Visited Lilacia Park for the first time this past May, and it's a beautiful oasis of flowers, trees and pathways next to the Lombard Metra station. Parking was a breeze! And we had great sunny warm weather in mid-May 2026. But because of the record April showers peak bloom time was 1-2 weeks earlier this year. Watch their Instagram for updates! This park was designed by Jens Jensen (Central Park, Humboldt Park), and it shows from its winding pathways to separate elevated area that proved a perfect picture perch for local prom kids. Ample signage of lilacs, flowers and trees helps with ID. You gotta visit once in your lifetime during peak lilac bloom, and its worthy of strolls all year round. read more

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Beautiful park in Lombard with incredible views of lilacs and tulips. This is very well maintained and has a large variety of different colored flowers. Parking was a little challenging during my late April visit with all the beautiful flowers in bloom, but it was well worth parking a few blocks away and walking over for the experience. Scattered throughout the park are plenty of benches, a scenic lookout area, iron deer statue, and more. A stroll around the park is super relaxing here since you're surrounded by plenty of colors and pleasant aromas. Definitely a must visit for any tulip or lilac lover. Worth a special trip due to the quality of the park and the beautiful views. read more

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I probably should come here more often, but I make sure to come at least 2 or 3 times a year. Once in April for the tulips and daffodils, then in April/May once or twice for the lilacs, and finally in December for the lights. There are so many lilacs here, and the park just keeps going. You can smell them from across the street, and wandering the park when they're in bloom makes me unreasonably happy. So I check the Bloom-O-Meter on the park's website / social media and you should too. The wide variety of lilacs means they all start blooming at different times, so the joy lasts for weeks. There are also huge plantings of multiple varieties of tulips and daffodils - they're pretty sad by the time the lilacs really get going, but earlier they're beautiful too. During the official weekend of "Lilac Time" the local garden club will sell you your very own lilac, and possibly some other plants, too (convenient parking in the spots by the Metra if you're hauling plants). The Historical Society across the street stocks extra lilac stuff (postcards, shirts, keychains, etc.) when the lilacs are blooming, so hit them up too. The winter holiday lights are also magical and they keep them up a fairly long time (into January) - so if you didn't get around to seeing a light display, they got you. I don't recommend coming the night they turn them on as it's a mad crush, but there's a wide variety of different kinds of lights and it's well worth a trip when it's less crowded. Lights are on until 10pm - most of the little kids are gone by 7pm or so. Street parking usually available, or the lot at the Historical Society is free after 11am. read more

Lilacia Park is a hidden gem. Not that it's not popular but it is very hard to get to. My husband and I stopped there in search of tulips in April. Parking is very difficult here. We had to park several blocks away but the walk was worth it. There were many tulips and flowers to enjoy on the Saturday afternoon. The park is large with lots of open space to enjoy. As we found out, this is a popular spot to take prom pictures. For a peaceful time outdoors, I highly recommend Lilacia Park! read more

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A very nice park to walk around, have a picnic and get some fresh air. The walking paths are cobble stone, kind of makes you think you're in Europe. Not really lol, but it's a nice touch. There is not an entrance fee and parking is across the street at the metra station. There are public bathrooms, however, I didn't use them so I can't speak to the cleanliness. Even on a weekday it was fairly busy. Lilacia Park is located right next to downtown Lombard so there are plenty of food/drink options for before or after visiting here. I highly recommend stopping by, it's very nice. read more

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This municipal park in Lombard is really beautiful. My new boyfriend took me and he agreed it was beautiful. Free parking can be found at the Glen Ellyn Metra station for those with a handicapped sticker. Right across the street I will say the peacefulness of the park can be ruined by one or more trains that come through the station. All the lilac bushes! Overall I enjoyed our walk through the park. Would be nice for a shower or even a wedding ceremony. read more

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The lilacs are blooming & the smell is intoxicating just walking by the flowers. Such a wonderful experience. Also pretty tulips are blooming. It's early this year due to the warm weather. They don't last long so rush here now. Easy, free parking by the metra after 11am. read more

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Great place to walk around and see beautiful flowers. I saw on Facebook that this week was prime tulip time. I think I came a day late, but still was very beautiful. They have so many kinds of tulips. It took about 15 to 20 minutes to walk through the whole park. It is even free! read more

We came here to see the Christmas lights. We came here after 9 pm. You can easily find parking in the Metra parking area or in the Lombard Bible Church/Edward Elmhurst Health Center parking lot. The Christmas lights don't take that long to go through. We spent about half an hour here and we were taking pictures and videos. The hours of operation are 4:30 pm to 10 pm. The lights are there for a little under a month. Worth a visit if you're in the area, read more

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Wonderful! Went with husband and baby to Lilacia Park. Unfortunately many of the flowers were no longer blooming. But otherwise it was lovely! Well maintained park, benches, sculpture, very scenic. Has a small fountain type structure as well. Nice little trails, very relaxing. We parked for free by the metra station - apparently parking is free in the afternoon. Definitely recommend! read more

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A gorgeous place to visit and walk around. So fun in all seasons. Some people there are very disrespectful which is bothersome. Although the flowers, or lights are just stunning. read more

Lilacia Park - Tulip season! - Parks Near Me - Lombard, Illinois

My favorite place in Chicagoland to visit in spring! My family and I come here every year when the lilacs are blooming because they're so beautiful and so many varieties! The different types each have different fragrances, and it's lovely to smell them all. There are other flowers like tulips, alliums, and more. This year I did note some disrespectful behavior, like full grown adults climbing on the deer statue. This is definitely a spot not to miss when the lilacs are blooming. The face of the park is changing since the old Helen Plum Library was torn down, and apparently that area will be redeveloped into more park space? The little gift shop is still there. read more

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This park is located in downtown Lombard adjacent to the train station. Open daily from dawn to dusk,there is no admission . They have paved walking paths throughout the park. In May the tulips and lilacs are amazing...great photo opportunities. Definitely worth a visit. read more

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Came here when the lilacs and tulips were in bloom (first two weeks of May). It's a really nice park to walk through with lots of flowers and plenty to look at. There isn't a playground but my son liked to see the metra train go by and had fun walking around. It's crowded during lilac days when the flowers are in bloom and the park district hosts events for those first two/ three weeks to encourage people to come check out the park. read more

Lilacia Park - Parks Near Me - Lombard, Illinois

On a busy day at work, I took a quick lunch break at the park in spring with the lilacs in full bloom. The park smelled so fragrant and alive with the flora and fauna. i had the best stroll ever middle of the day. will certainly go back. I was surprised to see a ton of seniors in the park, too, probably a senior activity arranged by their community. Highly recommend a visit to the park if in the area. read more

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The Lilac Festival in Lombard is held here every year in May. You can check them out on social media and see the "Bloom O'Meter" to know when the peak bloom time may be occurring. Run by the park district, this park features over 200 kinds of lilacs and over 50 varieties of tulips. The culmination of the festival is the Lilac Parade down Main St. Many photographers use this park for graduation, proposal and baby on board photo ops. Open daily and no admission fee. read more

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I absolutely love this park. The blooms are stunning and the scent is just breathtaking. It's a beautiful place to be and it's not too big so you can easily do the whole park in less than an hour. The only downside is it has become overrun in recent years with people walking in & on the flowerbeds for personal photos. It's a public park and not a private photo shoot so if you come here please be respectful of the plants and the people surrounding you. Lilac time is May 3rd-18th but it's really great year round. They also do a fabulous light show for the holidays in the winter. Definitely the gem of Lombard. read more

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A group of us decided to check out this beautifully decorated park during the Christmas time. Even though the park is not very large, the park is beautifully decorated. There were several stops for hot chocolate and photo ops. I am tempted to check out this park in the spring when the spring and summer flowers are in bloom. read more

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What a gem of a park. It's not large but so worth visiting especially when everything is blooming. Also there are great local restaurants near by for lunch or dinner. read more

Lilacia Park is absolutely incredible in the April and May months when all the flowers are fully in bloom. This is an amazing place to take Mom on Mother's Day- just walk around and take in all the beauty! They're doing some construction near the park but the flowers and smells are wonderful! Be sure to stop by! read more

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Beautiful park. We were there slightly early for the lilacs but the bulbs were in full bloom. Water feature not filled and turned on yet. It was a nice stroll to see the flowers. People do need to have more respect and restraint on their children though. Saw kids running thru the flower beds and not a parent in sight. Even with a parent close by made no difference. read more

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Lovely park. Great Xmas directions, great for a date. I would come back next year for sure.

Always an amazing park whether winter or Spring. Beautiful and very relaxing. Nice for spring picnics and lots of great photo opportunities. read more

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Lilacia Park, started by William Plum and designed by Jens Jensen (yeah, THAT GUY!) is a breathtaking natural oasis that celebrates the beauty of spring in all its glory. In the spring time the moment you enter the park you'll be struck by the stunning array of lilac bushes and tulips, all blooming in vibrant colors and patterns that are a testament to the beauty of nature. As a resident of Lombard, and frequent visitor before that, I have visited Lilacia Park countless times over the last 40 years, but the park never fails to take my breath away every time I visit. Yes, I especially love spring flowering trees, bushes, and bulbs, but the assortment here and the way they've arranged everything is truly impressive. One of the things that makes Lilacia Park so special is the incredible variety of lilac bushes that you can see. There are over 200 different varieties of lilac bushes in the park, from classic lilacs with their iconic large petals and sweet fragrance, to more rare varieties that display stunning colors like the deepest purples, white shades, and pink hues too. Each lilac bush is manicured throughout the seasons for optimal health and floral display, allowing visitors to admire the beauty of each of the remarkable varieties. As you walk through the park in April or May you're greeted by an incredible array of tulips with the vibrant colors and patterns creating a stunning visual feast for the eyes. Whether you're a fan of traditional tulips with their bold red and yellow hues or are intrigued by more unusual varieties like black tulips and tulips with variegated petals, you'll find them in abundance in expertly places beds throughout the park. There are restrooms in the historic Coach House at the south end of the park. With plenty of benches, stone walls, picnic tables, and open grassy areas you'll find a place to rest and absorb everything the park has to offer. I'm excited to share some tulip and lilac pictures in this review. As you can see from the images, Lilacia Park is truly a magical place during the springtime. Whether you're a photography enthusiast or simply want to soak in the natural beauty, Lilacia Park is not to be missed. This must-visit spot is a testament to the rejuvenating and refreshing power of nature, and is sure to leave you feeling inspired and uplifted. Also check out their history and lilac tours each spring for about $10 per person - strongly recommended! read more

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Mark your calendar to visit this park from April 15 to May 15 to see the beautiful gorgeous tulips and smell the lilac flowers. read more

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Lovely park. Worth the trip. So beautiful. Easy to walk. Easy to park. Fun for family, daycare, everyone. Bring a picnic. Have a wedding. Flowers. Scents. Trees. Benches. Read. Rest. Relax. read more

This is such a pretty park! We loved going for walks here when we were in the area. During the spring they have beautiful flowers and it is close to downtown Lombard. They even have a great Christmas Lights show that is free. My only complaint is they don't allow dogs in the park, so we were never able to take ours. I don't know how much it is enforced because I see people with their dogs sometimes, but there are clear signs all around the perimeter and in the park that dogs are not allowed. I guess I am just a rule follower. Overall, it is a nice place though. read more

Cute park, established in 1927. Has a pond in the middle of the park. Walking distance from downtown area. Enjoyed all the flowers they have and the deer statue is quite cute! read more

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Gorgeous local Park District spot that is ideal for walks, picnics and a bit of running off of steam in the wide open green space. Lilacs in bloom in May and that is quite nice but even without the lilacs and tulips it is a beautiful, well-maintained, quiet space with both sun and shade. Library overlooks the park. Or stop into Elmhurst Hospital's outpatient building if you need a bathroom. Free street parking. read more

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Lilacia Park is a wonderful place year round though it is most spectacular, as its name implies, during lilac season. In peak season, typically but not necessarily early May, not only are the 700+ (or 1200, depending on your source) lilacs blooming, but also crabapple trees, tulips, daffodils, scilla, muscari, hyacinths and more. The fragrance is heavenly! I come to this small park in all seasons. The Lombard Park District does an excellent job keeping the park clean, green, and thriving. There are fewer visitors to the park in summer, fall, and winter so it's a peaceful escape disturbed only by nearby Metra trains. Lilacia Park is enchanting after a snowfall. If you have the opportunity, do visit during lilac season. Mother Nature is fickle and lilac blooms are subject to her whims, so talk to the locals before you make a long trip to see the blooms. Or if you live nearby visit often, then you'll be certain not to miss the colorful and fragrant spring show. Lilacia Park was originally part of the estate of Colonel William R. Plum, a telegraph officer in the Civil War. He bequeathed his land and collection of lilacs to the people of Lombard for a public park and his house for a free public library. Lilacia Park is adjacent to the Helen M. Plum Memorial Library. In 1929 the land was designed into a park by renowned landscape architect Jens Jensen. Lombard proclaims Lilac Time for two weeks every May (no matter what the lilac blooms are doing) and celebrates with a Lilac Festival complete with Lilac Queen & Princesses, a Lilac Ball, and the Lilac Parade. There are many public events including beer & wine tastings in the park, a 5K run, the Mutt Strut, a pancake breakfast, lilac sales, tours, and more. read more

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Sandi and I went on a tour of Lilacia Park with people from the Batavia and Geneva Park Districts. The weather was just right for the visit. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about the park and the history of the park and Colonel Plum. We learned about how Lombard came into being and Colonel Plum's role in its foundation. We learned about the passion that Colonel Plum and his wife had for lilac bushes. We also discovered Mrs Plum's passion for books and the founding of the first public library in Illinois. The park and the library were gifts from Colonel Plum to the city of Lombard with his death. As we journeyed through the park we enjoyed the tulips as well as the lilacs and the other flowers that are all over this park. I am glad that people like Colonel Plum had the foresight to preserve the beauty of nature in the middle of urban sprawl. Take some time especially during the month of May to see how beautiful lilacs and tulips can be especially during the month of May. read more

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Such a cute little park! I came here with my son to walk around and there was a lot for him to look at! It's not the best park if you want a long walk, but we did enjoy our time there. Loved the cute waterfall area. I hear it's lovely during Christmas time as well! It's definitely worth a visit! read more

I never knew about this place until recently and wow, what a gem in suburbia. It is a public park with tons of flowers. Lilacs, roses, tulips are some of the ones I recognized. Even when the flowers are not in bloom, it's a great place to walk around. There are paths and lots of green grass to lay down on, as well as benches. It's a short walk from a few stores, notably Dairy Queen. If you have allergies be careful. It can get pretty crazy. Also, during the spring, I think a lot of high schools do prom activities so it gets busy. Great place to take a few photos. I heard they do concerts as well. Overall a nice place in the burbs, very close to downtown Lombard. read more

I love the fact that Jens Jensen (landscape designer) helped to create the park in 1927. Jensen did the great parks for Chicago (check out his stuff at www.jensjensen.org) and to think that we have an example on a smaller scale here in Lombard is amazing. His characteristic stamp is there in the stonework, grottos and views. Sadly, the park has moved a bit away from the intent in the last decade or so. The addition of the deck above the water feature just ruins the scale and vista originally intended and the plantings are in need of some serious rework. Perhaps someday when a new library is built, the park could be restored. With that said, the Christmas festive is fantastic. The LPD does a wonderful job with the Santa (on that @$&! deck), lights, decorations, a train ride and even hot chocolate. It's best for the smaller kids, of course, and only takes ~ hour, but it harkens back to a simpler time. I think this outshines the lilac festive. read more

Last year, we travelled all the way to Holland, MI to see the tulips. Had no idea that the Lilacia Park in Lombard has an amazing Tulip & Lilac garden. The fragrance when you walk into the place is rejuvinating. The place isn't much crowded or noisy. The perfect place for a romantic walk or a family picnic or even wedding photo shoot. If you are into photography, this is one place for you...with all the beautiful tulips and lilacs in spring. read more

Lilacia Park - Tulips - Parks Near Me - Lombard, Illinois

Although the website meter showed lilacs at full bloom that was not true for many which were either past or yet to bloom. Expected to see more lilac plants throughout the park rather than basically single plants lining walkways in most cases. What there was were a great many tulips and other early spring flowers. Tip: to minimize steps enter either at the NE corner arch entrance or the southwest corner thru what looks like an alley up to some buildings. We saw a tour group of seniors walking up that alley and should have figured out they knew something :) read more

One reviewer said that there was too much green space, another that there were too many tulips. Geez, who knew Lord and Lady PainInTheAss were spending so much time at Lilacia Park? Gimme a break. It's a park--a really cute park. With a little pond and some benches and wandering, flower paths. And it has a touching history for the city of Lombard, dating back to 1911 when Colonel Plum and his wife planted two hybrid lilac bushes. Just two lilac bushes in a garden that now boasts nearly 200 different varieties. If you hate lilacs, tulips, and the color green, this place is not for you. But if you're a reasonable human being with a basic understanding of the word "park," you've come to the right place. read more

Albeit a little chilly, our first experience at Lilacia Park was a great one. My husband & son were at a doctor's appointment across the street, so once my littlest wokw up from napping in her car seat, the girls (4y & 19m old) & I headed to check it all out. Funny how I've been in this area about ten thousand times & never knew of this little gem! In short, I loved it. It was sheer olfactory heaven, to say the least. The whole area--while not terribly large--was scenic, spacious, & just overall beautiful. It didn't take long for the three if us to trek around, and that was with my 4 y/o stopping to sniff, well, pretty much any & every lilac blossom she could reach. We'll definitely make a pointed trip out here next year. Highly recommended! read more

Lilacia Park - 14 May 2011 - Parks Near Me - Lombard, Illinois

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Despite living in Lombard for about a year now, I only just really explored Lilacia Park this past weekend. So I'm not sure what it looks like at the peak of lilac season, but I can tell you that it's beautiful in mid-summer too. There are lots of flowers and trees and beautiful plants, winding paths and shady spots, picnic tables, benches and a pavilion. We're lucky to have some great parks in Lombard and this one has history to boot. Whether it's during the peak of lilac season or just a warm fall picnic, this is a great spot for some natural beauty. read more

I have to disagree with the other reviews before me. I live really close and haven't gone for a few years. I went this year because people rave how beautiful, magical, "scentsational" this park is. I thought, well maybe since the last time I was there they changed it around. I can not figure out what the big deal is. Yes there are tulips every where and a bunch of lilac bushes, but I totally expected so much more. What I saw was a dirty pond that should had a fountain but it wasn't working as well as the waterfall. I also saw an area that had a nice statue, but nothing but hostas planted in that area. It could be such a nice park and it is so convenient as the train stops directly in front of it. But why people drive from miles away to see this...I am embarrassed by this park. I am expecting flowers and flowers and beautiful fountains and its really a kind of sad dead park. AND they charge you to get in! Don't waste your time. Go to Cantigne or to the Morton Arboretum. read more