Hundreds of gardens throughout Illinois are supported by Extension Master Gardener volunteers, Master Naturalist volunteers, and Extension educators, usually in partnership with local community organizations. Some gardens are used to demonstrate research-based gardening practices and to teach the public about gardening, while others are used to grow food for donation to local food banks and pantries, to provide a restorative place for children or adults with targeted needs, or to provide environmental benefits such as pollinator support, stormwater management, or increased biodiversity. Find gardens in your community using the search boxes below.
| City | Garden name | Address | Public access? | Garden uses | Pounds donated (2023) | Contact Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rockford | Growing Together Garden Crusader/Broadway Alumni | 1100 Broadway, Rockford, IL | Open to public visitors | Education, Food donation, Community garden plots | 2,350 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Rockford | West Middle School Garden | 1900 N Rockton Ave, Rockford, IL | Open to public visitors | Education, Food donation, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Rockford | The Grove Youth Garden | 690 S New Towne Dr, Rockford, IL | Open to public visitors | Education, Food donation, Youth engagement | 175 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Rockford | Growing Together Garden Boys and Girls Club | 600 N Horsman St, Rockford, IL | Open to public visitors | Education, Food donation, Youth engagement | 325 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Mount Vernon | Mt. Vernon Community Garden | 800 S 27th St, Mount Vernon, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Community garden plots, Youth engagement | 150 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Metropolis | Plant a Row, Watch COPE Grow Food Donation Garden | 709 E 5th Street, Metropolis, IL |
Other
Note: Gate currently locked. |
Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support | 593 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Cairo | The Pilot Garden: Cairo's Food Donation Garden | 413 31st St, Cairo, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support, Therapeutic uses, Youth engagement | 969 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Salem | Salem Community Garden | 401 W Elm, Salem, IL | Open to public visitors | Education, Food donation, Community garden plots, Youth engagement | 250 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Oak Lawn | Oak Lawn Park District Garden | 4625 W 110th St, Oak Lawn, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: No public picking of fruit and vegetables. Please close gate after leaving garden. |
Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Community garden plots, Environmental-pollinator support, Youth engagement | 2,500 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Bloomington | Bloomington Junior High School Garden | 901 N Colton Ave, Bloomington, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Training/life skills, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Bloomington | Holton Homes Vegetable Garden | 406 N Hinshaw, Bloomington, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Youth engagement | 1,000 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Germantown Hills | Germantown Hills Middle School Garden | 103 Warrior Way, Germantown Hills, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Therapeutic uses, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Flanagan | Flanagan School Garden | 202 E Falcon Hwy, Flanagan, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support, Youth engagement | 150 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Elgin | Advocate Sherman Hospital Community Garden | 1425 N Randall Rd, Elgin, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Community garden plots, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-other or general | 336 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Crystal Lake | Nunda Garden | 3510 Bay Rd, Crystal Lake, IL | Open to public visitors | Education, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support | 4,321 | Contact Local Extension office |
| McHenry | VFW Peace Garden | 3002 W IL-120, McHenry, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support, Therapeutic uses | 1,624 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Eureka | Woodford County Master Gardeners Woodford County Courthouse Garden | 115 N Main St, Eureka, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Pontiac | Livingston Master Gardeners Extension Garden | 1412 S Locust St, Pontiac, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support | 150 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Pontiac | Livingston Master Gardeners Yost House Garden | 298 W Water St, Pontiac, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support, Historical | 150 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Pontiac | Livingston Master Gardeners at Dargan Park Garden | 732 E Madison St, Pontiac, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Pontiac | Livingston County Master Gardeners 4-H Park Garden | 18142 4H Park Rd, Pontiac, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-other or general | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Flanagan | Livingston Master Gardeners Village of Flanagan Garden | S Jefferson & Lumber St, Flanagan, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Normal | Herb Garden at ISU Horticulture Center | Raab Rd, Normal, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Bloomington | McLean County Master Gardeners Sarah's Garden | 1000 Monroe Dr, Bloomington, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Youth engagement, Historical | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Waterloo | Annex Building Garden | 901 Illinois Ave PO Box 117, Waterloo, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support, Training/life skills | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| East St. Louis | FRESH Teaching Garden | 638 N 20th St, East St. Louis, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Other food production | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Fairmont City | Fairmont City Library Community Garden | 4444 Collinsville Rd, Fairmont City, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support | 465 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Bloomington | McLean County Extension Pollinator Garden | 1615 Commerce Pkwy, Bloomington, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| DeKalb | City of DeKalb Planters Garden | 60178, DeKalb, IL | Open to public visitors | Education, Environmental-pollinator support | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| DeKalb | Conservation Garden @ DAWC (DeKalb Area Women's Center) | 1021 State St, DeKalb, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Sycamore | Sycamore History Museum/Engh Farm Garden | 1730 N Main St, Sycamore, IL | Open to public visitors | Education, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support | 2,149 | Contact Local Extension office |
| DeKalb | Hallgren Park Garden | 701 Franklin St, DeKalb, IL | Open to public visitors | Education, Environmental-pollinator support | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Collinsville | D. D. Collins House Garden | 703 W Main St, Collinsville, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Historical | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Godfrey | Village Garden in Godfrey | 6810 Godfrey Rd, Godfrey, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support, Youth engagement | 1,131 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Maryville | Open Gate Garden | 8 Schiber Ct, Maryville, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-other or general | 1,000 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Highland | Glik Park Garden | 12525 Sportsman Rd, Highland, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Environmental-pollinator support | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Highland | Lila's Garden | 1399 Lindenthal Ave, Highland, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Waterloo | Peterstown House Garden | 275 N Main St, Waterloo, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Historical | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Prairie du Rocher | Fort de Chartres Garden | 1350 IL-155, Prairie du Rocher, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Waterloo | Baebler Educational Farm--Pollinator/Rain Garden | 4022 JJ Rd, Waterloo, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-rain garden | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Collinsville | Willoughby Farm Garden | 631 Willoughby Ln, Collinsville, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-rain garden, Environmental-other or general, Youth engagement | 860 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Edwardsville | Watershed Nature Center Garden | 1591 Tower Ave, Edwardsville, IL | Open to public visitors | Education, Environmental-other or general | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Godfrey | The Nature Institute Garden | 2213 S Levis Ln, Godfrey, IL | Open to public visitors | Education, Environmental-other or general, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Edwardsville | The Gardens at SIUE | 6 Arboretum Ln, Edwardsville, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-other or general, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Edwardsville | Stephenson House Garden | 409 S Buchanan St, Edwardsville, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-other or general, Historical | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| O'Fallon | O'Fallon Community Garden | 501 E State St, O'Fallon, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Community garden plots, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-other or general, Youth engagement | 5,360 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Edwardsville | St. John's UMC Community Garden | 7372 Marine Rd, Edwardsville, IL | Open to public visitors | Food donation | 15,600 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Macomb | Discovery Garden | 3022 W Jackson St, Macomb, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-other or general, Therapeutic uses | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Macomb | GIFT Garden | 3022 W Jackson St, Macomb, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation | 1,629 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Galesburg | Carl Sandburg College Community Garden | 2400 Tom L Wilson Blvd, Galesburg, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-other or general, Therapeutic uses, Training/life skills, Youth engagement | 115 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Galesburg | Carl Sandburg State Historic Site Garden | 313 E 3rd St, Galesburg, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: Open on days and times the visitor center is open, please see Carl Sandburg Historic Site website for details. |
Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-other or general, Historical | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Knoxville | Knox County Fairgrounds Garden | 1392 Knox Hwy 9, Knoxville, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-other or general, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| La Grange Park | LaGrange School District Science Center Garden | 930 Barnsdale Rd, La Grange Park, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Education, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support, Youth engagement | 32 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Palos Heights | Lake Katherine Master Gardener Heritage Garden | 7402 Lake Katherine Dr, Palos Heights, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: Nature Center open during normal business hours. Free entry. Parking lot and bicycle trail on-site. |
Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support, Youth engagement | 159 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Evergreen Park | Southwest School Garden | 9900 S Central Park Ave, Evergreen Park, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support, Youth engagement | 250 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Homewood | Willow School Garden | 1804 Willow Rd, Homewood, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Demonstration, Education, Other food production, Environmental-pollinator support, Youth engagement | 10 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Harvey | Restoration Ministries Community Garden | 253 E 159th St, Harvey, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: Vacant lot garden. Accessible from street. No public picking allowed. |
Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support, Training/life skills, Youth engagement | 275 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Crystal Lake | Demo Garden | 8900 US Hwy 14, Crystal Lake, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: Sunday Series 1pm on these dates: 6/23 Composting, 7/28 Vegetables, 8/25 Seed Saving, 9/22 Herbs |
Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support | 89 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Chicago | Lincoln Park Zoo Edible Garden | 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: LPZ is public and open. The Edible Demonstration Garden is locked, but educational signage is outside. |
Demonstration, Education, Food donation | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Darien | Cass Middle School Garden | 7414 S Cass Ave, Darien, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Demonstration, Environmental-pollinator support, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Danville | Kennekuk Atwood House Community Garden | 22296 Henning Rd, Danville, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: Vegetables and herbs are donated to local Food Pantry |
Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Other food production, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-other or general, Historical | 75 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Danville | Douglas Discovery Garden | Wayne St & Florida Ave, Danville, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: Additional signage has been added to this large community garden with 19 raised beds. There is a small orchard and grapevines along with large flower beds filled with perennials and annuals. A Kiwanis shelter with picnic tables is a nice place to eat if you bring your lunch. |
Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Other food production, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-other or general, Therapeutic uses, Training/life skills, Youth engagement | 15 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Danville | VA Greenhouse Garden | Main St, Danville, IL |
Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden
Note: VA allows visitors by request and approval. A Cutting Garden was put in with information box. Classes were held for veterans in the summer on Mondays. Veterans learned about healthy soil, spring, summer and fall planting, herbs, and more. This garden won a Master Gardener State Teamwork Award in 2024 |
Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Other food production, Environmental-pollinator support, Therapeutic uses, Training/life skills, Historical | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Danville | VA Shade Garden | Main St, Danville, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: Garden has bcome a shade garden due to large trees. It was replanted this year and is near a shelter where staff can sit and eat lunch, enjoy their break time outside looking at flower garden. |
Demonstration, Environmental-other or general, Therapeutic uses | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Danville | Master Gardener Teamwork Project | 3164 N Vermilion, Danville, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Other food production, Environmental-pollinator support, Training/life skills, Youth engagement | 20 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Willowbrook | Anne M. Jeans School Garden | 16W631 91st St, Willowbrook, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Education, Food donation, Youth engagement | 1,000 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Wheaton | Cantigny Veterans' Garden | 1 S 151 Winfield Riad, Wheaton, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: Cantigny has a fee for admission, but this garden is available with admission. |
Demonstration, Therapeutic uses | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Decatur | Staley Museum Garden | 361 N College St, Decatur, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Environmental-other or general, Historical | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Wheaton | DuPage Care Center Garden | 400 N County Farm Rd, Wheaton, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Other food production, Therapeutic uses | 221 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Monticello | Allerton Gardens | 515 Old Timber Rd, Monticello, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-rain garden, Environmental-other or general, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Carol Stream | WDSRA Garden | 116 N Schmale Rd, Carol Stream, IL |
Other
Note: Usually open to the public, but building is closed in 2024 for renovations. |
Demonstration, Education, Therapeutic uses | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Bement | Bryant Cottage Garden | 146 E Wilson St, Bement, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Historical | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| West Chicago | We Grow Dreams Garden | 1055 W Washington St, West Chicago, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Demonstration, Education, Therapeutic uses, Training/life skills, Youth engagement | 247 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Monticello | Kirby Community Gardens | 1000 Medical Center Dr, Monticello, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Community garden plots, Other food production, Environmental-pollinator support, Therapeutic uses | 282 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Bloomingdale | Bloomingdale Park District Garden | 269 Springfield Dr, Bloomingdale, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Food donation, Community garden plots, Environmental-pollinator support | 355 | Contact Local Extension office |
| West Chicago | Kline Creek Farm Garden | 1N600 County Farm Rd, West Chicago, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Historical | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Monticello | Pocket Pollinator Garden at Kirby | 1000 Medical Center Drive, Monticello, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Environmental-pollinator support | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Naperville | Naperville Park District Garden | 811 S West St, Naperville, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Community garden plots, Environmental-pollinator support | 5,130 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Oak Brook | Graue Mill Garden | 3800 York Rd, Oak Brook, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-other or general, Historical | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Decatur | Heritage Garden | 3939 Nearing Ln, Decatur, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support, Historical | 185 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Decatur | Decatur Public Library Gardens | 130 N Franklin St, Decatur, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Union | Gannon Historical Garden | 6422 Main St, Union, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Historical | 179 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Glendale | Dixon Springs Youth Tunnel Garden | , Glendale, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support, Youth engagement, Research | 826 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Jacksonville | Monarch waystation at community park | 1309 S Main St, Jacksonville, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Jacksonville | Monarch waystation at Prairie Land Heritage Museum | 1005 W Michigan Ave, Jacksonville, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Moline | Intouch Adult Day Care Garden | 4011 Avenue of the Cities #102, Moline, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Education, Therapeutic uses | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Geneseo | Wood Ridge Supportive Living Garden | 620 Olivia Dr, Geneseo, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Education, Environmental-other or general, Therapeutic uses, Training/life skills | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Moline | Riverside Aquatic Center Demonstration Garden | 3300 5th Ave, Moline, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-rain garden, Youth engagement | 1,200 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Milan | Milan Front Garden | 321 2nd Ave W, Milan, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-other or general | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Moline | Riverside Aquatic Center - Monarch/Pollinators Garden | 3300 5th Ave, Moline, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-rain garden, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Aledo | Mercer Courthouse Garden | 100 SE 3rd St, Aledo, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-other or general | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Aledo | Mercer Co Family YMCA Garden | 401 SW 2nd Ave, Aledo, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-other or general, Therapeutic uses, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Rock Island | Hennepin Canal Lock 31 Garden | 2005 Big Island Rd, Rock Island, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Rock Island | The Arc of the Quad Cities Garden | 4016 9th St, Rock Island, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Other food production, Environmental-pollinator support, Therapeutic uses, Training/life skills | 500 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Milan | Pollinator Patch Garden | 321 2nd Ave W, Milan, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support | 500 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Carlinville | Macoupin County Historical Society Garden | 920 W Breckenridge St, Carlinville, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Carlinville | Macoupin County Courthouse Garden | 201 E Main St, Carlinville, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Environmental-pollinator support | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Taylorville | Pollinator Garden at Christian County Extension office | 1120 N Webster, Taylorville, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-rain garden | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Taylorville | Rain Garden at Christian County Extension office | 1120 N Webster, Taylorville, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-rain garden | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Carmi | Carmi GIFT Garden | 603 E Main St, Carmi, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: We love to have visitors, but with the way the grant is written we have to weigh all produce that leaves the garden. If someone needs assistance/produce, they are free to contact us and we can assist them in getting what they need |
Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Other food production, Environmental-pollinator support, Youth engagement, Research | 1,345 | Contact Local Extension office |
| McLeansboro | Hamilton County GIFT Garden | 602 W Market St, McLeansboro, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Other food production, Environmental-pollinator support, Training/life skills, Youth engagement | 543 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Joliet | CASA Children's Garden | 3200 W McDonough St, Joliet, IL |
Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden
Note: Extremely important access issue: This garden is located at the River Valley Justice System Site (youth under the age of 18 in jail). This garden serves the youth in family court that are working with the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) organization. Often these youth are in extreme stress, just having been removed from a dangerous situation. The CASA staff and volunteers bring the children to engage in the garden as a therapeutic site. There is no public access ever and the Master Gardener volunteers only go to work in the garden when no youth/staff would be there. This is a very special project for a very underserved specific audience. |
Therapeutic uses, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Channahon | Three Rivers Living Learning Lab Garden | 24150 S Ford Rd, Channahon, IL |
Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden
Note: Although this garden is not 'open to public visitors,' it is the entrance garden in front of the school. See success story below. |
Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Therapeutic uses, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Joliet | Will County Farm Bureau Living Learning Lab Garden | 100 Manhattan Rd, Joliet, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: Open access to the public as it is the front of the Will County Farm Bureau Building. |
Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Joliet | St Ray's Promised Land Donation Garden | 604 N Raynor Ave, Joliet, IL |
Other
Note: This is sort of in between public access and not. This garden lies on the Cathedral of St Raymond Nonnatus' church and school property on a very busy Joliet city street. But because the garden function is donation specific, public visitors are not encouraged. |
Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Community garden plots, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Alsip | Sertoma Centre Special Needs Garden | 4343 123rd St, Alsip, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Education, Food donation, Other food production, Environmental-pollinator support, Therapeutic uses | 40 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Willow Springs | Little Red Schoolhouse Garden | 9800 Willow Springs Rd, Willow Springs, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: Gardens located to the west of nature center. |
Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Other food production, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-rain garden, Environmental-other or general, Therapeutic uses, Youth engagement | 240 | Contact Local Extension office |
| South Holland | Sand Ridge Nature Center Garden | 15891 Paxton Ave, South Holland, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: Gardens are located around the nature center building. |
Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-other or general, Youth engagement, Historical | 35 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Cary | Hoffman Park Give Back Garden | 255 Briargate Rd, Cary, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Community garden plots | 2,310 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Belvidere | Buchanan Street Community Garden | 218 Buchanan St, Belvidere, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Youth engagement | 320 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Mattoon | Plant-a-Row Garden | 1000 Health Center Dr, Mattoon, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: The garden is located behind the hospital maintenance buildings. You may visit this garden, but please do not harvest produce. Produce is donated to locate food pantries. |
Demonstration, Education, Food donation | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Yorkville | Native Demonstration Garden | 7775B Illinois Rte 47, Yorkville, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-other or general | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| St. Charles | Idea Garden | 3480 State Route 38, St. Charles, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: Monthly education events held at the garden. Just completed our second annual plant sale. |
Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Other food production, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-rain garden, Environmental-other or general, Training/life skills, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Geneva | Geneva Beautification Garden | 229 W State Street, Geneva, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-other or general | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| St. Charles | Northgate Beautification Garden | 305 State Route 31, St. Charles, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-other or general | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| St. Charles | Prairie and Rain Gardens | 3480 State Route 38, St. Charles, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-rain garden, Environmental-other or general | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Urbana | Red Oak Rain Garden | Dorner Drive, Urbana, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-rain garden, Therapeutic uses, Training/life skills, Youth engagement, Research | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Chicago | Sunnyside Mall | 4455 Malden St, Chicago, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: This is a community garden right outside of peoples' residences, able to be walked or driven through |
Community garden plots, Environmental-pollinator support | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Chicago | Shriners Hospitals for Children Garden | 2211 N Oak Park Ave, Chicago, IL |
Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden
Note: Available for hospital staff and patients |
Education, Environmental-other or general, Therapeutic uses, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Urbana | Illinois Prairie Hosta Society Garden at UI Arboretum | 1800 S Lincoln Ave, Urbana, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Therapeutic uses | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Chicago | Tower Gardens at Montgomery Place | 5550 S Shore Dr, Chicago, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Therapeutic uses | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Chicago | Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation | 5114 S Elizabeth St, Chicago, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support, Training/life skills, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Glenview | Kohl Children's Museum Garden | 2100 Patriot Blvd, Glenview, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: Garden accessible with paid Museum entry. |
Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support, Training/life skills, Youth engagement | 27 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Hanna City | 4-H Learning Garden | 3826 N Taylor Rd, Hanna City, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: The garden is open to the public during the normal operating hours of the Wildlife Prairie Park. |
Education, Other food production, Environmental-pollinator support, Training/life skills, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Tremont | Tazewell County Health Department WIC Garden | 21306 IL-9, Tremont, IL | Open to public visitors | Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support | 1,401 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Peoria | Peoria Zoo Pollinator Garden | 2320 N Prospect Rd, Peoria, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: Open to those who are visiting the zoo during normal zoo hours. |
Demonstration, Environmental-pollinator support | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Decatur | Lincoln Trail Homestead State Park Garden | S Lincoln Memorial Parkway, Decatur, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Environmental-pollinator support, Historical | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Decatur | Decatur Rehabilitation Center Garden | 136 S Dipper Lane, Decatur, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Demonstration, Therapeutic uses | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Decatur | Crossings Healthcare Garden | 2300 N. Edward St., Decatur, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: Open to public visitors during Crossing Healthcare Hours. Many garden tours are given to passersby. |
Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Other food production, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-other or general, Therapeutic uses, Training/life skills, Youth engagement | 1,263 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Peoria | Lettuce Share Romain (ART Inc.) Garden | 919 NE Jefferson Ave, Peoria, IL | Open to public visitors | Education, Training/life skills, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Morton | Morton Giving Garden | 700 Erie Ave, Morton, IL | Open to public visitors | Education, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support | 2,700 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Peoria | Peoria Academy Garden | 2711 W Willow Knolls Dr, Peoria, IL | Open to public visitors | Education, Training/life skills, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Peoria | St. Sophia’s Kitchen Garden | 504 Fulton St., Peoria, IL | Open to public visitors | Food donation | 200 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Washington | Washington Community Garden | 200 N Wilmor Rd, Washington, IL | Open to public visitors | Food donation | 5,433 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Matteson | SoSuCo Garden | 4821 Southwick Dr, Matteson, IL |
Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden
Note: Open to public only during specific programs or when groups request tour. |
Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Research | 3,687 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Shelbyville | Shelbyville Community Garden | 201 S Pine St, Shelbyville, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Food donation, Community garden plots | 2,360 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Chicago | Museum of Science and Industry | 5700 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: Have to access the museum |
Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Environmental-other or general | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Schaumburg | Schaumburg Township Food Pantry Garden | 119 West Wise Road, Schaumburg, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support, Therapeutic uses, Training/life skills | 2,645 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Benton | Franklin Co. Office Garden | 1212 Rt 14 W, Benton, IL | Open to public visitors | Education, Food donation, Youth engagement | 101 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Normal | the Refuge Food Forest | One Normal Plaza, Normal, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: dawn until dusk signage on site |
Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-other or general, Therapeutic uses, Training/life skills, Youth engagement, Research | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Normal | Unity Community Center Production and Demonstration Garden | 632 Orlando Ave, Normal, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Training/life skills, Youth engagement, Research | 2,019 | Contact Local Extension office |
| DeKalb | University Village Toddler Garden | 651 Russell Rd, DeKalb, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Berwyn | St Leonard Berwyn Garden | 3322 Clarence Ave, Berwyn, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support, Youth engagement | 109 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Cicero | St Mary of Czestochowa Cicero Garden | 3010 48th Ct, Cicero, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support, Youth engagement | 230 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Marion | Marion Cultivating Care Garden | 1200 S Carbon St, Marion, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: The garden is located behind the church. Volunteers may use the church parking lot to access the site and work in the garden. All produce is donated to the Salvation Army Food Pantry. |
Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support, Youth engagement | 643 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Clinton | Pollinator Garden at Vespasian Warner Public Library | 310 N Quincy St, Clinton, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Peoria | OSF Garden of Hope | 1414 W Antoinette St, Peoria, IL | Open to public visitors | Education, Food donation, Community garden plots | 15,302 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Urbana | Hartley Native Plant Display Garden | 1800 S Lincoln Ave, Urbana, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Springfield | Prairie to Perennial Garden | 700 S Airport Dr, Springfield, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Springfield | Demonstration Gardens (Herb, Perennial, Idea, Compost) | 801 E Sangamon Ave, Springfield, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Urbana | Crisis Nursery Garden | 1309 W Hill St, Urbana, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Therapeutic uses, Training/life skills, Youth engagement | 271 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Urbana | Idea Garden | 2000 S Lincoln Ave, Urbana, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support, Therapeutic uses, Training/life skills, Youth engagement, Research | 526 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Springfield | Native Wildflower Garden | 2301 E Lake Shore Dr, Springfield, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Springfield | Dean Home Garden | 413 S 8th St, Springfield, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education | 100 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Springfield | Children's Garden | 1100 E Lake Shore Dr, Springfield, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Lincoln | Logan County Fairgrounds Demonstration gardens | 980 N Postville Dr, Lincoln, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Lincoln | Scully Park Garden | 303 S Kickapoo St, Lincoln, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Elizabethtown | Hardin County School Garden | RR 2, Elizabethtown, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| DeKalb | St. Paul's Garden | 900 Normal Rd, DeKalb, IL | Open to public visitors | Education, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support, Training/life skills | 795 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Kirkland | Walnut Grove Vocational Farm Garden and Prairie | 33600 Pearl St, Kirkland, IL |
Other
Note: Open to public for sales of plants and produce at certain times of the year |
Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Other food production, Environmental-pollinator support, Therapeutic uses, Training/life skills, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Genoa | Genoa Community Garden | Railroad Ave & N Genoa St, Genoa, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: Welcome to come and look around, but please do not pick the produce. |
Demonstration, Education, Community garden plots, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-other or general, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Chicago | CPS - Ogden East Campus | 24 W Walton St, Chicago, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: Open to public after school hours |
Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-other or general, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Urbana | YingYing's Garden | 300 N Goodwin Ave, Urbana, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Therapeutic uses | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Wheeling | Indian Trails Library Garden | 355 Schoenbeck Rd., Wheeling, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Youth engagement | 101 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Hoffman Estates | Beth Tikvah Congregation Community Garden | 300 Hillcrest Blvd, Hoffman Estates, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Food donation | 420 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Des Plaines | Maryville Academy Garden | 1150 N River Rd, Des Plaines, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Other food production, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-other or general, Therapeutic uses, Training/life skills, Youth engagement, Research | 2,000 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Maywood | Maywood Peace Garden | S 17th Ave &, Madison St, Maywood, IL | Open to public visitors | Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Therapeutic uses, Training/life skills, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Westmont | Westmont Public Library Garden | 428 N Cass Ave, Westmont, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation | 141 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Oregon | Demonstration/Fairground Garden | 1440 N Limekiln Rd, Oregon, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: Accessible all year, mainly viewed during the Ogle County Fair. |
Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Cahokia | Cahokia High School Garden | 800 Range Ln, Cahokia, IL | Open to public visitors | Education, Food donation, Training/life skills, Youth engagement | 461 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Alhambra | Alhambra School Garden | 302 W Main St, Alhambra, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support, Youth engagement | 80 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Palatine | Palatine Clayson Historical Garden | 224 E Palatine Rd, Palatine, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-other or general, Youth engagement, Historical | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Hoffman Estates | Destiny Church Garden | 325 Illinois Blvd, Hoffman Estates, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Community garden plots, Therapeutic uses, Training/life skills, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Zion | Hermon Park Helping Hands Garden | 2700 29th St, Zion, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Training/life skills, Youth engagement | 55 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Libertyville | Chapel CARE Garden | 1200 American Way, Libertyville, IL |
Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden
Note: Volunteer Only. Ran by Master Gardeners |
Education, Food donation, Community garden plots, Training/life skills | 15,435 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Waukegan | Holy Family Garden | 515 S Utica St, Waukegan, IL |
Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden
Note: Education and Donation Garden |
Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Training/life skills, Youth engagement | 121 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Fox Lake | Fox Lake Community Garden | 7 Forest Ave, Fox Lake, IL | Open to public visitors | Education, Food donation, Community garden plots, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-other or general, Youth engagement, Other | 322 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Zion | Zion-Benton Township Highschool Garden | 3901 W 21st St, Zion, IL |
Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden
Note: School Garden accessible by students, parents and staff of the school. |
Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Training/life skills, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Libertyville | Lake County Permit Center Rain Garden | 500 W Winchester Rd, Libertyville, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-rain garden, Training/life skills, Research | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Grayslake | University of Illinois Extension – Lake - SEED Garden | 100 S US Highway 45, Grayslake, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: Educational Garden in front of the Extension Office |
Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Grayslake | University of Illinois Extension – Lake - Demo Garden | 100 S US Highway 45, Grayslake, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: On Site at the Extension Office |
Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Therapeutic uses, Training/life skills, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Grayslake | University of Illinois Extension – Lake - Rain Garden | 100 S US Highway 45, Grayslake, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: On site at the Extension Office |
Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-rain garden, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Waterloo | Baebler Educational Farm--Research Garden | 4022 JJ Rd, Waterloo, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Youth engagement, Other | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Le Roy | LeRoy School Garden | 805 N Barnett St, Le Roy, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Mattoon | Idea Garden | 1000 Health Center Dr, Mattoon, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: Welcome to the Idea Garden. Enjoy your visit! Be sure to sign our visitor booklet located in the podium. |
Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Other food production, Environmental-pollinator support, Youth engagement | 20 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Normal | Illinois Art Station | 101 E Vernon Ave, Normal, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-rain garden, Environmental-other or general, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Amboy | Teen Turf Youth Summer Garden | 235 W Main St, Amboy, IL | Open to public visitors | Education, Food donation, Training/life skills, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Fulton | Fulton Youth Summer Garden | 1208 3rd Ave, Fulton, IL | Open to public visitors | Education, Food donation, Training/life skills, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Dixon | Lee Jr. Garden | 1013 Franklin Grove Rd, Dixon, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support, Training/life skills, Youth engagement, Other | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Mundelein | Freemont Township Garden | 22385 IL-60, Mundelein, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Community garden plots, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-rain garden, Training/life skills, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Lake Zurich | Hope Farm | 23153 W Miller Rd, Lake Zurich, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: Garden Plots are available to the public to grow plants for the food pantry. Volunteers are accepted. They have indoor and outdoor facilities and community gardens as well. |
Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support, Training/life skills, Youth engagement | 10,670 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Vernon Hills | Vernon Hills Community Gardens | 635 N Aspen Dr, Vernon Hills, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Community garden plots, Environmental-pollinator support, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Libertyville | Lambs Farm | 14245 W Rockland Rd, Libertyville, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: Accessible for residents and staff. Lambs Farm is open to the public during certain hours, and the garden area is accessible during this time. |
Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Other food production, Environmental-pollinator support, Therapeutic uses, Training/life skills, Other | 500 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Lincolnshire | Vernon Area Library Community Garden | 4 Indian Creek Rd, Lincolnshire, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Community garden plots, Environmental-pollinator support, Therapeutic uses, Training/life skills, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Dixon | Dixon Community Gardens | 110 E 3rd St, Dixon, IL | Open to public visitors | Education, Food donation, Community garden plots, Environmental-pollinator support | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Champaign | Y on the Fly Garden | 2413 N Neil St, Champaign, IL |
Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden
Note: It is a youth garden for those youth in the 4-H program. |
Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Training/life skills, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Palos Heights | Lake Katherine Herb Garden | 7402 Lake Katherine Dr, Palos Heights, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: Nature Center entry during normal business hours. On-site parking, bicycle trail access and no entry fee. |
Demonstration, Education, Other food production, Environmental-pollinator support, Therapeutic uses, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Matteson | Over the Rainbow Matteson | 5212 Southwick Dr, Matteson, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Education, Other food production, Environmental-pollinator support, Therapeutic uses, Training/life skills | 50 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Palos Heights | Lake Katherine Butterfly Garden | 7402 Lake Katherine Dr, Palos Heights, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: Nature Center is open during normal business hours. Entry is free. Parking and bicycle trail easily accessible. |
Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-other or general, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Mackinaw | New Castle Bible Church Garden | 17931 Dee-mac Rd, Mackinaw, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Danville | Native Plant Garden/Danville Library | 319 N Vermilion, Danville, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-other or general | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Danville | Kennekuk Herb Garden | 22296 Henning Rd, Danville, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: Kennekuk County Park is open to the public. They received a Cadle Grant in 2024 to Retore the Historic Garden Shed. |
Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Community garden plots, Other food production, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-other or general, Historical, Other | 25 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Danville | VA Healing Garden | 1900 E Main St, Danville, IL |
Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden
Note: Closed area open to veterans and VA staff only. |
Education, Other food production, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-other or general, Therapeutic uses | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Belvidere | Big Thunder Park Garden | 1719 Big Thunder Blvd, Belvidere, IL | Open to public visitors | Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-other or general | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| East Peoria | ICC Demonstration Garden | 1 College Dr, East Peoria, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Environmental-pollinator support | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Danville | Danville Public Library Children's Wonder Garden | 319 N Vermilion, Danville, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-other or general, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Decatur | Decatur Daycare Center Garden | 2075 E Lake Shore Dr, Decatur, IL |
Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden
Note: Not open to public visitors as it is a private daycare. |
Demonstration, Education, Other food production, Environmental-pollinator support, Training/life skills, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Hines | Hines VA Medical Center Garden | 5000 5th Ave, Hines, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Education, Food donation, Community garden plots, Other food production, Environmental-pollinator support, Therapeutic uses | 500 | Contact Local Extension office |
| La Grange | BEDS Plus Homeless Shelter Garden | 9601 Ogden Ave, La Grange, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-rain garden, Training/life skills | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Joliet | Go Green Garden Club for Adults with Disabilities | 3000 W Jefferson St, Joliet, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Education, Community garden plots, Other food production, Environmental-pollinator support, Therapeutic uses, Training/life skills | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Joliet | Sunnyhill Pollinator Garden | 421 Doris Ave, Joliet, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-other or general, Therapeutic uses, Training/life skills | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Vandalia | Little Community Garden | Edwards St, Vandalia, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support | 2,926 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Woodstock | Stickney House Heirloom Gardens | 1904 Cherry Valley Rd, Woodstock, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Environmental-pollinator support, Historical | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Woodstock | Hearthstone PreSchool Garden | 920 N Seminary Ave, Woodstock, IL |
Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden
Note: private school grounds |
Education, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Joliet | Joliet Central High School Garden | 201 E Jefferson St, Joliet, IL |
Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden
Note: Garden is closed to public, only students who participate in the Joliet Central Garden Club (and school staff and AAB/NREE staff and MG volunteers) have accss |
Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Community garden plots, Environmental-pollinator support, Therapeutic uses, Training/life skills, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Aurora | Marie Wilkinson Garden | 834 N Highland Ave, Aurora, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-other or general, Training/life skills, Youth engagement | 4,600 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Batavia | Mercy Housing Batavia Garden | 1259 E Wilson St, Batavia, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Education, Community garden plots, Training/life skills, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Belvidere | NASR Community Garden | 6581 Revlon Dr, Belvidere, IL |
Other
Note: This garden is used by adults with disabilities that are in the day program within the Belvidere Park District. What they harvest is used to enhance their life-skills activities and also donated to the staff and parents who pick up and drop off their program participants. |
Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Training/life skills | 150 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Paris | Edgar County Master Gardener Pollinator Garden | 210 W Washington St, Paris, IL | Open to public visitors | Education, Environmental-pollinator support | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Chicago | Hyde Park Neighborhood Club | 5480 S Kenwood Ave, Chicago, IL |
Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden
Note: Accessible to HPNC staff, children, and family members |
Education, Food donation, Other food production, Environmental-pollinator support, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| West Salem | West Salem Community Garden | 106 E South St, West Salem, IL | Open to public visitors | Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support, Youth engagement | 178 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Moline | Floreciente Community Garden | 335 5th Ave, Moline, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Other food production, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-other or general, Therapeutic uses, Training/life skills, Youth engagement | 150 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Centreville | BRIC Garden Revitalization in Lalumier | 6702 Bond Ave, Centreville, IL | Open to public visitors | Education, Food donation, Youth engagement | 60 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Aurora | Aurora Area Food Pantry & Garden | 1110 Jericho Rd, Aurora, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support, Training/life skills | 2,250 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Aurora | McCleery Elementary School Garden | 1002 W Illinois Ave, Aurora, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Demonstration, Education, Community garden plots, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-rain garden, Environmental-other or general, Training/life skills, Youth engagement, Research | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Rockford | Interfaith Community Garden | 115 N Wyman St, Rockford, IL | Open to public visitors | Education, Food donation, Community garden plots, Youth engagement | 880 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Rockford | ORCHID Neighborhood Community Garden | 502 College Ave, Rockford, IL | Open to public visitors | Community garden plots | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Rockford | Collier Gardens Apartments | 2901 Searles, Rockford, IL | Open to public visitors | Education, Community garden plots | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Creve Coeur | Creve Coeur Park District Garden | 301 Lawnridge Dr, Creve Coeur, IL | N/A | Contact Local Extension office | ||
| Lanark | Little Sprouts Garden | 200 S School Dr Ste B, Lanark, IL |
Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden
Note: Preschool Garden. Closed to the public |
Education, Other food production, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Harvard | Brown Bear Garden | 21007 McGuire Rd, Harvard, IL |
Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden
Note: Preschool grounds |
Education, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Woodstock | Sue Palmore garden | 3000 Raffel Rd, Woodstock, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: High school grounds are accessible to the public |
Environmental-pollinator support, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Jacksonville | Lukeman Garden and Education Center | Morton Ave & Lincoln Ave, Jacksonville, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Other food production, Environmental-pollinator support, Youth engagement, Research | 375 | Contact Local Extension office |
| Crystal Lake | NISRA Garden Club | 285 Memorial Dr, Crystal Lake, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Education, Therapeutic uses, Training/life skills | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Glendale | Dixon Springs Research High Tunnels | , Glendale, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: Monday through Friday 8 am to 4 pm |
Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Other food production, Training/life skills, Youth engagement, Research | 5,555 | Contact Local Extension office |
| St. Charles | Extension Office Gardens | 535 S Randall Rd, St. Charles, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Other food production, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-rain garden, Environmental-other or general | 400 | Contact Local Extension office |
| La Fox | Heirloom Garden | Garfield Rd, La Fox, IL |
Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden
Note: Tours |
Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-other or general, Research, Historical | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| St. Charles | History Museum | 215 E Main St, St. Charles, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-other or general, Historical | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Chicago | Just Roots at St. James | 1525 S Sangamon St, Chicago, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Community garden plots, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-other or general, Training/life skills, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Chicago | KAM Isaiah Israel | 1100 E Hyde Park Blvd, Chicago, IL | Open to public visitors | Food donation, Community garden plots, Other food production | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Chicago | Kellogg Elementary School | 9241 S Leavitt St, Chicago, IL |
Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden
Note: For students and families |
Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Environmental-pollinator support | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Chicago | Lurie Garden | 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL | Open to public visitors | Community garden plots | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Chicago | Misericordia | 6300 N Ridge Ave, Chicago, IL |
Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden
Note: For residential use |
Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Therapeutic uses, Training/life skills | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Chicago | Montessori School of Englewood | 6936 S Hermitage Ave, Chicago, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Education | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Malta | Malta Community Garden | 302 S Second St, Malta, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Pana | The Autism and Movement Project Sensory Garden | 5 S Oak St, Pana, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Therapeutic uses, Training/life skills, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Evergreen Park | Evergreen Park High School Native Garden | 9901 S Kedzie Ave, Evergreen Park, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-other or general, Therapeutic uses, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| St. Charles | Rain Garden | 535 S Randall Rd, St. Charles, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-rain garden | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Rockford | Rock River Valley Food Pantry Garden | 421 S Rockton Ave, Rockford, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Community garden plots | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Bloomington | Local Foods & Food System Development | 1701 Towanda Ave, Bloomington, IL | N/A | Contact Local Extension office | ||
| Peoria | Hand Up Peoria Inc. | 1419 S Folkers Ave, Peoria, IL | N/A | Contact Local Extension office | ||
| Pekin | First Church of God Garden | 2520 Maywood Ave, Pekin, IL | N/A | Contact Local Extension office | ||
| Ridgway | Golden Circle Center Donation Garden - Ridgway | 110 N Crawford St, Ridgway, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Food donation | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Harrisburg | Golden Circle Center Donation Garden - Harrisburg | 15 Veterans Dr, Harrisburg, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Food donation, Other | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| McHenry | Pioneer Center Sensory Garden | 4031 W Dayton St, McHenry, IL | Open to public visitors | Education, Therapeutic uses, Training/life skills, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Barrington | Barrington Area Library | 505 N Northwest Hwy, Barrington, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Community garden plots, Environmental-pollinator support, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Arlington Heights | Thomas Middle School | 1430 N Belmont Ave, Arlington Heights, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| La Salle | Northwest Elementary | 1735 Malcolm Ave, La Salle, IL |
Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden
Note: Garden is open to families of Northwest Elementary School |
Education, Food donation, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Zion | Zion Benton Library Garden | 2400 Gabriel Ave, Zion, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Dolton | Dolton Faith Church | 15015 Grant St, Dolton, IL |
Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden
Note: On church property. |
Education, Food donation, Training/life skills | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Homewood | Homewood Library Native Landscape | 17917 Dixie Hwy, Homewood, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: Front landscaping at the library. |
Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Tinley Park | Park Lawn Native Landscape | 17007 Oak Park Ave, Tinley Park, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Therapeutic uses, Training/life skills | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Oak Lawn | Advocate Therapeutic Garden | 4440 W 95th St, Oak Lawn, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: In plaza on hospital grounds. |
Therapeutic uses, Training/life skills | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Danville | Douglas Discovery Garden | Wayne St & Florida Ave, Danville, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: Park on Florida Ave or Wayne St. Free public parking. |
Demonstration, Education, Food donation, Community garden plots, Environmental-pollinator support, Training/life skills, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Onarga | Onarga Library Idea Garden | 209 W Seminary Ave, Onarga, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: Visitors are welcome to walk thru the garden and see individual sections with native plants, herbs, perennials, small shrubs, annuals. There is a rain Barrel and compost area. |
Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Therapeutic uses | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Watseka | Iroquois Hospital Donation Garden | 200 E Fairman Ave, Watseka, IL | Open to public visitors | Food donation | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Gibson City | Ford Iroquois Gibson City Community Garden | 460 N 300E Rd, Gibson City, IL |
Open to public visitors
Note: Gibson City Recreation Pond Area has picnic tables and a shelter. Master Gardeners have a small native plant garden with several milkweed plants, Spice Bush, Nine Bark, Button Bush and others. There is a rain barrel. |
Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Glen Ellyn | Lake Ellyn Boathouse | 645 Lenox Rd, Glen Ellyn, IL | Open to public visitors | Demonstration, Education, Environmental-pollinator support, Environmental-other or general | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Maywood | Maywood Giving Garden | Greenwood Ave, Maywood, IL | Open to public visitors | Education, Community garden plots, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Savanna | Homegrown Healthy - Carroll County | 525 3rd St #105, Savanna, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Education | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Oregon | Homegrown Healthy - Ogle County | 300 Jefferson St, Oregon, IL | Open to public visitors | Education | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Mount Prospect | Northwest Compass Garden | 1300 W Northwest Hwy, Mount Prospect, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Education, Food donation, Community garden plots, Environmental-pollinator support, Training/life skills | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Elwood | Elwood School Garden | 409 N Chicago St, Elwood, IL |
Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden
Note: This school garden is not open to the public and is in the back "yard" of the school. Different grades participate at different times in this K-8 389 student school. ANR staff leads the sessions with Master Gardener Support. |
Education, Training/life skills, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Joliet | Joliet West Garden Club | 401 N Larkin Ave, Joliet, IL | Not open to public visitors—special purpose garden | Education, Training/life skills, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Rochelle | Rochelle Green Thumbs 4-H Club Garden | 619 4th Ave, Rochelle, IL | Open to public visitors | Education, Food donation, Youth engagement | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Harvard | Harvard Community Senior Center Garden | 6817 Harvard HIlls Rd, Harvard, IL | Open to public visitors | Education, Food donation, Therapeutic uses | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |
| Swansea | Restoration Ranch | 1644 Hartman Ln, Swansea, IL | Open to public visitors | Food donation | N/A | Contact Local Extension office |