Park Tours

Docent Tours at the Lily Pool and Conservatory & Gardens

Discover two of Lincoln Park’s greatest treasures – the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool and the Lincoln Park Conservatory – with one of our expert docents.

Lily Pool: Lose yourself in the Lily Pool’s beauty while learning its history, architecture, and Caldwell’s vision behind the landscape. Our $2.4 million restoration with the Chicago Park District made the Lily Pool park’s only landscape with National Historic Landmark status. The Lily Pool is open seasonally from mid April to mid November.

Conservatory & Gardens: Re-discover the Victorian Era in the Conservatory’s soaring Palm House, exotic Orchid House, Seasonal Show House, and Fern Room. Learn about the conservatory’s vast collection of trees and plants from around the world. The Conservatory is open year round including holidays, but currently hours are limited and tickets are required. Reserve tickets a week in advance on Eventbrite. Please arrive at the start of your hourlong visit, or you ticket may be given to another visitor.

We are not currently offering private tours of either the Lily Pool or the Conservatory.

Please contact Rebecca Conant for more information.

Wildflower Walks at the North Pond Nature Sanctuary and the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool

Join us for free (donations encouraged) guided tours of the beautiful wildflowers around the North Pond Nature Sanctuary or the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool. Set against the backdrop of the serene North Pond or Alfred Caldwell’s Prairie School structures, you’ll enjoy a relaxing walk while learning about the benefits of native wildflowers and how to identify them. Each month will feature different wildflower species in bloom. These easy 45-to-60 minute walks begin at 10am and are great for beginners as well as the experienced and are geared toward adults.

Registration required. Please visit our Eventbrite to register. Contact Rebecca Conant for more information.

Edible Plant Tours of the Lincoln Park Conservatory