Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool

About

This serene section of Lincoln Park stars a lily pool & also boasts lush landscaping & a pavilion.

Visitors rate it highly — 4.8 out of 5 across 441 Google reviews. That puts it 2nd of the 20 rated gardens we list in Chicago.

It keeps the same hours every day — 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM — which makes planning simple. Parking is the easy part: a paid lot, free street parking and metered street parking. And if it does not suit, 19 more gardens in Chicago are listed further down this page.

The quick take

Drawn from this listing's ratings, amenities, hours and how it stacks up against other gardens in Chicago.

What works

Consistently well reviewed
4.8 stars held across 441 reviews is not a fluke — people keep going back.
2nd best-rated in Chicago
Measured against the 20 rated gardens we track in Chicago.
Open every day
The same hours all week (7:30 AM – 7:00 PM), so there is no schedule to memorise.
Works with kids
Flagged as family-friendly, which usually means room to run and somewhere for the adults to sit.
Free parking
Free street parking — one less thing to pay for, though paid options sit alongside it.

Worth knowing first

Dogs are not permitted
Leave them at home, or look at the dog parks listed for the same city instead.
Strongly seasonal
What is in bloom drives the whole visit. In winter this is a barer, much quieter place than the photographs suggest.

Planning a visit

General guidance for gardens, adjusted for what this listing records.

What to expect

Planted grounds built for a slow loop — paths, labelled beds, and a bench roughly when you need one.

A good fit for plant people, photographers and anyone wanting a calm hour.

When to go

Peak bloom is the whole point and it moves by species — check what is flowering first. The gates are open 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM.

What to bring

A camera
Comfortable shoes
Admission money if the garden is ticketed

Hours

Monday: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM

Amenities

No Dogs Allowed

Family Friendly

Parking Available

Featured in

#2 in Best Gardens in Chicago, IL

Common questions about Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool

What is Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool?

This serene section of Lincoln Park stars a lily pool & also boasts lush landscaping & a pavilion. It is a garden in Chicago, IL, at 125 W Fullerton Pkwy.

What are the opening hours at Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool?

Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool is open 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM every day of the week.

Are dogs allowed at Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool?

No. Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool is not listed as allowing dogs.

Is there parking at Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool?

Parking options here include a paid lot, free street parking and metered street parking.

Is Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool good for kids?

Yes — Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool is flagged as family-friendly.

How is Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool rated?

Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool holds 4.8 out of 5 stars from 441 Google reviews.

What else is nearby?

Chicago has 19 other gardens listed on AllParx, including North Rose Garden, El Paseo Community Garden and Japanese Garden.