The Chicago Botanic Garden is welcoming visitors back starting June 24. (Chicago Botanic Garden)

The Chicago Botanic Garden is cautiously reopening its grounds on June 24, having tested the waters with a ticketed perimeter walk that kicked off earlier this month.

A number of measures designed to minimize the potential spread of the coronavirus will be in place, including a new timed-ticketed entry policy in effect until further notice.

To avoid overcrowding, visitors will need to sign up in advance for an available time slot; a limited number of tickets will be granted per slot. Registration for slots through July 31 has been open to members since Monday and will open to non-members Friday. Entry is allotted per car, not per person. 

Garden hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the last entry at 7 p.m. Parking is free for members; cost for non-members ranges from $10 to $30. 

No entry will be permitted without advance registration, with one notable exception: Access to the garden via the North Branch Trail extension is wide open. No registration, fee or membership is required of those who arrive at the garden on foot or bike.

Here’s what to expect during your visit: 

In keeping with public health guidelines, you’ll need to maintain 6 feet of social distance from anyone not in your party — and that includes garden staff. Masks must be worn when coming into contact with people outside your personal group. 

In terms of amenities: Drinking fountains are off, so bring your own water. Some restrooms are open, but not all. Same goes for dining options. Hand sanitizer stations have been set up at several locations throughout the grounds.

Check the garden’s website for a list of attractions and areas of the garden that will remain closed at least through mid-summer.

Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 |  [email protected]