The Yorktown ReserveBlog

Things to Do in Lombard, IL: A Local’s Guide

Lombard is a seriously underrated suburb. When people talk about the western suburbs of Chicago, most of their brains jump to places like Naperville and Oak Brook. Lombard is also often overlooked, and it’s unfortunate when it’s quietly one of the best places to live in the Chicagoland area. It’s chill and nonchalant. People don’t make a big fuss over it, which is fine with most residents. 

If you’re new to the area or considering a move, Lombard is a place where there are infinite things to do – From local restaurants, shops, and public parks, spending a day exploring downtown and seeing what the town has to offer is the best way to get to know Lombard.

Lilacia Park and Downtown

You can’t talk about downtown Lombard without talking about Lilacia Park. Known for its beautiful tulip and lilac blooms in the month of May, this park attracts visitors from all over just to experience the lilacs in bloom. This is also the reason that Lombard has the nickname Lilac Village, and according to Islands.com, “Lombard’s Lilac Time festival takes place in May, though Lilacia Park is open year-round. “A hidden gem near the train station, library, and historic church,” wrote one Tripadvisor reviewer. “So many plants and flowers to see, even if you miss the tulips blooming! The lilacs smell divine!” The two-week festival attracts visitors eager to see the park’s lilacs in bloom and participate in activities like live music, tastings, historical tours, and the Lilac Queen”. 

Outside of festival season, the park is still incredible to visit, and it’s just a short walk from the rest of the downtown area. Worth exploring and wandering around a bit, Main Street has a ton of small businesses that have been there for decades. 

If you’re a fan of farmers’ markets, there’s also one in the summer that has a great reputation compared to the other local markets. With a Metra stop right in downtown, it makes it easier to get to and from Lombard to visit the rest of the suburbs and beyond. 

Outdoor Fun

On the backs of Lilacia Park, obviously, Lombard is well known for its parks and trails. With a significant amount of green space for a suburb, these public spaces are all kept in great shape and draw a huge crowd during peak season. 

There is also Prairie Path, which is A 61-mile pathway that has a diverse ecosystem and sees walkers, bikers, and runners all year round. Obviously, Prairie Path goes outside of Lombard, but walking or biking, it can take you through Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, and Wheaton, allowing you to explore everything the local communities have to offer.

During the summer, the town is also quite busy with visitors and residents alike enjoying the local water park with a disc golf course. Nearby Church Hill Woods Forest Preserve sits on the edge of town and gives you access to an actual forest if that is your preferred type of nature adventure. Here you can hike, camp, and enjoy the great outdoors.

Guide to Eating and Drinking

There’s a reason that the Chicago land area is widely renowned as one of the best places in the country to get a meal. Lombard does not fall short of that expectation. Punching above its weight, there is a mix of old school places and modern spots that offer you whatever cuisine you’d like. And if you have a craving for something you can’t find locally? Don’t worry. There’s a ton of new options popping up every day. 

If you prefer a nice cocktail bar or brewery, Lombard is also stacked with those. A local favorite is Noon Whistle Brewing, founded in 2014. According to tripadvisor.com, Noon Whistle is highly praised, as “a Lombard treasure that you must check out” with a “great urban warehouse vibe.” Another noted, “Be there when that Noon Whistle blows cause if you wait til 1 pm, the line is out the door! 

This place has a cult following cause their brews are stellar, and it draws a crowd.” It’s the kind of place you’re likely to run into someone you know if you’re local, or the kind of place you’re likely to make friends if you’re not.

Nothing about Lombard feels forced. The lilacs have been there for a century, and the prairie path was there before all of the suburbs grew around it. This town has accumulated its character through time, ensuring its residents love living there, and people love visiting. With some incredible local luxury apartments, anyone considering moving to the area shouldn’t worry if there are things to do and people to meet; just spend a Saturday downtown, and you’ll see what they mean.