The area surrounding the Columbian Basin in Jackson Park is home to about 200 pink and white cherry blossom trees that typically bloom each Spring. The trees are located just south of the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (GMSI), on either side of the South Portico and surrounding the Columbia Basin (pond). The trees are also found on the north end of the Wooded Island and in the Osaka Garden, all a short walk south of the Columbian Basin. The bloom is a spectacular sight to see, with peak bloom typically happening in late April - early May, and lasts anywhere from 6 to 14 days, depending on the weather. The Japanese word “Hanami” translated directly, means “flower viewing” and in reference to the cherry trees, this means cherry blossom viewing. In fact, the entire season of the bloom time is referred to as Hanami, and families come out to celebrate and enjoy company among the blossoms and cherish this seasonal ‘gift’ of nature.
Chicago’s cold and wet spring weather keeps the buds tight and closed to protect the trees’ petals until there is a stretch of warm weather. Once the trees’ blooms are fully opened, the sequence of the blooms is staggered, between beautiful pink and white petals, for over a two-week period.
The information below will help in planning a visit to Jackson Park. We hope you enjoy your time there.
2025 Cherry Blossom Status: Between Stage 4 - 6, varies by tree type
Updated 4/18/25
NOTE: Best viewing will likely be through Sunday, April 27, 2025.
Bud Development Legend
| State 1: Buds swelling but still closed. |
Stage 2: Buds starting to open. |
Stage 3: Buds opening, petals are visible. |
Stage 4: Buds opening, flowers are visible. |
Stage 5: Many flowers are opening. |
Stage 6: Flowers are fully open. |
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Prunus serrulate 'Snow Goose' |
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Prunus serrulate 'Accolade' |
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Prunus serrulate 'Accolade' |
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Prunus serrulate 'Snow Goose' |
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Prunus serrulate 'Accolade' |
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Prunus yedoensis 'Yoshino' |
Additional Information
Location
The cherry trees are located along the Columbia Basin in Jackson Park, near 6401 S. Stony Island Ave., east side of Cornell Ave., located just south of the Museum of Science and Industry.
Due to the Darrow Bridge construction, patrons can access the cherry trees located west of the Columbian Basin and on the Wooded Island by walking along the ‘Lagoon Path’ around the Columbia Basin to the west side of the basin and onto the Wooded Island. View the map below.
Park Hours
Jackson Park is open from 6 am to 9 pm. The Wooded Island, which includes The Japanese Garden, is open from dawn until dusk.
For the best viewing options, plan to visit during times with smaller crowds which include weekday mornings and early afternoons.
Parking
Car - Paid metered parking is available in the Music Court lot which is located southeast of the Columbian Basin off of Science Drive. Paid parking is also available in the underground parking lot at the Museum of Science and Industry, accessed off of Cornell at 57th St. Free parking is available in the parking lots at Hayes Drive and Cornell Ave., and free street parking is available along many streets around the park, including Stony Island Drive and near Midway Plaisance Park, located at 1130 Midway Plaisance.
Bike - Bike racks are located in a few areas around the park. Look for the bike rack icon on the map for locations.
Getting to the Cherry Blossom Trees
From the Music Court parking lot:
Please note: The Darrow Bridge is closed for construction, so direct bridge access is not available. Please walk the ‘Lagoon Path’ around the Columbia Basin from the Music Court across the north basin plaza to the West side of the basin and further, onto the Wooded Island.
Additional Sites to See in Jackson Park
There are a number of other delightful things to see in Jackson Park. We encourage you to explore the following sites. Consider bringing an identification book or app to assist you.
Within walking distance of the cherry trees:
- Wooded Island Natural Area
- Japanese Garden (within Wooded Island, northeast area)
- SKYLANDING sculpture by Yoko Ono (within Wooded Island, west of the Japanese Garden)
- Purple Martin Houses (southeast of the Columbian Basin)
- Chicago Tree Project sculpture, Transformation (NE section at 59th/Stony Island Drive)
- Bobolink Meadow (east of Wooded Island and the lagoon)
- Museum of Science and Industry
Within a short bike or car ride from the cherry trees:
- Pets are prohibited on Wooded Island
- Dogs and all other pets should be left home. They can be very disruptive to the wildlife in the Wooded Island nature sanctuary, especially at this time with a large number of nesting birds.
- The area inside and outside the garden is a protected QUIET ZONE respecting the large number of ground-nesting birds as well as patrons peacefully strolling through the Japanese garden.
- Please be mindful that although this space is for all ages to enjoy, some activities are best suited for other playground areas. Digging in the gravel (inside or outside the garden) or climbing the trees is strictly prohibited.
- Clipping, pruning or removing blooms is prohibited.
- Clean up after visiting the park
- A limited amount of garbage cans are available, so please plan to clean up after yourself after visiting the park, or better yet, bring your waste items home with you to discard there.
- Do not walk on native plantings
- Please avoid walking on the sensitive native plantings located around the perimeter of the Columbian Basin and Wooded Island and remain on the pathways.
Saturday April 26, 2025 | 1-3pm
Hanami - Cherry Blossom Viewing Festival
Join the Japanese Arts Foundation in partnership with the Japanese Culture Center, Chicago Park District, and Asian Improv Arts Midwest’s Tsukasa Taiko for an afternoon full of arts, drums, and of course, cherry blossoms!
Terms
Hanami - The Japanese custom of celebrating spring blossom viewing, which almost always refers to cherry or plum trees. People intentionally visit to relax and enjoy the delicate fragrance unique to the cherry tree and celebrate the wonder of this annual and relatively short bloom season.
Sakura - A Japanese term used to identify the flower of a cherry tree.
Prunus – This is a genus of trees & shrubs which include cherry, plum, nectarines, and apricot. Cherry trees to identify are listed below:
- Prunus serrulata ‘Snow Goose’
- Prunus x subhirtella ‘Snow Fountains’ white, weeping
- Prunus x yedoensis ‘Yoshino’ pink fading to white. The bark is dark reddish-brown and will leaf out once flowering has finished.
- Prunus serrulata ’Accolade’(pink)cross between sargentii & subhirtella. Most treasured of the cherry trees. Opens bright pink with semi-double blossoms in drooping clusters along bare branches.
When looking at a cherry tree blossom, notice a tiny notch at the end of each petal. This is unique to cherry trees.
Audio Recordings
Learn more about the Cherry Blossoms, and their history in Jackson Park through the following recordings.
Additional Information
Click on the following links to learn more about these topics:
2020 Video
2020 Photos
If you come out to see the cherry blossoms, share your photos on social media with this hashtag: #CHICherryBlossoms.
We hope you enjoy your visit to Jackson Park.
