Fourth annual Richardson Farm Tulip Festival opens Saturday, April 20
Warmer weather this week has propelled tulip growth at Richardson Farm, and the owners have decided it’s time to open their 2024 Tulip Festival.
Opening day will be Saturday, April 20.
“Spring has sprung!” said George Richardson, who operates the farm along with his wife, Wendy, brother, Robert, Robert’s wife, Carol, George’s son, Ryan, and Ryan’s wife, Kristen. “Although the weather has been ... interesting ... strange ... challenging ... this week’s warmer weather has really propelled the tulips along on their life cycle.”
As of mid-week this week, more than 150,000 tulips have emerged of the estimated 1 million blooms to come, along with 50,000 daffodils, Richardson wrote for the farm’s newsletter.
“Many more will bloom in the next few days because they are almost bursting at the buds,” he said. “Some areas are still green where the mid- and late-blooming tulips are planted. But the ones in bloom are gorgeous!”
Wendy Richardson cautioned that with recent rains, wearing boots to check out the fields this weekend may be wise. Food trucks will be at the lakeside festival area, along with beer and wine concessions, she added.
Robert and Carol Richardson said the gift shop will be open.
“That’s the huge red barn straight ahead as you enter the farm,” Carol Richardson said.
The gift shop has modern, heated restrooms as well as a wine tasting bar, plus coffee, hot chocolate and many gift items featuring spring décor and tulip themes.
Richardson Farm is located at 909 English Prairie Road, Spring Grove. Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, closed Mondays. The gift shop will remain open until 7 p.m. Cost is $16 per person, all ages, Tuesdays through Fridays, and $19 on Saturdays and Sundays for those 13 and older.
The cost for those ages 4 through 12 on Saturdays and Sundays is $16.
Ages 3 and younger are admitted free. All paying visitors receive one free tulip with admission, which also includes entry to the flower fields, access to the picnic area around Richardson Lake, an activity area with Giant Jenga and other outdoor games, and more. Tickets may be purchased in advance at richardsonfarm.com.
All who are interested in visiting the 2024 Tulip Festival at Richardson Farm are encouraged to sign up for the Richardson Farm newsletter. Just go to richardsonfarm.com, click on the Tulip Festival photo, then click “Join our Newsletter” under the “Contact” drop-down menu.
Newsletter recipients are among the first to learn about any festival updates, including how long it is likely to remain open. Also in the know are those who follow the Richardson “World’s Largest” Corn Maze Facebook page.