Join the Lombard Historical Society for Lilac Time!

Come and explore the rich history and natural beauty of Lilacia Park, one of Lombard’s most treasured landmarks. This 8.5-acre botanical gem was designed by renowned landscape architect Jens Jensen, a leader of the Prairie School of design and one of the most influential landscape architects of the early 20th century. Known for his naturalistic style, Jensen emphasized native plants, organic forms, and the creation of peaceful, contemplative outdoor spaces—many of which are beautifully reflected in Lilacia Park’s winding paths, open gathering spaces, and seasonal plantings.

Led by knowledgeable guides from the Lombard Historical Society, the Lilac Heritage Tour offers visitors a chance to discover the unique history of the park, from Colonel William Plum’s original lilac collection to its transformation into a public space enjoyed by generations. You'll learn more about lilacs, the community’s long-standing annual Lilac Time festivities, and how Jensen’s vision helped shape this beloved local destination.

In recognition of its historical and cultural significance, Lilacia Park was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2019. This tour is perfect for garden lovers, history buffs, and anyone who wants to experience the charm of Lombard in full bloom.

*Please note Lilac Heritage Tours start at the Carriage House located at 23 W. Maple Street, Lombard, IL 60148 (Not Lilacia Park).

Registration is required in advance, walk-ups are welcome if we can accommodate them.

What to Expect on Your Tour…

The Lombard Historical Society is currently accepting reservations for group tours, catering to a variety of groups such as Park Districts, Garden Clubs, Special Needs, Senior Groups, and more. To ensure a personalized experience, group tours will be organized into smaller sizes.

If you're interested in booking a group tour, please reach out to our office at 630.629.1885 or email, and our dedicated staff will gladly assist in scheduling your group's visit.

We recommend making reservations as early as possible, as availability for private groups is limited. Tours are $9 Per Person.

Tours of the Victorian Cottage: Wednesday-Saturday

The Lilac Emporium

Discover Lilac Time and Lombard keepsakes at the Lilac Emporium Gift Shop, conveniently located in the Carriage House. Find unique Lombard items for every occasion, including t-shirts, coasters, coffee mugs, and a variety of Lilac Time-themed gifts – perfect for everyone.

What to Know When You Visit Lombard

Lilacia Park is maintained and operated by the Lombard Park District. Lilacia Park is renowned for its impressive collection of lilacs. During the blooming season, typically in spring, the park transforms into a fragrant and colorful oasis with various lilac varieties in full bloom. For more details about Lilac Time please visit the Lombard Park District website.

Lilacia Park is open daily from dawn to dusk. There is no fee for entrance into the Park. Be sure to visit the event calendar page for more details regarding special events and activities. Lilacia Park is centrally located in Lombard, making it easily accessible for both locals and those visiting the area.

Experience Lilac Time Virtually

In 2020, the Lombard Historical Society created several videos and blogs to experience Lilac Time at home. We want everyone to be able to experience Lilac Time, so please check out our blogs!

Lilac Time Gallery 2023

History of Lilac Time

In the early 1900s, Lombard philanthropist William R. Plum and his wife Helen toured Europe and fell in love with lilacs. They purchased two lilac bushes in France and brought them back to their home at Park and Maple in Lombard. 

Over the following twenty years, the Plums traveled the world and increased their lilac collection to over 200 varieties and roughly 1,200 lilac bushes. Upon his death in 1927, Plum gave his property to the Village to be used as the first public park - Lilacia Park- and his home to be used as the first public library. 

This generous act of philanthropy permanently established the Lombard Park District, the Helen M. Plum Memorial Library, and Lombard as “The Lilac Village”.

Designing a Park

Renowned landscape architect, Jens Jensen, was hired to design Lilacia Park. Jens Jensen, a contemporary of Frank Lloyd Wright, used a “prairie style” landscape design. He  was a native from Denmark and came to the U.S. when he was twenty-four. Jensen designed many of Chicago’s large parks including Humboldt Park, Garfield Conservatory, and Columbus Park. 

When designing Lilacia Park, he moved Colonel Plum's hundreds of lilac bushes from their original rigid rows into a more natural placement around the park. Jensen added green space for gatherings, flagstone paths and benches, and thousands of tulips to create a beautiful park for the community.

A New Tradition

Lilac Time celebrations began in 1930 to officially open Lilacia Park. Early festivities included grand pageants with several hundred participants, Lilac Princesses and a Queen.

Lilac Time also included songs, poems, and performances especially written for Lombard. Among the most well-known ballads were “When the Lilacs Bloom in Lombard,” “Lilac Town,” and “Lilac Time in Lombard.”  These songs praised our beloved flower as a symbol of beauty and the
changing of seasons.

A proclamation by Fred Maisel, Village President in the 1930s, read: “I hereby dedicate “Lilac Day” in Lombard to wholesome pleasure and eternal spirit of friendship. Let joy and happiness reign. Lay aside all other vexations of spirit, forget business anxieties and render at all times due and becoming obedience to pleasure. Let us welcome into our realm those who come from distant places to pay homage to that beautiful flower, the lilac.”

A Historic Treasure

Over the years Lilacia Park has changed but it also has maintained many of its original features that Jens Jensen incorporated into the park. Today, the park is not just used for Lilac Time but is a four seasons park operated by the Lombard Park District.

In 2019, Lilacia Park was added to the National Register of Historic Places due to the work of the Lombard Historic Preservation Commission. In earnest since 2008, the Commission has worked to secure the prominence of Lombard’s Lilacia Park to be included in the Federal National Register. The Commission saw their hard work and perseverance completed on May 9, 2019, when the historic park received noteworthy recognition and was placed on the official list of National Register of Historic Places.