12-Day Nature-Lover's Itinerary in Chicago

1. Day 1: Lincoln Park Zoo
   30 minutes (10 miles) from O'Hare International Airport

   See over 200 animal species from around the world.

2. Day 2: North Park Village Nature Center
   40 minutes (12 miles) from Lincoln Park Zoo

   Walk through native prairies, woods, and wetlands.

3. Day 3: Chicago Riverwalk
   20 minutes (8 miles) from North Park Village Nature Center

   Stroll along the river, enjoy restaurants and art.

4. Day 4: Millennium Park and Lurie Garden
   10 minutes (2 miles) from Chicago Riverwalk

   Explore famous "The Bean" sculpture and beautiful garden.

5. Day 5: Garfield Park Conservatory
   30 minutes (6 miles) from Millennium Park and Lurie Garden

   Discover incredible plants, art, and architecture.

6. Day 6: Jackson Park
   20 minutes (5 miles) from Garfield Park Conservatory

   Enjoy stunning lakefront views and nature trails.

7. Day 7: Lincoln Park Conservatory
   25 minutes (7 miles) from Jackson Park

   Visit indoor gardens housing exotic plants.

8. Day 8: Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
   40 minutes (20 miles) from Lincoln Park Conservatory

   Hike nearly 10 miles of trails through 2,492 acres.

9. Day 9: Indiana Dunes National Park
   1 hour 10 minutes (41 miles) from Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve

   Escape the city to explore 15 miles of sandy beaches.

10. Day 10: Morton Arboretum
    1 hour 5 minutes (38 miles) from Indiana Dunes National Park

    Walk among 222,000 live plants on 1,700 acres.

11. Day 11: Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens
    20 minutes (6 miles) from Morton Arboretum

    Witness wetlands, woodlands, prairie, and a lake.

12. Day 12: Big Marsh Park
    30 minutes (9 miles) from Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens

    Bike and hike rugged 278-acre park with wildlife.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Admission to Lincoln Park Zoo (Free)
• Admission to North Park Village Nature Center (Free)
• Walking tour of Chicago Riverwalk (Free)
• Admission to Millennium Park and Lurie Garden (Free)
• Admission to Garfield Park Conservatory (Free)
• Admission to Lincoln Park Conservatory (Free)
• Parking fee at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve ($5)
• Admission to Indiana Dunes National Park ($6)
• Admission to Morton Arboretum ($16)
• Admission to Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens (Free)
• Parking fee at Big Marsh Park (Free)
• Total Estimated Costs: $27

Useful Tips

For those with more time, consider adding a trip to the Chicago Botanic Garden or Northerly Island. For those with less time, consider trimming the itinerary by combining Jackson Park and Lincoln Park Conservatory on one day, skipping Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve, or spending fewer days in the city and more time at Indiana Dunes National Park. Some nature centers and parks may have limited hours or be closed for certain events, so always check before you go and have a backup plan in case.