Ball Horticulture Gardens
Tue, Aug 25, 2026 - 8:30 am-11:30 am
622 Town Road; West Chicago, IL
Join MAPS for the August Photo Outing to Ball Horticultural Gardens in West Chicago. The Gardens at Ball Horticultural have been the evaluation and testing grounds for the world’s wealth of horticultural introductions and improvements for over 80 years. What began as a row trial garden for seed varieties in 1933 has grown to encompass over nine acres of display beds for annuals, perennials, cut flowers and vegetables, including the newest plants from the industry’s leading breeders and marketers. See a quick tour of the stunning gardens.
Participants should meet at 8:20 am at 622 Town Road in West Chicago, and see Chuck Diewald. Use the parking lot across from the main building and follow the signs for visitor parking or see below. (Chuck Diewald will check us in and get maps of the garden for members.)
Please be sure to dress appropriately to safeguard against insects and provide sun protection. Also, since this is a private garden, there are no refreshments available, so plan to bring plenty of water in order to stay hydrated. You may wish to bring filters and/or diffusers as most flowers are in the sun.
Some things to note: Please meet at the entrance to the gardens behind the Main Building. Please know there is walking required (mostly on paved and gravel paths) throughout the 10 acres of landscaped gardens. Visitors are not allowed inside the building, however rest rooms are available in the gardens. There is also a prairie adjacent to the gardens.
Hydration and Restrooms: It’s important to bring beverages to stay hydrated during your visit. August days can be quite warm, and as a private garden, we don’t have refreshments available. We recommend dressing appropriately for the weather including a hat for sun protection and insect repellent. There are public restrooms in the garden and there is a water bottle refill station in the restroom area as well.
Parking:
- Carpooling is highly recommended.
- Please use the designated parking area illustrated below.
- In the event that all reserved parking is full, street parking is available.
- As we are located in a residential area and wish to be good neighbors, please abide by city parking signs.
- Onceparked, group members can cross the street and walk forward on the blacktop entryway to find the entrance to the gardens on the left. There is no official sign marking the entrance, however you will see the gardens on your left.
