Wilder Park Conservatory

The Valentine's Day Flower show runs through March 22. Free to visit.

Wilder Park Conservatory is a captivating sanctuary in the heart of Elmhurst, blending historical charm, horticultural excellence, and community enrichment. Established in 1923 as the Elmhurst Park District’s first capital project, this beloved landmark has flourished into a treasured destination.

Nestled at the intersection of Prospect Avenue and Church Street, the Conservatory transports visitors to a blooming tropical paradise without ever leaving town. Whether you're a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, the Wilder Park Conservatory stands as a testament to Elmhurst’s dedication to beauty and conservation.

Flower Shows

Wilder Park Conservatory hosts three seasonal flower shows, showcasing the vibrant colors and beauty of various flowering plants. The conservatory is free and open to the public year-round, offering a serene escape with lush flora and seasonal blooms.

Valentine's Flower Show - Through March 23, 2026
Spring Flower Show - Open March 28-April 25, 2026
- Conservatory closed March 23-27 for show construction
Fall Flower Show - Open October 24-November 29
- Conservatory closed October 19-23 for show construction
Holiday Flower Show - Open December 5-January 17, 2027
- Conservatory closed November 30-December 4 for show construction

Visitor Guidelines

No pets, food, confetti or decorations allowed
Please do not feed the fish
Do not move the plants
Please supervise children at all times

Photography Permits

Wilder Park Conservatory is an ideal place to capture the magic of your special day or take memorable family photos. Posed photography and filming at Wilder Park Conservatory will require a permit.

Permits are required for commercial uses such as advertising, catalog photography, and publications, as well as for non-commercial uses including, but not limited to, family, engagement, wedding, and quinceañera photos, documentaries, web-based media, and student projects.

View Photography Permit and Etiquette information. To obtain a photography permit, call (630) 993-8186 or fill out the Rental Supervisor Contact Form to reach out to the Rental Supervisor. All permits must be requested, submitted, and paid at least 7 days in advance.

Wilder Park Conservatory History

The Conservatory's story is intertwined with Elmhurst’s early history, particularly the lives of the Wadhams, King, and Wilder families who shaped its legacy.

The Wadhams

In 1868, Seth Wadhams, founder of the Knickerbocker Ice Company in Chicago, acquired a treeless farm known as "Burnham's Lot" and transformed it into an estate he named "White Birch." Wadhams enriched the property with a variety of tree species as an experimental effort to determine which could thrive in the local climate with the help of landscapers Swain Nelson and George Coney. In addition to landscaping, Wadhams built a greenhouse for his wife, Elizabeth, to comfort her after the loss of their son. The original greenhouse was located behind what is now the Wilder Park Conservatory and became the foundation of the estate's horticultural operations and inspired the rich gardening legacy that followed.

The Kings

Aurelia Case King: After Seth Wadhams' passing in 1888, his estate was inherited by Aurelia Case King, the daughter of his lifelong friend, John R. Case. Aurelia embraced gardening, enlisting a landscape architect to design the gardens surrounding the estate. She created unique features, such as an herb garden inspired by the writings of medieval Dutch scholar Erasmus.

Louisa Boyd (Yeoman) King: In 1890, Aurelia's son, Francis King, married Louisa Boyd Yeoman, whose passion for gardening blossomed in the gardens established by her mother-in-law. Louisa later became a prominent figure in American horticulture. She founded the Women’s National Farm & Garden Association which encouraged the appreciation and cultivation of gardens in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Writing as Mrs. Francis King, she published several influential books that shaped the horticultural practices of her time. Her last book “From a New Garden” was dedicated to her mother-in-law, Aurelia King. Louisa's achievements earned her widespread recognition, and her work continues to inspire gardening enthusiasts today.

The Wilders

After the passing of Aurelia King in 1901, the estate was purchased by Henry Gordon Selfridge. In 1905 Thomas E. Wilder purchased the property from Selfridge and renamed the estate "Lancaster Lodge;' after his original home in Lancaster, Massachusetts. Following his passing in 1919, his descendants wished for the property to be preserved as a memorial to the family patriarch. This desire led to the establishment of the Elmhurst Park District in June 1920, which promptly entered negotiations to acquire the estate. In 1922, the Wilder Mansion was sold to the City of Elmhurst for the new location of the Public Library.

The New Face of Wilder Park

In 1921, Wilder Park became the first public park in Elmhurst, providing the community with a new recreational space. In 1923, the Elmhurst Park District added a Conservatory to the Wadhams 1860’s original greenhouse. In 1928 a north greenhouse was constructed and over the years both greenhouses were repeatedly modified, maintaining little of their original components. A major restoration in 2013 preserved the Conservatory’s historic charm while improving technology, efficiency, and increasing growing capacity. The two greenhouses were replaced with a state-of-the-art single aluminum greenhouse and a new propagating house was added to the east.

Wilder Mansion

Over the years, the Elmhurst Public Library underwent several remodels and expansions to accommodate the growing population. Eventually, the City of Elmhurst determined that a new facility was needed. In 2003, a new library was built on the north side of Wilder Park, and the mansion was vacated. That same year, an intergovernmental agreement returned the property to the Elmhurst Park District. After extensive renovations to restore its 1936 facade, the Wilder Mansion reopened in 2008 as a community event space. The Wilder Mansion is one of the few remaining buildings from Elmhurst’s earliest days. Though it has evolved over time, it remains a central part of the city's history.