Richardson Farm's third annual tulip fest opens soon
Picture roughly a million blooms in a profusion of reds, yellows, purples, whites, apricots, pinks and more.
Visitors will have a chance to see it as the third annual Richardson Adventure Farm Tulip Festival is on the horizon. Although an exact opening date is, as yet, unavailable, the Richardsons expect to have their 12-acre tulip treasure trove in bloom late this month and early May.
The best current guess on opening day is sometime between April 22 and April 29.
Those interested are encouraged to check the Richardson "World's Largest" Corn Maze Facebook page or richardsonadventurefarm.com often for the latest fest updates.
Visitors to the website also can sign up for the farm's newsletter. Recipients of the newsletter will be among the first alerted when an opening date is finalized, said George and Wendy Richardson, who operate the farm along with his brother, Robert; Robert's wife, Carol; George's son, Ryan; and Ryan's wife, Kristen.
"We're especially excited because we're predicting we'll have a million flowers in bloom this year," George Richardson said. "We've planted 300,000 tulip bulbs each year for three years. The bulbs that were among the first to be planted are having babies. So, this year should really be something to see."
With more than 60 varieties ranging from Daydream (yellow-orange) to Blushing Beauty (salmon pink) and Queen of Night (a dark purple that's almost black), the palette will be sure to impress.
The tulip festival has been a popular draw at the Spring Grove farm - located at 909 English Prairie Road - since its spring 2021 debut. Twelve football fields worth of tulips are now planted in a northwesterly segment of the 500-acre farm, adjacent to a picnic area around Richardson Lake.
The festival will feature live music on weekends, plus food trucks serving up everything from poutine to quality Mexican fare, wood-fired pizza, burgers, sandwiches, pulled pork and ice cream.
Beer, wine, soft drinks, hot drinks and smoothies also will be available.
And the Richardson Adventure Farm gift shop will be open, where visitors can find hand-painted crafts, bourbon-infused honey, a wine-tasting bar featuring Prairie State wines, fresh doughnuts, homemade fudge and more.
Craft beer from Lake Villa-based 9th Hour Brewing also will be featured, while families are encouraged to enjoy any of the several outdoor games available such as Giant Jenga, Giant Connect Four and bags.
Festival hours will be 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, with the gift shop closing a half-hour later, at 7 p.m. The fest is closed Mondays.
Cost is free for children 3 and younger; $16 for ages 4 and older, including one free tulip per paid admission, on week days. On Saturdays and Sundays, cost is $16 for ages 4-12 and $19 for ages 13 and older, again with one free tulip per paid admission. Additional flowers may be purchased for $2 a stem.
Professional, compensated photographers should view the Photography & Filming page at richardsonfarm.com before visiting.
The Richardsons said they look forward once again to welcoming thousands of visitors to their colorful celebration of the season.
"What's better than spring, and what's better than tulips in the spring?" said Robert Richardson, who first explored the idea of having a tulip fest at the farm in 2019.
"They're just a riot of colors. We've had folks come out to make marriage proposals, folks come out to take high school graduate photos ... it's been a great addition to the offerings here at the farm."
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