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Merrick Rose Garden: A Fragrant Oasis

Discover a tranquil oasis in Evanston's Merrick Rose Garden, featuring hundreds of roses and the historic Centennial Fountain.

★★★★★4.8 (68)

The Merrick Rose Garden in Evanston, Illinois, is a beautiful and fragrant public garden featuring hundreds of roses and the historic Centennial Fountain. Dedicated in 1948, it offers a tranquil escape with diverse rose varieties and a charming fountain as its centerpiece.

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A brief summary to Merrick Rose Garden

Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.

Plan your visit

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1426 Oak Ave, Evanston, Illinois, 60201, US

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    Getting There

    Walking

    Merrick Rose Garden is located at 1426 Oak Ave, Evanston, IL 60201. From downtown Evanston, head east on Davis Street towards Lake Michigan. Turn left onto Ridge Avenue, then turn right onto Lake Street. Walk one block east to Oak Avenue. The garden will be on your left. There is no admission fee.

    Public Transport

    The Merrick Rose Garden is accessible via public transportation. From the CTA Purple Line Davis Station, walk east on Davis Street, turn left onto Ridge Avenue, then turn right onto Lake Street. Walk one block east to Oak Avenue. The garden will be on your left. A single ride on CTA costs $2.50.

    Driving

    To reach Merrick Rose Garden by car, navigate to 1426 Oak Ave, Evanston, IL 60201. From I-94, exit at Dempster Street and head east. Turn right onto Ridge Avenue, then turn left onto Lake Street. Turn right onto Oak Avenue. Limited street parking is available. Be sure to check street signs for parking restrictions. Parking is free.

    Local tips

    Visit during the spring or summer months to see the roses in full bloom.
    Take a leisurely stroll through the garden and enjoy the fragrant aromas and vibrant colors.
    Bring a camera to capture the beauty of the roses and the Centennial Fountain.

    Discover more about Merrick Rose Garden

    Merrick Rose Garden, nestled in a residential neighborhood in Evanston, Illinois, offers a serene and fragrant escape. Located at 1426 Oak Ave, this public garden showcases hundreds of roses and the historic Centennial Fountain.The garden was dedicated in July 1948 in honor of Clinton Merrick, a prominent attorney and alderman who loved roses. The original garden, designed by Ralph Melin, featured over 1,000 roses in 48 varieties. Today, it boasts approximately 2,000 roses with around 200 varieties, including tea, floribunda, rugosa, and miniature roses. The garden is an All American Rose Selections, Inc. (AARS) display garden, exhibiting new rose varieties before they are available to the public.The Centennial Fountain, originally located in Fountain Square in downtown Evanston, was moved to the garden in 1951. It serves as a nostalgic focal point, adding to the garden's charm. The garden is a popular spot for small weddings, special occasions, and photography. Benches are placed throughout the garden, offering visitors a place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
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