Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool
A serene, hidden garden oasis in Lincoln Park, featuring a tranquil lily pool, stone bridges, and naturalistic landscaping.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Gardens awaken, fewer crowds
Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool
Best Time
Gardens awaken, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene, hidden garden oasis in Lincoln Park, featuring a tranquil lily pool, stone bridges, and naturalistic landscaping.
"An urban oasis that gives peace and tranquility through the senses, nestled deep in the city."
🎯 Find the Hidden Entrance
The entrance can be tricky to spot; look for the Prairie-style Fullerton gate.
🚗 Free Parking Nearby
Utilize the Lincoln Park Zoo lot for up to 30 mins free parking for a quick visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Serene Lily Pool
Central pond
A tranquil oasis with blooming lilies, offering a peaceful escape amidst the city bustle.

Prairie-Style Pavilion
Near the entrance
An architecturally significant pavilion providing a picturesque spot for reflection and photos.

Stone Pathways & Bridges
Throughout the garden
Winding paths and charming bridges create a sense of discovery and natural beauty.

Gentle Waterfall
Integrated into the landscape
The soothing sound of a small waterfall adds to the garden's peaceful ambiance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Seasonal Closures & Reopening
Event Bookings & Construction
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Find the Hidden Entrance
The entrance can be tricky to spot; look for the Prairie-style Fullerton gate.
🚗 Free Parking Nearby
Utilize the Lincoln Park Zoo lot for up to 30 mins free parking for a quick visit.
🤫 Embrace the Quiet
This spot is perfect for quiet contemplation, meditation, or a peaceful stroll.
📸 Photographers' Paradise
Ideal for wedding and portrait photography, but be mindful of event bookings.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Find the Hidden Entrance
The entrance can be tricky to spot; look for the Prairie-style Fullerton gate.
🚗 Free Parking Nearby
Utilize the Lincoln Park Zoo lot for up to 30 mins free parking for a quick visit.
🤫 Embrace the Quiet
This spot is perfect for quiet contemplation, meditation, or a peaceful stroll.
📸 Photographers' Paradise
Ideal for wedding and portrait photography, but be mindful of event bookings.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Explore the winding stone paths comfortably with good footwear.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool as a beautiful and serene urban oasis, perfect for escaping the city bustle. Its picturesque landscaping, tranquil pond, and peaceful atmosphere are major draws. However, some recent reviews mention concerns about ongoing construction, communication issues regarding events, and less-than-ideal staff interactions.
"This is a beautiful spot, but please DO NOT book your special event here until AFTER they are re-open to the public / done with the construction!!!
I’ve been hearing stories from other photographers talking about how it was not communicated to them that there would still be construction supplies laid out, or that there would be way less mess than there really was. Unfortunately today, our intimate wedding group fell victim to this, as the whole pavilion area was pretty much unusable, which was not communicated to them.
To top it off, the employee who was there to let us in (slightly heavy set, middle aged white guy), interrupted the entire wedding ceremony and SCREAMED at me for standing somewhere I shouldn’t have while taking photos. Which yes, my bad, this was a misunderstanding and I took a path I assumed was clear, but was not. Regardless, the way he reacted was as if I was ripping out plants and destroying the property or something, not an exaggeration. There are so many more respectful, graceful ways he could have gone about that, rather than damn near ruining the most important moment of this poor couple’s lives. He threatened to fine us/kick us out, despite no prior offenses from us. The bride was crying, everybody was flustered, and THEN accused us of trespassing on the way out (???)
Absolutely ridiculous. There’s some huge faults in their communication they need to work out, along with (hopefully) suspending and re-training this dude who threw a tantrum because I was standing on a rock I shouldn’t have been. I wish I got his name, this was on 7/11/25. Insane."
Wendy Davis
"Really cool place in Lincoln Park. Located behind the conservatory close to the Nature Museum. I got free parking close to the zoo. A wonderful way to escape the city and go for a walk, or just sit and relax. There is a small waterfall. The pond had so many lilies. Lots of wedding photographers around the central area. The pond is also home to turtles, fishes and some birds."
Ajimon Thomas
"We had to change our wedding ceremony venue a week before our event back in June.....It took them 2-3 weeks to respond to our emails/calls about us walking the venue one last time to get an idea before our ceremony. The place is still under construction, the paths are all grown over, weeds everywhere, and not maintained. They claimed "We will clear it up before our event".. BS since they had a wedding ceremony that same day.. DO NOT BOOK AN EVENT THIS YEAR."
Jacob Heinrich
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Lily Pool is located at 125 W Fullerton Pkwy, within Lincoln Park. It's accessible by public transport, with several bus lines stopping nearby. Driving is also an option, with parking available at the Lincoln Park Zoo lot (check time limits).
Yes, you can often find parking at the Lincoln Park Zoo lot. Some visitors note it's free for up to 30 minutes, making it convenient for a short visit.
Absolutely! The Lily Pool is just steps away from the Lincoln Park Zoo and Conservatory, making it easy to combine visits.
The main entrance is a Prairie-style Fullerton gate. Some visitors mention it can be a bit tricky to find, so keep an eye out for it.
Yes, several bus routes serve the area around Lincoln Park, making it accessible via public transit. Check local transit schedules for the most convenient options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, entry to the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool is free. However, it's always a good idea to check their official website for any updates or special event ticketing.
The Lily Pool is a seasonal attraction and typically closes for the year in early October. It reopens in the spring. Specific hours can vary, so checking their official channels is recommended.
No, the Lily Pool is not open year-round. It typically operates from spring through early fall.
Yes, the Lily Pool is a popular venue for special events and weddings. However, recent reviews suggest confirming the status of any construction before booking.
Admission to the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool is generally free, making it an accessible and beautiful spot to visit.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy the serene lily pond, walk along stone paths and bridges, admire the landscaping, and listen to a gentle waterfall. It's a perfect spot for relaxation and photography.
Yes, it's a very popular spot for photographers, especially for weddings and portraits, due to its picturesque setting.
Information on specific amenities like restrooms or cafes is limited. It's advisable to plan accordingly and use facilities before or after your visit. The nearby Lincoln Park Zoo and Conservatory may offer options.
Absolutely. Many visitors describe it as a peaceful oasis and a perfect place to escape the city noise and find tranquility.
As the name suggests, you'll see a variety of lilies in the pond. The landscaping also features diverse native plants, creating a naturalistic garden setting.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly within the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool itself. Visitors typically bring their own snacks or dine at nearby establishments in Lincoln Park.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally acceptable to bring light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy in the park's open spaces. Please be mindful of leaving no trace.
The Lily Pool is surrounded by numerous dining options in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, ranging from casual cafes to upscale restaurants.
While there aren't dedicated picnic tables, the serene atmosphere makes it a pleasant spot for a quiet picnic on a blanket, provided you clean up thoroughly afterward.
The Lily Pool is a venue for special events, which may include catering. However, recent reviews highlight potential issues with construction impacting event spaces.
📸 📸 Photography
The stone bridges, the pavilion, and the lily pond itself offer beautiful photographic opportunities. The winding paths also provide lovely framing.
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged. It's a popular spot for wedding and portrait photographers.
While photography is permitted, be aware of any ongoing events or construction that might limit access to certain areas. Respect private events and other visitors.
For professional photography sessions, especially for events like weddings, it's advisable to check with the park authorities regarding permit requirements.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best natural light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and crowds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers & Event Planners
🧘♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Vision of Alfred Caldwell
The pool itself is the centerpiece, surrounded by carefully curated plantings that change with the seasons. The stone pavilion and bridges are integrated into the landscape, appearing as if they grew organically from the earth. This approach to design ensures that the Lily Pool feels timeless and continues to offer a restorative experience for all who visit. The emphasis on natural beauty and serenity is what makes this spot a cherished hidden gem.
Navigating the Lily Pool Experience
While the main attraction is the pool and its surroundings, the stone pathways and bridges offer a delightful exploration. These elements add to the charm and provide numerous picturesque vantage points. Many visitors enjoy simply strolling, sitting, and soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. It's a place where you can truly forget you're in the middle of a bustling city.
It's important to note that while the Lily Pool is a public space, it is also a venue for special events. Recent reviews have pointed out potential disruptions due to ongoing construction or the impact of booked events on public access. Checking the status of renovations and event schedules is advisable to ensure a smooth visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit