Although the winter months bring plenty of fun adventures out in the snow, there comes a time when many of us tire of the cold, dreary weather and look forward to spring. With spring will come the sunshine, warmer weather, maybe some rain, and, best of all, signs of nature coming back to life. What better way to welcome springtime than by visiting one of the many lovely botanical gardens around the Prairie State?

1. Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, Rockford

Although every season is celebrated here at Klehm Arboretum, spring may be the best time to come. Enjoy a stroll around the largest public garden in Winnebago County with 155 acres of trees and several gardens that will be filled with hundreds of plant and flower species come springtime. To plan your visit, head to the Arboretum and Botanic Garden website.

2. Luthy Botanical Garden, Peoria

This Peoria botanical garden offers 5.5 acres filled with 15 themed gardens, a conservatory that features tropical plants, and educational tours and programs. Events like the Spring Show should not be missed! For more, visit the Luthy Botanical Garden Facebook page.

3. Mandala Gardens, Marion

One of the most unique botanic gardens in the state lies within seven acres in Marion. Stone mandala paths were created around the property and lined with gardens filled with flowers, herbs, and vegetables. These mandalas provide a peaceful, meditative space for all to enjoy. To learn more, visit the Mandala Gardens website.

4. Washington Park Botanical Garden, Springfield

Within the city of Springfield lies a botanical garden where the public can immerse themselves in the great outdoors. Take a stroll through the fragrant Rose Garden with over 5,000 plants and learn about some of the more than 1200 species of plants that are found around the 20 acres here. There's also a glass-domed conservatory housing over 150 plant species. This is a truly remarkable place! To learn more, visit Washington Park Botanical Garden webpage.

5. Morton Arboretum, Lisle

Take a hike along some of the 16-miles of scenic trails at the 1,700-acre Morton Arboretum. Pathways will take you through flowering trees and colorful wildflower beds growing along the forest floor, a sure sign that the warmer months are upon us! To plan your day at Morton Arboretum, visit the website.

6. Quad City Botanical Center, Rock Island

The Quad City Botanical Center invites the public to enjoy its many gardens and indoor atrium featuring tropical plants. Several outdoor gardens can be explored like the Children's Garden, butterfly garden, a seasonal garden train, and a greenhouse. Visit the Quad City Botanical Center website for more.

7. The Gardens at SIUE, Edwardsville

On the campus of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville lies a 35-acre public garden with plenty of natural areas, flowers, flowering trees, bridges, and outdoor sculptures. Paved walking paths will lead you around and benches can be found in several areas so you can have a seat and take in the scenery. To plan your visit, head to The Gardens At SIUE website.

8. Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens, Palos Heights

Woods, prairie, a 10-acre lake, waterfall, and gardens can all be found at this 85-acre nature center in Palos Heights. Use the six miles of hiking trails to take you around the lake and through the preserve to see the various plant and tree species that grow here. For more information, visit the Lake Katherine website.

9. Lilacia Park, Lombard

Lilacia Park is an 8.5-acre park with stunning lilac and tulip gardens. This urban park is a wonderful place to stroll and see all the colorful flowers in the spring. For more information and to plan your visit, go to the Lilacia Park Facebook page.

10. Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe

The property of the Chicago Botanic Garden encompasses 385 acres of land, six miles of shoreline, and nine islands and is accredited by the American Association of Museums. Explore the grounds and the Japanese garden, bonsai collection, English garden, and more at this world-renowned botanic garden. For more information, visit the Chicago Botanic Garden website.

Although many of these botanic gardens are open year-round, spring will bring the welcome signs of change we've been waiting for during those cold winter months.

Do you have a favorite garden that's not on this list? Please tell us about it in the comments.