Garden of the Phoenix

A fabulous respite for nature lovers and an excellent spot for birders, the Garden of the Phoenix, originally a gift from Chicago's sister city of Osaka, Japan, to coincide with the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893, which was centered around Jackson Park and what is now the Museum of Science and Industry. (The Palace of Fine Arts of the Exposition remains as part of today's museum.) 

The Garden of the Phoenix is a peaceful, quiet, lovely spot tucked away in a bustling city. Found on Jackson Park's Wooded Island, there are stone paths, a small wooden bridge, flowering bushes and trees aplenty. You can even find some gorgeously blossoming cherry trees in a little window in late April/early May. The trilling of red-wing blackbirds, honking geese, and assorted woodpeckers filling the air with sound heightens the experience. 

Take a little time and check out one of the Chicago Park District's jewels. You'll be happy for it.