A blooming bonanza: Top Tulip Festivals you can’t miss

Spring in Illinois just became a whole lot more fabulous. The Richardsons’ and Kuipers Tulip Festivals are back, transforming these family farms into a kaleidoscope of color. Whether you're a flower enthusiast or need a reason to get outdoors, these festivals offer the ultimate excuse to bask in a sea of blooms. Pack your camera, gather the family, and prepare for a day in the heart of tulip paradise.

Richardson Farm – 909 English Prairie Road, Spring Grove

Photo courtesy of Richardson Farm

Richardson Farm's Tulip Festival in Spring Grove showcases over a million vibrant blooms, creating a stunning backdrop. Visitors will enjoy beautiful views, family-friendly fun, and delicious food amidst a sea of colorful petals.

Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Check the farm’s Facebook page every Friday afternoon or Saturday morning for up-to-date information on the bloom.  

New for the 2025 Tulip Festival:

• Mimosa Mornings all day! Sip and stroll among the tulips with your favorite bubbly brunch treat all day long.

• 50,000 daffodil bulbs were planted last fall with the tulips

• 350,000 new tulip bulbs, 30 different varieties 

To make the adventure farm a year-round experience, owners Robert and Carol Richardson worked with their fall corn maze designer, Shawn Stolworthy, owner of Maze Play, to transform five acres of lakefront property into a one-million-bloom tulip paradise. Two hundred thousand bulbs, accompanied by walkways, have been planted in color blocks to create an immersive experience. Thirty thousand bulbs were planted in a ‘sunburst’ design, and an additional seventy thousand bulbs of mixed colors were planted for a pick-your-own field.

According to the website, the weather determines the dates when the tulips bloom. But full bloom or nearly full bloom occurs sometime between mid-April and mid-May, lasting for a period of two to three weeks.

During the festival, there is more than just flowers to ogle. The festival offers family-friendly activities, play areas, picnic tables, a lake loop walking trail, and giant yard games. The farm has several food options and homemade treats in the gift shop. Live music and food trucks make weekends even brighter.

Visit the Richardson Farm website for more information. 

Kuipers Family Farm – 1 North 318 Watson Road, Maple Park

Photo courtesy of Kuipers Family Farm

Stroll through vibrant tulip fields, participate in exciting farm activities, and stop by The Farmstand for delicious spring goodies! Don’t forget to check out the Bloom-o-meter and the weather forecast to plan the perfect visit.

The farm also hosts special event evenings, including a date night on the farm, a behind-the-scenes tour, and a paint-and-sip evening. Photographers and photo shoots are always welcome; however, drones are not allowed.

During the week, there are limited food options available. Kuipers’ weekend festival, however, offers a variety of additional food options, including food trucks. Also on the weekends, Kuipers has live music to keep the party going.

Enjoy picking tulips at the pick-your-own field to take some of the beauty home with you. The gift shop offers a selection of homemade treats and goodies for the road.

Visit  Kuipers Family Farm’s website for updates. Before coming out, check the Bloom-O-Meter to see which bulbs are in bloom.

With endless blooms and a variety of activities for all ages, Richardson's Tulip Festival and Kuipers Tulip Fest offer a springtime experience like no other. Whether capturing photos or enjoying the local treats, it's the perfect way to celebrate the season.