Kick off your walk with a stop at the Visitor Center:

• Fill up your water bottles.
• Take a bathroom break.
• Grab a power bar or snack for later at the Garden Café.
• Park your bike.
• Purchase sunscreen at the Garden Shop.

Gate to gate, the outer/perimeter road makes a wide, two-mile curve around the edge of the Chicago Botanic Garden's 385 acres.

.4 mile mark: Take a break overlooking the Fruit & Vegetable Garden.

.7 mile mark: Continue to the right for the outer road OR return to the main island/Visitor Center through the gardens ahead.

.9 mile mark: Restrooms are a short walk down this road to Evening Island, as are paths to return to the Visitor Center.

1 mile mark: Check out the view of the Plant Science Center across the water. You're about to enter Dixon Prairie.

1.2 mile mark: That's Marsh Island on the left. It's accessible by prairie path and boardwalk.

1.4 mile mark: The Pullman Evaluation Garden offers a cool and shady place to rest, plus: restrooms, water fountain, benches, and vending machines.

1.6 mile mark: Power walk the stairs inside the Plant Science Center to check out the Green Roof Garden. Inside, find: restrooms, water fountains, benches, cool air in summer/warmth in winter.

1.9 mile mark: What a view! Take a bench break to savor the spectacular islands of the Japanese Garden islands. Sancho En.

2.0 mile mark: The gate marks 2.0 miles from the Children's Learning Campus gate. Parking lots and the Visitor Center are ahead.