Area Tulip Festivals Are Blooming Soon

A little piece of Holland is taking root outside of Chicago as tulip festivals arrive at Richardson Farm, in Spring Grove, and Kuipers Family Farm, in Maple Park.

Both of these family farms promise plenty of fun and colorful scenery once this perky spring flower blooms around mid April. Visitors to both farms can expect a breathtaking sight as the hills glow with a rainbow colors – from lemony yellows to soft pinks and deep purples. Tulip season lasts into early May.

Richardson Farm, beloved for its autumn adventures and “the world’s largest corn maze,” is getting plenty of notice for its annual tulip festival, where some 600,000 bulbs dot 5 acres of farm field near the Richardson family’s private lake. Representing 30 varieties of all colors, these flowers light up the field as they welcome the spring season.

The tulip displays include a pick-your-own area and a gift shop with wine tastings, fresh doughnuts, popcorn and restrooms. Visitors can expect to walk roughly half a mile along bumpy terrain.

Admission to Richardson Farm is $12 on weekdays and $15 on weekends, with children under 3 entering for free. Tickets include one free tulip per person.

Meanwhile, the Kuipers family in Maple Park is paying homage to its Dutch heritage with a brand-new tulip festival. Kuipers Family Farm, best known for its pumpkin patch, orchard and wedding venue, spent last fall planting some 300,000 bulbs on 5 acres.

The Kuipers’ debut season welcomes visitors for casual strolls among the tulips and a pick-your-own area. Tickets include access to the Fun Farm, where children love playing during the fall season. Weekday tickets are $12 online and $15 at the gate. Weekend admission is $15 online and $18 at the gate. Kids 2 and under are free.

Weather always determines how soon the flowers arise, but it’s a good bet they’ll last from about mid April until early May. Check the farm’s website and social media for the latest updates.

Richardson Farm is located at 909 English Prairie Road, in Spring Grove, (815) 675-9729. Kuipers Family Farm is located at 1N318 Watson Road, in Maple Park, (815) 827-5200.