Cherry Blossoms Bloom in Chicago's Jackson Park

Annual spring display draws crowds to celebrate the fleeting floral spectacle

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:07am

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph in soft pools of warm pink, white, and green hues, depicting the delicate, falling petals of cherry blossoms drifting through the air, creating a dreamlike, ethereal scene.The fleeting beauty of Chicago's cherry blossoms inspires awe and a sense of renewal each spring.Chicago Today

The iconic cherry blossom trees in Chicago's Jackson Park have returned for the spring season, blanketing the area around the Columbia Basin in shades of pink and white. The annual bloom draws visitors from across the city and suburbs to admire the stunning display, which marks a renewal of the season.

Why it matters

The cherry blossoms in Jackson Park are a beloved tradition that have transformed the area, drawing more visitors to the Wooded Island and creating a sense of community celebration around the fleeting natural beauty. The trees also represent an enduring partnership between Chicago and Japan, with additional plantings over the years to commemorate milestones.

The details

About 200 cherry blossom trees are located just south of the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in Jackson Park, surrounding the Columbia Basin. In 2013, 120 trees were planted to mark 120 years since the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, and another 50 were added in subsequent years to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Chicago. This year, an additional set of trees will be installed to continue that partnership.

  • The cherry blossoms typically bloom for about a week in early-to-mid April.
  • On Saturday, April 25, the Chicago Park District will host Hanami, a Japanese tradition of coming together to admire nature, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The players

Dr. Patricia Ward

Head scientist of the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.

Karen Szyjka

Japanese Garden Curator with the Chicago Park District.

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What they’re saying

“There is nothing like standing underneath one of those cherry blossom trees.”

— Karen Szyjka, Japanese Garden Curator, Chicago Park District

“There's something very magical about these cherry blossoms, and I think it's a combination of their inherent beauty. They're kind of ethereal because they come and they go. They are fragile yet robust in their own way, and they bring people together.”

— Dr. Patricia Ward, Head Scientist, Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

What’s next

Visitors can track the progression of the Jackson Park cherry blossoms on the Chicago Park District's website.

The takeaway

The annual return of the cherry blossoms in Jackson Park is a beloved tradition that celebrates the renewal of spring, the enduring partnership between Chicago and Japan, and the power of nature to bring a community together.