The mission of the Chicago Botanic Garden is to promote the enjoyment, understanding and conservation of plants and the natural world.

The Chicago Botanic Garden consists of 385 acres of islands, lakes and gardens built and managed by the Chicago Horticultural Society on land owned and supported by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. From the beginning, the Garden has been committed to teaching, not only gardening, but also conservation of all natural resources, the love and protection of natural beauty, and a deep personal interest in the outdoors. Visitors from all over the world are drawn to the Garden each year. It is open every day of the year, except Christmas Day.