Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo

About

Prairie-style garden with trails, filled with native plants & home to birds, frogs & other wildlife.

Visitors rate it highly — 4.8 out of 5 across 988 Google reviews. That puts it 2nd of the 20 rated gardens we list in Chicago.

It keeps the same hours every day — 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM — which makes planning simple. Parking is the easy part: a paid lot and free street parking. And if it does not suit, 19 more gardens in Chicago are listed further down this page.

The quick take

Drawn from this listing's ratings, amenities, hours and how it stacks up against other gardens in Chicago.

What works

Consistently well reviewed
4.8 stars held across 988 reviews is not a fluke — people keep going back.
2nd best-rated in Chicago
Measured against the 20 rated gardens we track in Chicago.
Open every day
The same hours all week (7:00 AM – 7:00 PM), so there is no schedule to memorise.
Dogs welcome
Listed as dog-friendly — bring the leash and waste bags anyway.
Works with kids
Flagged as family-friendly, which usually means room to run and somewhere for the adults to sit.

Worth knowing first

Strongly seasonal
What is in bloom drives the whole visit. In winter this is a barer, much quieter place than the photographs suggest.

Planning a visit

General guidance for gardens, adjusted for what this listing records.

What to expect

Planted grounds built for a slow loop — paths, labelled beds, and a bench roughly when you need one.

A good fit for plant people, photographers and anyone wanting a calm hour.

When to go

Peak bloom is the whole point and it moves by species — check what is flowering first. The gates are open 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM.

What to bring

A camera
Comfortable shoes
Admission money if the garden is ticketed
Leash and waste bags

Hours

Monday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Amenities

Dogs Allowed

Family Friendly

Parking Available

Featured in

#1 in Best Gardens in Chicago, IL

Common questions about Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo

What is Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo?

Prairie-style garden with trails, filled with native plants & home to birds, frogs & other wildlife. It is a garden in Chicago, IL, at 2121 N Stockton Dr.

What are the opening hours at Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo?

Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo is open 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM every day of the week.

Are dogs allowed at Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo?

Yes — Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo is listed as dog-friendly. Leash rules still vary from area to area, so watch for posted signs.

Is there parking at Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo?

Parking options here include a paid lot and free street parking.

Is Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo good for kids?

Yes — Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo is flagged as family-friendly.

How is Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo rated?

Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo holds 4.8 out of 5 stars from 988 Google reviews.

What else is nearby?

Chicago has 19 other gardens listed on AllParx, including North Rose Garden, Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool and El Paseo Community Garden.