Jackson Park's Cherry Blossoms Reach Full Bloom After Two-Year Hiatus

After two consecutive years of disappointing bloom seasons, the cherry blossom trees in Chicago's Jackson Park have reached full bloom this mid-April, offering a breathtaking display of pink and white flowers behind the Museum of Science and Industry.

This resurgence follows erratic spring weather patterns that previously hindered the blossoms. Experts suggest that if the current mild conditions persist, the blossoms could remain in peak condition through the rest of April. Visitors are encouraged to experience this fleeting natural spectacle and participate in the upcoming Hanami Cherry Blossom Festival.

Jackson Park, a 551.5-acre urban park on Chicago's South Side, was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in 1871. It gained prominence as the site of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. Within the park lies the Garden of the Phoenix, a Japanese garden established during the exposition, symbolizing Chicago's resurgence after the Great Fire of 1871.

In 2013, to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the exposition and celebrate the relationship between Chicago and Japan, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Chicago (JCCC) collaborated with the Chicago Park District to plant the first batch of cherry blossom trees in Jackson Park. An additional 50 trees were added over the following three years, bringing the total to 100 by 2016.

In mid-April 2025, the cherry blossom trees in Jackson Park reached full bloom, creating a stunning display of pink and white flowers behind the Museum of Science and Industry. This vibrant bloom follows two years of disappointing seasons due to erratic spring weather that prevented the trees from fully blossoming.

Experts suggest that if the current mild weather continues without significant cold snaps, the blossoms could remain in peak condition through the rest of April. Emily K. Lavely, a tree fruit educator at Michigan State University, noted, "Typically cooler weather (not too cold with freeze events) will keep blossoms around longer—sometimes up to 10-14 days."

Visitors planning to view the blossoms are advised to park in the lot south of the Columbian Basin Lagoon for convenience.

The cherry blossoms hold cultural significance, symbolizing the transient nature of life, a concept celebrated in the Japanese tradition of "hanami," or flower viewing. In line with this tradition, the Japanese Arts Foundation, in partnership with the Japanese Culture Center, Chicago Park District, and Asian Improv Arts Midwest’s Tsukasa Taiko, is hosting the annual Hanami Cherry Blossom Festival on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 1-3 pm at the Columbia Basin and Garden of the Phoenix in Jackson Park. The event will feature performances, children's taiko drumming workshops, origami folding, and e-tegami (picture letter) activities.

The cherry blossom grove in Jackson Park has experienced varying bloom patterns since its inception. In 2021, the trees bloomed fully for the first time since their planting in 2013, attracting thousands of visitors. However, in 2024, erratic spring weather, including warm temperatures followed by wind and snow, prevented the trees from fully blossoming.

In celebration of the 60th anniversary of the JCCC in 2026, the organization plans to fund the planting of 20 additional cherry blossom trees annually in 2024, 2025, and 2026, totaling 60 new trees.

The return of the cherry blossoms symbolizes nature's resilience and the community's renewal after challenging seasons. The blossoms serve as a bridge between Chicago and Japanese culture, fostering appreciation and understanding through shared traditions. The varying bloom patterns highlight the effects of changing weather patterns on urban plant life. Events like the Hanami festival promote community involvement and cultural appreciation, strengthening local ties.

As the cherry blossoms reach their peak, Chicagoans and visitors alike are encouraged to partake in the Hanami festival and witness the beauty of Jackson Park's cherry trees, a testament to the enduring bond between Chicago and Japan.