Deanna D.
Yelp
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.