Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Lombard, Illinois

Situated 20 miles west of the Chicago Loop, Lombard is a village replete with history and a meticulously preserved downtown area surrounding the train station.

It is impossible to discuss Lombard without referring to lilacs. The village’s park district originated when a long-term resident donated his lilac-rich estate to the community in 1927.

Within a few years, this area, named Lilacia Park, evolved into the central attraction for Lilac Time, an annual festival dedicated to celebrating these stunning blooms.

The Lombard Historical Society operates two museums in the area, and Yorktown Center, one of the premier shopping malls in the suburbs, is located here, alongside the renowned Morton Arboretum, just a short distance away.

1. Lilacia Park

The versatile Colonel William Plum (1845-1927), a writer, lawyer, soldier, and horticulturist, bequeathed his estate to the village upon his passing.

His former residence is now the Helen M. Plum Memorial Library, named in honor of his wife, while the garden, esteemed for its lilac bushes, has transformed into a public park.

Currently, Lilacia Park features approximately 200 varieties of lilacs, derived from Plum’s collection, established from cuttings acquired from the celebrated breeder Victor Lemoine (1823-1911), in Nancy, France.

With a total of 700 bushes, these lilacs typically bloom in early May to coincide with an annual festival.

Additionally, Lilacia Park is home to 35,000 tulips from 50 varieties, and it has been added to the National Register of Historic Places due to its significance in the history of horticulture in the United States.

2. Lilac Time

By 1930, Lilacia Park’s magnificent lilacs had inspired a festival that continues to thrive today.

For more than two weeks in early May, Lombard celebrates the lilac season with a multitude of lilac-themed events.

A “Lilac Princess” has been crowned annually since 1930, complemented by a lilac parade along Main Street, a formal ball, an arts and crafts fair, and a Mother’s Day brunch.

Visitors can participate in a comprehensive program of guided tours at Lilacia Park, along with wine and beer tastings, and concerts.

3. The Morton Arboretum

Continuing on the botanical theme, the notable Morton Arboretum is situated just southwest of Lombard.

In addition to being a captivating attraction featuring over 200,000 cataloged plants across 1,700 acres of gardens, the arboretum also serves as a premier center for tree research, housing the Center for Tree Science.

Visitors are encouraged to explore the arboretum on foot or via the Acorn Express Tram Tour, discovering various gardens such as the enchanting Ground Clover Garden and the captivating Maze Garden, centered around a substantial sycamore.

Within the arboretum, one can find valuable collections of trees, including conifers, willows, ornamental flowering trees, maples, ginkgos, birches, beeches, oaks, lindens, and elms among others.

The sustainable visitor center, established in 2004, offers engaging indoor exhibitions, while the Sterling Morton Library (1963) contains thousands of books, magazines, prints, photographs, maps, letters, drawings, and more.

4. Lombard Historical Society – Victorian Cottage Museum

This local organization archives over 150 years of local history and features two separate campuses available for public visits in Lombard.

The headquarters is located at the Victorian Cottage Museum, situated at 23 W. Maple Street. The building, a quaint middle-class family home built in 1882, features six meticulously preserved period rooms in the Victorian style, abundant with antique fabrics, furniture, and fixtures.

On-site, one can explore the Carriage House from 1887, which includes an ongoing exhibit discussing the history of Lombard, and the romantic William J. Mueller Gazebo.

5. Lombard Historical Society – Sheldon Peck Homestead

A brief stroll from the Victorian Cottage Museum is another historically significant property. This restored homestead was initiated in 1837 by artist Sheldon Peck (1797-1868) and his spouse, Harriet Peck.

The Peck House not only served as the first school in the area but also functioned as a crucial station on the Underground Railroad.

It is believed that Peck, a passionate abolitionist, hid individuals escaping slavery at this property before facilitating their transport to Chicago via wagon.

The homestead is recognized on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom as an officially confirmed Underground Railroad site.

Public tours are available on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from February through November, providing insights into the lives of the Pecks.

6. Yorktown Center

Lombard boasts one of the premier shopping destinations in the Chicago suburbs, featuring a two-level mall and a charming outdoor shopping center adorned with trees, flowerbeds, and benches.

As a historical note, Yorktown Center opened in 1968 as the largest shopping center in the country.

With nearly 200 stores, the mall is filled with well-known brands such as JCPenney, Target, H&M, Forever 21, American Eagle, Yankee Candle, and Hot Topic.

The extensive food court is also a significant attraction, offering popular dining options like Panda Express, Nori Sushi & Ramen, Auntie Anne’s, and Sbarro, in addition to Chicago-specific chains such as Billy Goat Tavern.

7. Great Western Trail

Traversing Lombard is a segment of a rail trail established on the right-of-way of the Chicago Great Western Railway.

This Class I railroad was operational from 1885 to 1968, connecting Chicago, Minneapolis, Omaha, and Kansas City. Since the early 1990s, the trail has been gradually improved and now consists of three non-contiguous segments in the Chicago suburbs.

Lombard is located along the eastern section, which runs from the neighboring Villa Park to West Chicago for 12.7 miles, winding through peaceful suburban areas and stretches of open farmland.

For a pleasant walk or bike ride, the path runs along the northern edge of several Lombard parks, specifically Westmore Woods and Lombard Common. At Villa Park and West Chicago, the trail connects with the 61-mile Illinois Prairie Path.

8. Noon Whistle Brewing Company

Lombard is home to a highly regarded craft brewery in an unassuming shopping center.

Noon Whistle opened its doors in 2014 and has since been consistently innovating and developing unique beer varieties.

Visitors can enjoy up to 28 brews on tap simultaneously, with options for filling growlers or purchasing six-packs and cases to take home.

Some of their creations include Pale Ales, Sours, Stouts, a Czech-style Pilsner, a Belgian Dubbel, a Witbier, a Weissbier, a Red Ale, and several hard seltzers.

The taproom, along with the beer garden, is open Wednesday through Sunday, featuring a food truck on Fridays and Saturdays offering a variety of cuisines ranging from BBQ to tamales and Italian beef sandwiches.

9. Madison Meadow

This 85-acre park draws visitors from beyond Lombard’s borders due to its extensive facilities.

Specifically, it features an 18-hole disc golf course, a fishing pond, tennis courts, soccer-football fields, softball/baseball fields, a skate park, a 1.5-mile walking trail, a basketball court, children’s playgrounds, and a picnic shelter.

Notably, the Madison Meadow Athletic Center, inaugurated in 2018, encompasses a state-of-the-art 4,800-square-foot fitness center, an open gym, an indoor track, fitness studios, a variety of classes, and free Wi-Fi.

If you are present on the 4th of July, Madison Meadow hosts one of the finest fireworks displays in the area.

10. Maple Street Chapel

A notable historic landmark is located at the corner of Maple Street adjacent to the Victorian Cottage Museum. This is the Maple Street Chapel, constructed in the Gothic Revival style in 1870.

This building held considerable importance for the village, serving not just as a place of worship.

The chapel’s bell summoned the village’s volunteer fire department, while the interior housed Lombard’s first library, its inaugural kindergarten, and even showcased silent films in the early 20th century.

This whitewashed structure has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1978 and is easily recognizable by its open belfry and spire to the north.

To gain more insights about the building, interested individuals can check the chapel’s website for information on guided tours.

11. Lombard Common

Adjacent to the Sheldon Peck Homestead lies another of Lombard’s favored locations for outdoor recreation.

Lombard Common encompasses expansive, gently rolling lawns adorned with tall trees and numerous sports facilities.

At the northern end is Paradise Bay Water Park, a beloved summer destination for families, featuring a zero-depth entry leisure pool, an eight-lane lap pool, and a shallow play area for young children.

Moreover, the amenities include facilities for baseball, basketball, and tennis, along with paved walking paths meandering through the greenery and a short but well-maintained disc golf course.

12. Sunset Knoll Recreation Center and Park

Another exceptional public amenity in Lombard is this recreation center, enveloped by a spacious green park.

Throughout the year, particularly in summer, Sunset Knoll serves as a hub for various camps and community programs for children.

During warmer months, the splash pad is a popular attraction, providing relief on hot days for families with young children.

The facility also includes a traditional playground, picnic areas, walking trails, and soccer and baseball fields. The name aptly reflects the beautiful sunsets viewable from this location, while in winter, the knoll provides an excellent slope for sledding.

13. Enchanted Castle Restaurant & Entertainment Complex

This family entertainment complex is one of the largest in the Chicago area, prominently situated in Lombard.

In addition to a 700-seat dining establishment, Enchanted Castle features a variety of innovative VR games, laser tag, go-karts, mini-golf, bumper cars, mini-bowling, indoor rides, and an expansive arcade full of video, skill, and redemption games.

Younger guests will delight in Quest II: Kids Adventure Playland, an area designed with enjoyable and safe challenges, including a climbing wall, bumper bridge, and dragon slide.

Lastly, the Dragon’s Den Restaurant offers a diverse menu of sandwiches, wraps, salads, appetizers, and entrees, proudly serving homemade pizzas topped with 100% real mozzarella.

14. Safari Land

If one family entertainment center isn’t sufficient, another action-packed facility is located on Lombard’s north side.

Occupying over 60,000 square feet, Safari Land features eight indoor attractions.

Visitors can enjoy 12 lanes of bowling, an arcade with more than 100 machines (including a Maxflight Simulator), a carousel, tilt-a-whirl, an indoor roller coaster, a virtual roller coaster, bumper cars, kids’ go-karts, and a massive soft play area complete with five slides.

Safari Land offers an array of packages that provide unlimited access to various attractions, in addition to a pizza and soft drink at the restaurant.

15. Churchill Woods Forest Preserve

The Great Western Trail also traverses the northern section of this 255-acre nature preserve, straddling the boundary between Lombard and Glen Ellyn.

Churchill Woods is overseen by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, which manages rich forests, wetlands, and prairies in the region.

Visitors will encounter a variety of wooded ecosystems, including one of the largest and few remaining native prairies in the county, along with a savanna comprised of black maple, white oak, and bur oak.

The preserve is home to a range of native flora, including bellwort, wild strawberry, mayapple, and hairy hog peanut, a remnant from when this land historically functioned as a large grazing area for hogs.

The park features a mile-long trail for exploration, along with designated areas for birdwatching and picnicking.