Attractions and Places To See around Lombard - Top 17

Lombard offers several beautiful natural spots. Don't miss Lilacia Park, famous for its extensive lilac and tulip collections, especially vibrant during the annual Lilac Time Festival in May. Just southwest, The Morton Arboretum spans 1,700 acres with diverse plant collections and walking paths. For a more rugged experience, Danada Forest Preserve features prairies, woods, and wetlands with trails for wildlife viewing. You can also enjoy the Lombard Lagoon for walking, fishing, and boating, or explore Terrace View Park with its horticultural displays and pond.

Yes, Lombard is rich in history. The iconic Lilacia Park itself is on the National Register of Historic Places. You can also visit the Maple Street Chapel, a Gothic-style landmark built in 1870, also listed on the National Register. The Sheldon Peck Homestead, dating back to 1839, was home to an American portrait artist and abolitionist and is part of the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. The Lombard Historical Museum (Victorian Cottage Museum) offers insights into 1870s middle-class life.

Families have plenty to do in Lombard. Paradise Bay Water Park is an award-winning outdoor water park with slides and pools for all ages. For indoor fun, Safari Land offers rides, including a large indoor roller coaster, go-karts, and an arcade. Many parks like Lombard Common provide amenities for sports and paved walking paths. The Morton Arboretum also offers various family activities and educational programs throughout the year.

For walking and hiking, Lombard provides several options. The Salt Creek Greenway Red - Paved Trail is a 25-mile multi-user path connecting to a larger trail network. The Timber Ridge Trail links the Illinois Prairie Path Elgin Branch with the Great Western Trail. Within Lombard, Lilacia Park, Lombard Lagoon, and Terrace View Park offer pleasant walking paths. For more extensive trails, The Morton Arboretum and Danada Forest Preserve provide numerous routes through diverse landscapes.

Many outdoor areas in Lombard are welcoming to dogs, often requiring them to be on a leash. Danada Forest Preserve and The Morton Arboretum are popular choices for walks with canine companions, though specific policies regarding areas and leash requirements should be checked directly with each location. Local parks like Lombard Lagoon are also suitable for walking pets.

The best time to visit Lombard largely depends on your interests. For the vibrant floral displays at Lilacia Park, May during the annual Lilac Time Festival is ideal. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for exploring outdoor attractions like The Morton Arboretum and Danada Forest Preserve. Summer is perfect for water activities at Paradise Bay Water Park. Indoor attractions like Safari Land and the Lombard Historical Museum are great year-round options.

Yes, Yorktown Center is a major shopping mall in the suburban area, offering a wide range of retail stores and dining establishments. Downtown Lombard also features unique shops and various cafes and pubs, providing convenient options for visitors exploring local attractions and historic buildings.

Many of Lombard's attractions strive for accessibility. Lilacia Park features paved paths, making it generally accessible. The Morton Arboretum offers tram tours in addition to its paved and well-maintained walking paths. The Salt Creek Greenway Red - Paved Trail is a multi-user path suitable for wheelchairs. It's always recommended to check specific accessibility details with individual venues prior to your visit.

Yes, Lombard offers several spots for wildlife viewing. Danada Forest Preserve is an excellent location, where you might spot various birds like egrets, woodcocks, and great blue herons, along with other local wildlife in its prairies, woods, and wetlands. The Morton Arboretum also provides opportunities to see local fauna amidst its extensive plant collections. Even smaller parks like Terrace View Park attract various bird species.

Lombard is well-connected for cyclists. The Salt Creek Greenway Red - Paved Trail is a 25-mile multi-user path that follows Salt Creek and links to a larger 210-mile trail network in northeast Illinois. The Timber Ridge Trail is another paved option, connecting the Illinois Prairie Path Elgin Branch with the Great Western Trail. These trails offer scenic routes for both casual rides and longer cycling excursions.

Beyond its historical buildings, Lombard has unique cultural points. The Votes For Women site is a significant landmark commemorating Ellen Martin's historic vote, highlighting the early women's suffrage movement in DuPage County. Downtown Lombard itself, with its unique shops and historic buildings, offers a glimpse into the town's character and community charm.

Lombard Common is a large green space offering a variety of recreational activities. You can find amenities for sports like baseball, basketball, and tennis. It also features paved walking paths and a disc golf course. During the summer, it houses Paradise Bay Water Park, making it a popular spot for families and those looking to cool off.