Parks and Nature
When Chicago incorporated as a city in 1837, it was given the motto "Urbs in Horto," which means "City in a Garden." Thankfully, despite the incredible pace of development and threats to our ecosystems, the garden spirit thrives today. Use this site to find resources for enjoying and preserving the city's natural areas, parks, waterways, and Lake Michigan.
Grant Park Profile
Find the location, map, history and features of Chicago's renowned Grant Park.
Find the location, map, history and features of Chicago's renowned Grant Park.
Garfield Park Conservatory - Chicago's West Side Conservatory
Learn more about Chicago's Garfield Park Conservatory, one of the oldest conservatories in the country.
Learn more about Chicago's Garfield Park Conservatory, one of the oldest conservatories in the country.
Chicago, IL Weather - Forecasts and Essentials
Find Chicago, Illinois current weather conditions and forecasts, storm watches and warnings, emergency school closings, and delays at O'Hare and Midway airports with these essential links.
Find Chicago, Illinois current weather conditions and forecasts, storm watches and warnings, emergency school closings, and delays at O'Hare and Midway airports with these essential links.
Photo Tour of Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, Chicago, IL
See photos of the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool in Chicago, IL, which was designed by the landscape architect and built between 1936 and 1938.
See photos of the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool in Chicago, IL, which was designed by the landscape architect and built between 1936 and 1938.
Chicago's Top Beaches
Find some of Chicago's best beaches for views of Chicago, hanging with your dog, and great sporting with this guide.
Find some of Chicago's best beaches for views of Chicago, hanging with your dog, and great sporting with this guide.
Illinois Geology
Find information about Illinois geology, including physical characteristics, field trips, study info and more.
Find information about Illinois geology, including physical characteristics, field trips, study info and more.
City of Chicago Department of the Environment Home Page
This is the city's official site coordinating many of the Mayor's green initiatives. Find green roof programs, recycling centers, tips for green living, Chicago environmental codes, and more.
This is the city's official site coordinating many of the Mayor's green initiatives. Find green roof programs, recycling centers, tips for green living, Chicago environmental codes, and more.
Alliance for the Great Lakes Home Page
Chicago-based non-profit dedicated to protecting Lake Michigan and all the great lakes. Find lake events, Great Lakes education, special publications, volunteering opportunities, policy initiatives, and more.
Chicago-based non-profit dedicated to protecting Lake Michigan and all the great lakes. Find lake events, Great Lakes education, special publications, volunteering opportunities, policy initiatives, and more.
Chicago Botanic Garden
A 385-acre garden and horticultural center located in the northern suburb of Glencoe. It features 23 display gardens and 3 native habitats, family events, educational center, wi-fi enabled cafe, shop, and more.
A 385-acre garden and horticultural center located in the northern suburb of Glencoe. It features 23 display gardens and 3 native habitats, family events, educational center, wi-fi enabled cafe, shop, and more.
Chicago Park District Home Page
Find a park facility, register for a class, apply for a permit, and browse special events on the park district's thorough site.
Find a park facility, register for a class, apply for a permit, and browse special events on the park district's thorough site.
Chicago Nature Areas Directory
The City of Chicago's official map of natural areas throughout the city. Find a comprehensive map as well as individual site maps for parks, bird sanctuaries, area lagoons, and more.
The City of Chicago's official map of natural areas throughout the city. Find a comprehensive map as well as individual site maps for parks, bird sanctuaries, area lagoons, and more.
Chicago River Resource Page
The city of Chicago's official resource page for the Chicago River. Find information on restoration, planning documents and guidelines, history, storm water management, and more.
The city of Chicago's official resource page for the Chicago River. Find information on restoration, planning documents and guidelines, history, storm water management, and more.
Chicago Wilderness Home Page
An alliance of more than 200 public and private organizations committed to protecting, enhancing, and enjoying Chicago's natural areas.
An alliance of more than 200 public and private organizations committed to protecting, enhancing, and enjoying Chicago's natural areas.
Friends of the Chicago River Home Page
A non-profit dedicated to preserving, restoring, protecting, and enjoying the Chicago River. Find canoe trips, classes, special river events, action plans, and more.
A non-profit dedicated to preserving, restoring, protecting, and enjoying the Chicago River. Find canoe trips, classes, special river events, action plans, and more.
Friends of the Parks Home Page
A non-profit advocacy organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing Chicago's park system. Get resources to build a park, learn about park events, help advocate for your local park, and more.
A non-profit advocacy organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing Chicago's park system. Get resources to build a park, learn about park events, help advocate for your local park, and more.
Lake Michigan Facts & Figures
Basic facts about the size, depth, surface area, and history of Lake Michigan from the Great Lakes Information Network.
Basic facts about the size, depth, surface area, and history of Lake Michigan from the Great Lakes Information Network.
Millennium Park
Millennium Park is one part park and many parts attractions. Find resources to explore and enjoy the newest Chicago jewel at its official site.
Millennium Park is one part park and many parts attractions. Find resources to explore and enjoy the newest Chicago jewel at its official site.