Places to Explore • Illinois
A little park with a big splash of spring color.
Some places are worth a stop simply because they are beautiful. Lilacia Park was one of those little finds: a pleasant place to slow down, enjoy the flowers and look closely at the colors around us. This visit’s photographs celebrate its tulip beds and yellow daffodils.
Small place, plenty to notice
Lilacia Park is a cultivated garden with walking paths, benches and historic features. It is an inviting setting for a leisurely flower walk and photography. Look for the differences between cup-shaped tulips, pointed petals, fringed edges and the layered petals of double daffodils.
The photos below show several colors and flower forms. Cultivar names are not assigned without a plant label to confirm them.
William and Helen Plum fell in love with lilacs while visiting the gardens of breeder Victor Lemoine in Nancy, France. They brought home two cultivars: a double white lilac and a double lilac-colored variety. Their collection became the foundation of Lilacia.
After William Plum’s death in 1927, the estate was given to Lombard for a public park. Landscape architect Jens Jensen was commissioned to design the community garden. The park joined the National Register of Historic Places in 2019.
Plan your visit
150 S. Park Avenue, Lombard, Illinois. Park admission is free; some organized events require tickets. Street parking is available on Park Avenue, with Metra parking available on weekends according to the park’s FAQ. Follow posted parking restrictions.
Tulips typically bloom from mid-April into early May. Lilac Time runs during the first three weeks of May, and Mother’s Day weekend is often a good lilac-viewing period. Weather and variety change the timing, so check the official bloom updates before traveling.
Weekday mornings can be less busy than peak-bloom weekends. The official tulip guide lists daily dawn-to-dusk access; check event information for special arrangements. Stay on designated paths and leave flowers for everyone to enjoy.
Use the official site for current events, bloom reports and restroom information. Park improvements are being planned, so also review the Park District’s development updates for changes around the grounds.
Photographs by Brian Woolman
Open any photograph for the slideshow. Load more to see the remaining garden views.
Lombard Park District: Lilacia Park · The park’s lilac history · Visiting FAQ · Tulip timing & visitor tips · Park development updates
Bloom timing varies each year. Check official updates for current conditions and event details.
Official visitor informationOfficial park map (PDF)Back to Places to Explore