Wilder Park Conservatory

The Wilder Park Conservatory is a botanical garden in Elmhurst featuring indoor greenhouses with diverse plant collections, native prairie grasses, and woodland flowers. The space combines indoor displays with outdoor areas where visitors can explore different plant habitats.

An original greenhouse was built by Seth Wadhams as a personal project for his grieving wife and later became the foundation of the park. In 1923, the grounds evolved into the first major project of the Elmhurst Park District.

The site carries the name of William Wilder, a local attorney who donated the grounds to the community. Paths wind through both cultivated gardens and native plant sections, giving the place a dual character that reflects local environmental values.

The site is most accessible during mild weather, though heated greenhouses provide year-round shelter. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and prepare for changing conditions, especially when exploring the outdoor sections.

An urn from the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 survives on display near the formal gardens. This object connects the grounds to a pivotal moment in the region's past.

Location: Illinois

GPS coordinates: 41.89480,-87.94400

Latest update: December 6, 2025 19:02