The best places to see cherry blossoms around Chicago

Take in views of Yoshino, Gooseberry, Snow Goose, Snow Fountains and Accolade blooms just south of the Museum of Science and Industry along Jackson Park's Columbia Basin, an area home to more than 160 cherry blossom trees. The pink and white trees—which were planted beginning in 2013 to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the World's Columbian Exhibition—draw thousands of visitors to the park each year, but don't let the crowds scare you off: You won't find a better place in Chicago to have a true hanami experience. If you're especially enthusiastic, you can even pick up cherry blossom-themed merch from the Chicago Park District's website.

Check the Chicago Park District's cherry blossom tracker for updates on Jackson Park's blooms.

For a more traditional approach to hanami, continue south in Jackson Park to enter the Garden of the Phoenix, a gorgeous green space landscaped in classic Japanese style—complete with koi-filled ponds, maples and a Japanese moon bridge—that's dotted with elegant cherry blossom trees. You'll likely brave a line to enter the garden during peak cherry blossom season, but helpful docents are stationed out front to keep things running smoothly (and you can always check out Yoko Ono's Skylanding sculpture while you wait). 

Take a stroll through the Chicago Botanic Garden's 17-acre Malott Japanese Garden to spot a handful of blush-colored cherry blossom trees, plus a few ornamental flowering cherry shrubs. While you're there, peek across the lake to contemplate the inaccessible island Horaijima—a.k.a. the Island of Everlasting Happiness—which symbolizes the so-close-yet-so-far nature of paradise. 

Out in suburban Lisle, the Morton Arboretum features a small collection of cherry blossom trees in its Korea Collection located on the Arboretum's east side. Curators at the Arboretum say the trees can be somewhat finicky about weather conditions, so be sure to call ahead before you visit—though if you happen to miss out on peak bloom, the Arboretum's larger collection of magnolia and crabapple trees (which flower in mid- to late April and mid-May, respectively) are sure to impress.

Willing to hit the road to get your hanami fix? Take a two and a half- to three-hour drive downstate to visit Japan House at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, a teaching facility and cultural center that boasts gardens filled with 50 gorgeous cherry blossom trees. The elegant trees were donated to Japan House in 2008, so they've had more than a decade to fill out and mature; plus, the center hosts regular cultural events (including hanami) as well as pop-up tastings and garden tours to accentuate your experience. 

If you missed out on Chicago's all-too-brief cherry blossom season, consider heading north to Door County. The idyllic peninsula, renowned for its bountiful cherry crop, erupts into bloom a little later in the year—and with more than 2,000 acres of orchards across the county, you'll find plenty of opportunities for spotting blossoms. Need some guidance before you head out? Visit the Door County tourism website to see a handy map of viewing destinations. 

Make your way up the Mitten State to Traverse City for a stunning display of cherry blossoms. The trees can be found on rolling hills throughout the area so the ideal way to see them is by jumping in your car and going on a self-guided tour. Check here for the best routes to travel.

Up north in Madison, Wisconsin, this 16-acre botanical garden and conservatory highlights the beauty of Midwestern plants. It also boasts an innovative tropical Thai pavilion—one of only two in the U.S. Cherry blossoms typically bloom in mid-April along the path by the Serenity Garden.

Located a little over two hours away from Chicago, this Wisconsin city is home to cherry blossoms come early May. The best spots to see the glorious pops of color is along the Glacial River Bike Trail, a 31.5-mile path that passes by farmsteads, bronze sculptures, prairie flowers and woods, and through a rustic, covered red bridge.

If you’re willing to take a road trip south across state lines, the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis is home to nearly 150 cherry trees. Walk through the 14-acre Japanese Garden to see a variety of white and pink blossoms, including weeping Higan cherry trees. It’s a sight to behold, and marks the beautiful arrival of spring.