Every spring, Riverside, Illinois, invites visitors to step into a living celebration of garden design and landscape history during the Annual Riverside Garden Tour. This self-guided walk leads you through a curated collection of private and public gardens spread across this historic village, offering a unique chance to see how green spaces engage with architecture and community. The tour spans approximately 3 miles of mostly flat terrain, perfect for walkers of all levels, with occasional uneven spots around garden beds and pathways—standard city-sidewalk hiking shoes suffice.

The gardens themselves seem to breathe, as old oaks stand as quiet guardians and garden beds push forward with bursts of color. The Chicago River nearby dares you to wander further, its currents constantly shaping the village's charm. Not a hike in the traditional sense, the route encourages a slower pace, letting visitors absorb textures like fresh blooms, the scent of damp soil, and the hum of pollinators.

Arriving early in the day offers a quieter stroll before the crowds build, with ample time to chat with gardeners and take notes on layout and plant choices. Hydration matters—even on gentle walks—so carry a refillable bottle; water stations are limited. Weather in Riverside can swing between sunny and spring showers, so bringing layers and waterproof gear keeps the tour comfortable, whatever the sky offers.

Practical tips include comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the evolving expressions of each garden’s personality. You’ll notice how designers play with sunlight and shadow, and how native plants coexist with cultivated species, reminding you that this tour isn’t just about pretty flowers—it’s a study in ecological balance and design principle.

The Annual Riverside Garden Tour offers more than a list of beautiful stops—it’s a chance to engage with a community fiercely proud of its green heritage, one that respects nature's rhythms while inviting innovation. Whether you’re a casual stroller or a garden enthusiast, the experience challenges you to reconsider what a walk can mean: a practical, sensory, and thoughtful adventure through history and living landscapes.