Free parking, dog-friendly grounds, outdoor games, gorgeous views await
SPRING GROVE — Those who’d like to celebrate Earth Day by reveling in some of the planet’s most sensational spring sights are in luck: This year’s Richardson Farm Tulip Festival will open on Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22.
Fest hours will be 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with the Richardson Farm gift shop opening at 9:30 a.m. and closing at 7 p.m., Tuesdays through Sundays for the duration of the fest — typically open for two to three weeks.
On view will be more than 1 million vibrant blooms in over 75 varieties. About 350,000 new tulip bulbs were planted in the fall of 2025 in a butterfly pattern near a private lake on the property, said George Richardson, who operates the farm along with his wife, Wendy, brother, Robert, Robert’s wife, Carol, George’s son, Ryan, and Ryan’s wife, Kristen.
Visitors will enjoy row after row of gorgeous tulips, plus about 100,000 daffodils, across 10 acres located southwest of the farm’s entrance at 909 English Prairie Road, Spring Grove. Among the dozens of varieties to see will be the light orange Chongming Love, white Hakuuns, eye-popping purple Zantapurs and even Spring Pearls, which are a brilliant red on the inside with a pearly, paler color on the outside.
“We can’t wait to welcome the couples, families and groups of friends who come out to the farm to make beautiful memories as they enjoy the gorgeous views, the fresh air and the food and drink on offer,” said Ryan Richardson, adding that lakeside games like Giant Jenga, bags and Connect 4 also entice.
Richardson Farm is dog-friendly, offers free parking and admits children ages 3 and younger free. Tickets, available at richardsonfarm.com, are $17 for those ages 4 to 12 and $20 for those 13 and up, with one cut-your-own tulip included. New this year, a tulip-fest-only season pass is available for $35 for those who’d like to return to check out the latest blooms, as different varieties mature on different dates.
Mimosas, a wine bar, modern restroom facilities, fresh donuts and seasonal gifts are available at the gift barn. Food trucks and a 9th Hour Brewing craft beer tent will be located alongside the tulip fields, where live music performances are scheduled on weekends.