Chicago -- Lincoln Park

"Lincoln Park, the largest park in Chicago, stretches almost the entire length of the north end of the city along the lake. Contains statues of Lincoln, Hans Christian Anderson, Shakespeare and others, a 9-hole golf course, driving range, miniature golf, bike and jogging paths, obstacle course, and protected beaches." "The oldest garden is the Lincoln Park Grandmother's Garden, begun in 1893. This 3-acre garden with its broad lawns and shade trees contains a charming collection of old-fashioned plants with over forty thousand annuals and perennials providing color, spring to fall. [Lincoln Park also possesses an excellent conservatory (2400 N. Stockton Dr.). Erected in 1891, it now consists of four huge glass buildings and eighteen propagating houses - 3 acres in all. Displays include the Palm house, the Fernery, the Tropical House, and the Show House, where four major shows are held each year. The conservatory also has a permanent orchid collection. Just south of the conservatory is the Lincoln Park Main Garden, more than 7 acres of formal gardens (some twenty-five thousand bedding plants), lawns, fountains, and statuary)."