Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Chicago

Guide to Chicago’s Best Cherry Blossoms Spots

As winter melts away and spring starts to warm up Chicago, one of the most colorful and beautiful display of the cherry blossom trees start blooming throughout the city.

As we all know that Washington D.C. may get most of the attention for its cherry blossom festivals, Chicago has its own share of picturesque pink and white blooms that draw nature lovers, photographers, and casual strollers alike.

Whether you’re a Chicago local or tourist visiting Chicago in spring, I have shortlisted most popular and of course the best cherry blossom spots in Chicago and how to make the most of your blossom-filled day.

When Do Cherry Blossoms Bloom in Chicago?

Cherry blossoms typically bloom in Chicago between mid-April and early May, depending on the weather.

Chicago is known for its extreme weather. So I would say warmer springs may trigger an earlier bloom, while colder conditions may delay it.

The bloom lasts for a very short window. I have noticed usually it last around one to two weeks around Chicago.

So I highly recommend to keep an eye on local park updates and social media pages for peak bloom alerts to take the full advantage of the best cherry blossom views.

Top Cherry Blossom Spots in Chicago

1. Jackson Park – The Japanese Garden (Garden of the Phoenix)

Location: 6300 S. Cornell Ave., Chicago, IL 60637
Best Time to Visit: Late April to early May

One of the most iconic cherry blossom spots in Chicago is nestled within Jackson Park on the city’s South Side.

This place is known as the Garden of the Phoenix. This hidden gem is a Japanese strolling garden built on Wooded Island, just south of the Museum of Science and Industry.

History goes back in years. Yes, I was surprised to know that this place was originally designed in 1893 for the World’s Columbian Exposition, the garden has been rejuvenated in recent years thanks to collaborations between Chicago and Osaka, Japan.

It features winding paths featuring a traditional Japanese bridge, and tranquil koi ponds. But in spring, the display of the cherry blossom trees wins the views.

Also, some of the cherry blossom trees were gifts from Japan. It was way to celebrate the long-standing friendship between the two nations.

This serene setting offers stunning views of cherry blossoms against the backdrop of peaceful water and Japanese-inspired landscaping.

I recommend to visit during weekday mornings to avoid crowds and capture postcard-perfect photos.

Tip: The garden is free to visit and easily accessible by foot or bike. Street parking is available nearby, but it fills quickly on nice weekends.

2. Chicago Botanic Garden

Location: 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL 60022
Best Time to Visit: Mid-to-late April

The Chicago Botanic Garden is located just a short drive north of the city. The Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe is developed on 385-acre land.

I would say it is the best way to escape into nature with curated gardens, peaceful lakes, and a stunning cherry blossom collection.

The garden is home to over 100 cherry trees, primarily located near the Japanese Garden and around the lagoon.

The cherry blossoms blooms create beautiful reflections in the water. In my opinion the view feels like it is straight out of a Japanese postcard.

Aside from cherry trees, you’ll also enjoy other spring blossoms like magnolias, tulips, and daffodils during your visit.

Admission to the garden is free but you will have to pay for the parking. Free parking is available for the members.

I recommend to check their website for a Spring Bloom Tracker, which helps you plan your visit based on what’s in bloom.

Tip: Plan a weekday visit to avoid weekend crowds. Bring a picnic or grab a bite at their on-site café.

3. Navy Pier’s Polk Bros Park

Location: 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Best Time to Visit: Late April

You must be thinking Navy Pier and cherry blossom bloom? How is it possible? Yes, the Chicago city skyline views and Ferris wheel always came to my mind when I thought of Navy Pier.

But, surprisingly Navy Pier also features cherry trees in its Polk Bros Park entrance area. These trees aren’t as numerous as in Jackson Park, but they make a stunning sight against the backdrop of Lake Michigan and the city’s skyline.

If you’re already planning a trip to Navy Pier, the cherry blossoms add a refreshing pop of pink to your day.

I recommend to consider your Navy Pier trip to combine with a walk along the lakefront, a boat tour, or some time spent enjoying public art and seasonal events.

Tip: Sunset at Navy Pier with cherry blossoms in the foreground is a photographer’s dream.

4. North Park Village Nature Center

Location: 5801 N. Pulaski Rd., Chicago, IL 60646
Best Time to Visit: Late April to Early May

I would say this spot is kind of lesser-known spot on the Northwest Side. Yes, this spot is a peaceful 46-acre nature preserve that offers a slice of the wild within the city limits.

Among its woodland trails and wetlands, you’ll find a small but growing collection of cherry trees.

According to my observation, the North Park Village Nature Center is not tourist favorite. Being less popular spot, the North Park Village Nature Center provides a quiet setting to enjoy the blossoms in solitude.

It’s an excellent spot for birdwatchers and those who are looking to enjoy the cherry blossom blooms and other floral display with a nature walk.

Tip: Visit in the early morning for the best light and bird activity.

5. Morton Arboretum

Location: 4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL 60532
Best Time to Visit: Mid-to-late April

The Morton Arboretum is technically located in the suburbs far from the city of Chicago. So, I would say The Morton Arboretum is worth the trip for serious blossom seekers.

This spot is located 30 minutes west of Chicago in Lisle. The arboretum is home to a wide variety of flowering trees, including multiple species of cherry blossom trees.

The Arboretum’s Spring Color Report tracks the bloom status across its 1,700 acres. You must be thinking such a huge area to search for cherry blossom trees.

Let me make it easy for you, the flowering trees are spread throughout, but you’ll find concentrated cherry blossom views near Meadow Lake and the Visitor Center.

Tip: Consider a tram tour for a scenic overview or plan a hike to explore lesser-known trails.

Photography Tips

Capturing cherry blossoms in full bloom can result in some of your most stunning spring photos. Here are a few tips that I found useful from professional photographers:

• Go early: Sunrise light is soft and golden, and crowds are thinner.
• Use a low angle: Try to shoot upward with the sky as a background to isolate the blossoms.
• Get close: Capture details like individual petals or clusters against textured branches.
• Include context: Incorporate architecture or water to tell a richer story of your setting.

Planning Your Cherry Blossom Outing

To make the most of your cherry blossom experience I recommend to keep these essentials in mind:

• Check bloom forecasts: Chicago weather is always unpredictable during seasonal transition. And the cherry blossoms in Chicago are highly dependent on the weather. I highly recommend you to follow local park social media or websites like the Chicago Park District or Chicago Botanic Garden for updates.
• Bring layers: Like I said before that spring in Chicago can be unpredictable. A sunny morning can turn chilly quickly.
• Pack a blanket: Great for picnicking under the trees as some locations allow it, others don’t.
• Leave no trace: Personally, I am nature and animal lover, so I request you to respect nature by staying on paths and not picking blossoms.

I must say that the cherry blossom season in Chicago may be brief, but it’s truly magical. It is one of the best things to do in Chicago in Spring.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic stroll, family outing, or solo moment of serenity, cherry blossom season is one of the best times to enjoy what the city’s natural spaces have to offer.

So this April, grab your camera, check the weather forecast, and plan an outing to enjoy the spring with the cherry blossom blooms.