Dwyer Park

521 Birch Street, Winnetka, IL 60093
Hours: 6am to 10pm

About

1.23 acres (Neighborhood Park)
Benches
Drinking Fountains
Picnic Tables
Playground
Cornhole/Bean Bag Toss
Ping Pong Tables

History

Acquired: 1941-1959. Purchased from Winnetka Board of Education District #36 and various families

The Butterfly Garden

The butterfly garden was originally established in 1998 by Garden Guild of Winnetka, and has been maintained by its members since. In conjunction with the redevelopment of Dwyer Park in 2018, Garden Guild collaborated with the Winnetka Park District to redesign and refresh the garden. It is a beautiful landmark in our community and a crucial habitat for butterflies and bees.

The Plants

All the plants in the garden serve as nurseries for caterpillars and/or nectar sources for butterflies. The garden features two different species of milkweed — the only feeding source for monarch caterpillars and the only plant that monarch butterflies will lay their eggs on.

Blooms start in spring, with white daffodils and purple grape hyacinth. Summer exhibits intense color from orange and yellow yarrow, purple coneflower, and magenta blazing star. Fall brings the jewel tones of asters, goldenrod, and ornamental grasses. Take some time to smell the fragrance of butterfly bush, garden phlox, and sweet pepperbush. Nearly 30 botanical plant markers are on-site to aid in identification, and the Life Cycle of the Butterfly sign at the west corner of the garden is great for children.

We encourage you to enjoy this garden gem throughout the seasons! Stop by to read a book, have your morning coffee, or to find ideas for your own pollinator garden at home (check out the full plant list below).

To learn more, visit the Garden Guild of Winnetka website or reach out to Meg O’Gara at mogara1@nullme.com.

A friendly note: please do not capture the butterflies, as this is their home.