Lords Park, Elgin Travel Guide

4.6 (1154)

Explore Elgin's Lords Park: a historic park with a zoo, museum, and recreational activities for the whole family.

Lords Park, a 108-acre municipal park in Elgin, Illinois, offers a blend of natural beauty and historical attractions. Established in 1893, the park features picnic areas, playgrounds, a zoo, a museum, and the iconic Lords Park Pavilion, making it a beloved destination for families and nature enthusiasts.

A brief summary to Lords Park

100 Oakwood Blvd, Elgin, Illinois, 60120, US
Click to display
Click to display

Monday 7 am-5 pm
Tuesday 7 am-9 pm
Wednesday 7 am-5 pm
Thursday 7 am-5 pm
Friday 7 am-5 pm
Saturday 7 am-5 pm
Sunday 7 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Lords Park.

Visit the Lords Park Zoo during the summer months to see a variety of farm animals in addition to the bison, elk, and deer.
Explore the Elgin Public Museum to learn about the history of Elgin and see exhibits on local natural history.
Pack a picnic and enjoy the park's scenic surroundings, with picnic tables available near the playgrounds.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Elgin National Watch Company

Elgin History Museum

Watch Factory Depot

Elgin Public Museum

George Ludlow & Company, Shoe Factory Road Historic Site

Explore Lords Park on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Lords Park, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the Elgin Public Museum, walk south along Grand Boulevard, then turn left onto Oakwood Boulevard. Continue east on Oakwood Boulevard until you reach Lords Park on your right. The walk is approximately 0.2 miles and should take about 5 minutes. There is no cost for walking.
Public Transport

Pace Bus Route 550 stops near Lords Park. From downtown Elgin, take Route 550 towards Summit Street. Exit at the stop closest to Oakwood Boulevard and walk east to the park entrance. A single ride fare is $1.75.
Driving

From downtown Elgin, head east on Chicago Street, then turn left onto N Gifford Street. Continue onto N McLean Blvd, then turn right onto US-20 E/E Chicago Street. Turn left onto N Liberty Street, then turn right onto Oakwood Blvd. Lords Park will be on your left. Parking is available within the park. Parking is free.

Discover more about Lords Park

Lords Park, a sprawling 108-acre park in Elgin, Illinois, has been a community treasure since its dedication in 1898. Originally a farm owned by Dr. Joseph Tefft, it was purchased by George and Mary Carpenter Lord in 1893 and gifted to the city with the stipulation that it be used as a park.The park boasts a variety of attractions, including the Elgin Public Museum, the Lords Park Zoo, and the historic Lords Park Pavilion. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas, playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts, a family aquatic center, and a nature trail. The Lords Park Zoo is home to American bison, elk, and white-tailed deer in wooded enclosures year-round. During the summer, a farm zoo features sheep, cattle, chickens, pigs, and goats.The Elgin Public Museum, located within the park, is the oldest building in Illinois built expressly as a museum that is still serving that purpose. Its Neo-Classical architecture and original oak woodwork, plaster wall ornamentation, and ceramic tile floors offer a glimpse into the past. The Lords Park Pavilion, originally constructed in 1896, was rebuilt in 1898 after a fire and has been a site for wedding receptions, public gatherings, and civic events.Lords Park has evolved over the years, with amenities like swings and sandboxes added as early as 1900. While some original features like bear pits and eagles are gone, the park remains a vital part of Elgin, offering a space for recreation, relaxation, and community events.