants found throughout the world. The Desert House is home to one of the most diverse collections of succulents and cacti, and the Aroid House is a serene display with 16 yellow lily pads. The Garfield Conservatory also has every second Wednesday lectures, free yoga two Saturdays a month, and worm bin composting demonstrations on Saturdays in late fall through early spring.

Chicago Botanic Gardens - Glencoe

Home to 27 gardens, four natural areas, nine islands, and six miles of lake shoreline, the Chicago Botanic Gardens in Glencoe spans a total of 385 acres. Admission is free here, but visitors do have to pay for parking. Winters at the Botanic Gardens mean one thing: the Orchid Show. Beginning Feb. 10 and running until March 25, the Orchid show is both a showcase of different varieties of the Asian plant, but also an opportunity to purchase the vibrant flowers to bring home.

The Botanic Gardens hosts a number of events throughout the year, and throughout the winter activities and events include the composition in landscape photography class, introduction to beekeeping, winter woods walks, and story time for kids.

Lincoln Park Conservatory - Lincoln Park

Photo by Shutterstock

Located just north of the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Lincoln Park Conservatory is a Victorian glasshouse built between 1890 and 1895. The conservatory has four display rooms with exotic plants from around the world. The Palm House, Orchid House, Fern Room, and Show House are open year round and admission is free. While not nearly as large as the Garfield Conservatory, this greenhouse and garden are located in the middle of Chicago’s largest park. In total, the conservatory spans three acres near the intersection of North Stockton Drive and Fullerton Avenue in Lincoln Park.

Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier - Streeterville

Photo courtesy of Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier

Navy Pier can seem like a tourist trap oftentimes, but the Crystal Gardens is an exception. The one-acre indoor park has more than 80 live palm trees and features 50-foot glass arched ceilings. The six-story structure has lush foliage and unmatched views of the skyline and Lake Michigan surrounding it. Getting to the Streeterville landmark isn’t always easy, and public transportation is highly recommended. While Navy Pier has a parking structure, prices can get steep. The Crystal Gardens is most known as an event space and is a popular spot for weddings.

Morton Arboretum - Lisle

If the cold doesn’t bother you much, the Morton Arboretum in Lisle is a great place to enjoy the great outdoors and the splendor of winter. Throughout the summer months, the 1,700-acre green space is brimming with locals seeking time in the great outdoors. In the winter, the park is a bit more quiet and peaceful.

Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular activities for the park during winter, and seasonal rentals are available at the visitor center. Open from 7 a.m. to sunset, the park features several popular routes for winter explorers. The Conifer Collection is great for kids, while the Thornhill Education Center Lawn, Main Trail Loop 4, Spruce Plot, and Daffodil Glade are all open as well. There must be at least four inches of snow on the ground for these activities.