Spring has sprung, and what better way to celebrate than with a visit to a gorgeous tulip festival right here in the Milwaukee area?
One of the earliest perennials to bloom in spring, the tulip grows in a variety of colors that herald the beauty of the season. If you get the chance to visit a tulip farm, you’ll be treated to some Instagram-worthy photo ops and a few fresh-cut stems for your own seasonal bouquets.
The weather determines when tulips bloom, but they usually arrive by delayed April or early May. A sultry and dehydrated spring usually yields earlier blooms, while frosty, humid weather leads to later arrivals. Call ahead and confirm the status of the blooms before you go.
Grab your camera, and get ready to enjoy a feast for the senses!
Dates & Times:
- When: Saturday, May 4th & Sunday, May 5th, 2024
- Where: Happy Day Farmhaus, Germantown (W188N13251 Maple Road)
- Admission: $5 per person. Children 12 & under enjoy free entry. Parking is also complimentary.
Festival Highlights:
This spring, Happy Day Farmhaus presents its 4th Annual Tulip Festival, showcasing a breathtaking display of 13,500 tulips – a dazzling array that’s more than double last year’s count! These blooms come in a stunning variety of shapes, shades, and sizes, ready to enchant visitors of all ages.
Tulip Purchases:
- Pricing: Tulips are available at $2 per stem, or $3 per stem when harvested with the bulb.
- Bulk Discount: Opt for a bulk purchase of 12 stems (with bulbs) for a special rate of $2 each.
- Harvest Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 12pm – 4pm. Expert tulip harvesters will aid you pick the perfect blooms directly from the soil!
Special Attractions:
- Farm Stand: Explore their selection of organically grown vegetable and flower starts, along with our Certified Naturally Grown Spring Produce.
- Food & Beverage: Indulge in local culinary delights with Flour Girl & Flame’s wood-fired pies, gourmet stuffed tater tots from Tots on the Street, refreshing beverages from Vennture Brew Co, and more!
- Live Music: Enjoy the harmonious tunes of local artists, including Joe Wray and Sam Benedon, creating a perfect backdrop for your festival experience.
Plan Your Visit:
- Tickets: Avoid the wait and ensure your entry by purchasing tickets online. Day-of tickets will be available on-site for $10, subject to availability.
- Preparation Tips: Dress according to the weather, bring sunscreen, water, and don’t forget your camera for those picture-perfect moments.
- Pet-Friendly: Your furry friends are welcome! Please keep them leashed at all times.
- Amenities: Portable restrooms will be available for your convenience.
Richardson Tulip Festival
Location & Details:
- Where: 909 English Prairie Rd, Spring Grove, IL 60081
- When: Mid-April through Mid-May (Exact dates vary, please check updates)
- Website: Richardson Adventure Farm
A Floral Escape Just an Hour from Milwaukee:
Immerse yourself in the energetic beauty of the Richardson Tulip Festival, a scenic hour’s drive from Milwaukee. The festival typically runs mid-April to mid-May, offering a spectacle of color and nature that promises to be unforgettable.
What’s New:
- A Daffodil Delight: Alongside the tulips, they’ve introduced 50,000 daffodils to the festival. These modern blooms add a splash of variety and color to the experience.
- Your First Tulip on Them: With every admission, guests are welcomed to take home a free tulip.
Stay Updated:
For the latest information and updates, check their Facebook page.
Festival Highlights:
- Tulip & Daffodil Display: Witness the grandeur of over 300,000 bulbs across more than 30 varieties, including a special area with 100,000 tulips designated for picking.
- Scenic Beauty: Explore the tulips planted near a private 36-acre lake, complete with a walking trail to enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
- Adventure Farm Attractions: Delight in wine tastings, savor fresh donuts and kettle corn, and utilize indoor restrooms among other onsite amenities.
- Free Fun & Games: Play free games like giant checkers, Jenga, and cornhole.
- Live Music: Enjoy the live music atmosphere on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
Practical Information:
- Parking: Convenient and free, with the option to walk about a half-mile from the parking area to the tulip fields or drive closer.
- Accessibility: The festival is held in a natural setting, with walkways over grass and uneven terrain. Wheelchair and stroller users should note the natural farm field conditions and plan accordingly.
- Tickets: Available for purchase both online and in person, ensuring straightforward access for all visitors.
Plan Your Visit:
We recommend checking the weather before your visit and dressing accordingly, as the festival embraces the beauty of the outdoors.
Boerner Botanical Gardens
Boerner Botanical Gardens is a stunning natural oasis nestled in the heart of Whitnall Park in Hales Corners, Wisconsin, just a 15 minute drive from downtown Milwaukee.
Our family visits every year and it’s always one of our most peaceful and memorable days of the summer.
While it’s not an official festival, you don’t want to miss the tulips blooming in the Annual Garden.
You’ll also find a peaceful rock garden, aromatic herb garden, and a brand modern Children’s Garden.
Read more about Boerner Botanical Gardens >>
Related Posts:
24 Gardens and Flower Farms Around Milwaukee
25 Milwaukee Festivals Happening This Summer
25 Simple Spring Activities Your Kids Will Love
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
