2-Dec-14 – Towering several inches above the ground, a garden-scale version of high-wire-walker Nik Wallenda now completes Chicago Botanic Garden’s annual exhibit of Chicago landmarks.

Wonderland Express, which opened on Friday, features buildings, tunnels, and bridges handcrafted from natural materials. Twigs, bark, leaves, acorns, and pebbles are used to fashion more than 80 Chicago landmarks. Marina City was added in 2007.

(Left) A miniature Nik Wallenda walks between miniature towers made of natural plant materials. (Photo obtained from Chicago Botanic Garden. Click on images to view larger versions.)

The Chicago Botanic Garden describes the exhibit as “a winter wonderland of twinkling lights, garden-scale trains, miniature Chicago landmarks, beautiful horticulture displays, and indoor snowfall.”

(Above) Closer view of natural plant version of Nik Wallenda, who high-wire walked between actual Marina City towers on November 2. The figure is made from resin, the sticky substance oozed by some trees and plants. A blindfold was added on Tuesday.

Wonderland Express is open every day – except Christmas Day – from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The exhibit will close at 3 p.m. on December 4, 6, and 24, and 1 p.m. on December 12.