Plan a Visit

Address: 125 W Fullerton Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614

Hours: 7:30am to the earlier of dusk or 7:30pm mid-April to mid-November, weather permitting. The Lily Pool is closed Friday, Saturday and Sunday the weekend of the Chicago Air and Water Show.

Daytime Phone: (773) 883-7275

Chicago Park District 24-Hour Security: (312) 747-2193

Handicap Accessibility: The Lily Pool is handicapped accessible, except for a section of the main walkway adjacent to the waterfall. Wheelchair entrance and adjacent parking can be accessed on Cannon Dr. just south of Fullerton Pkwy before entering the Lincoln Park Zoo parking kiosks.

Docent Tours: Volunteer docents are on-site mid-May to October Fridays from 1pm-4pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-4pm. Private or group tours are available by appointment with at least seven days advance notice. Please call the Lincoln Park Conservancy office.

Permits: Events, professional photography, and filming require a permit in advance – contact us at (773) 883-7275.

Visitor Etiquette: While visiting the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, please:

• Stay on the public paths – do not climb on the waterfall, rock ledges, or trees.
• Do not pick flowers.
• Do not feed the wildlife.
• Do not bring food or beverages (except water) into the Lily Pool.
• Do not ride bicycles or skateboards in the Lily Pool.
• Do not throw coins into the Lily Pool (coins are harmful to aquatic wildlife).
• Supervise children and refrain from playing music so everyone may enjoy the quiet of a Lily Pool visit.

Address: 2391 N Stockton Dr., Chicago, IL 60614

Hours: Effective immediately, the Conservatory will be closed to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. We and the Chicago Park District apologize for any inconvenience.

Daytime Phone: (312) 742-7736

Handicap Accessibility: The Conservatory building is handicapped accessible, except for the Fern Room. Two wheelchairs are available for your convenience while visiting the Conservatory, but must remain within the building. Wheelchair rentals are free and on a first-come, first-served basis. Wheelchair rental requires a credit card or driver’s license, which will be held for deposit until the wheelchair is returned.

Docent Tours: Volunteer docents are on-site mid-May through October on Fridays from 1pm-4pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-4 pm. Private or group tours are available by appointment with at least seven days advance notice. Please call the Lincoln Park Conservancy office.

Visitor Etiquette: While visiting the Conservatory & Gardens, please:

• Stay on the public paths.
• Do not pick flowers or touch the plants.
• Do not eat or bring food into the conservatory (crumbs attract bugs).
• Do not feed the fish – they are on a controlled diet.
• Do not throw coins into the pools (coins are harmful to the fish).
• Supervise your children so everyone may enjoy their Conservatory visit.

2020 Flower Show Calendar

• Tropical Summer Show: June 7 to September 27
• Winter Flower & Train Show: November 26 to January 10, 2021

Address: The 15-acre sanctuary is located in Lincoln Park between Fullerton and Diversey Parkways, and Stockton and Cannon Drives.

Hours: 6 am to 11 pm every day

Daytime Phone: (773) 883-7275

Handicapped Accessibility: The North Pond Nature Sanctuary is handicapped accessible, except for certain mulched shoreline paths and the fly-casting pier.

Visitor Etiquette: While visiting North Pond Nature Sanctuary, please:

• No fishing — the pier is for fly-casting practice only.
• Protect habitat by staying on the paths.
• Do not pick flowers or remove natural elements.
• Dogs and bicycle-riding are not allowed on the shoreline nature trails.
• For their own safety, please keep dogs leashed and out of the water.
• No swimming or boating allowed.
• Keep off ice in winter

Why We Ask You Not to Feed Wildlife:

• Feeding birds at the Pond is a fun interaction, but harmful in the long run. Human food is not meant for their digestion, and leftovers attract rodents.
• Feeding waterfowl can disrupt natural migratory behavior.
• Feeding ducks and geese increases their numbers and alters the ecosystem. Huge flocks of these birds pollute the water and litter the lawn with their droppings. When birds are crowded, diseases spread more quickly.
• Birds need natural nutrients from a diet of plants, seeds, and insects. Bread and human food are like junk food, filling their stomachs with unhealthy food that can make them sick. It also discourages birds from foraging for natural food.
• Feeding causes dependency on people and make birds susceptible to human abuse or harm when they become trusting of everyone they approach.
• Feeding wildlife makes them bold. When animals lose their natural fear of humans, it causes uncomfortable, even fearful, encounters with park visitors who do not trust or like such close encounters with wild animals.