Let’s talk through why it’s special and a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.
The Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool: More Than Meets the Eye
The Goods: Seriously Good-Looking Without Trying Too Hard
The Lily Pool’s got that effortless, rugged charm—just like, well… not to sound full of myself, but kinda like me. You’ve got waterfalls, bridges, and lush greenery everywhere. It’s perfect for candid shots, formal portraits, and everything in between. Whether you’re going for something polished or something a bit more raw and real, this place has you covered.
The Goods: It’s Private, Yet Totally Public
One of the things that makes the Lily Pool great is that it’s in a public park, but it feels private. You won’t be battling mobs of tourists like you would at the Bean or Millennium Park. It’s really not something you would notice driving by. You’d almost stumble upon it at a visit to Lincoln Park, kinda of like a secret garden. It’s nice for a beautiful casual walk, so it’s ideal for photos.
The not so goods: A Little More Planning Needed
The rub? To shoot here, you’ve gotta get a permit. They’ve got rules, and you’ve gotta follow them. There’s a limit to how many people can be in your group, and you’ll want to book it well in advance, especially during peak season. Which can be a pro if you think about it, because you don’t have to get in line to use this beautiful back drop. It’s like your theme park fast pass.
The not so goods: It’s Got a Seasonal Schedule
The Lily Pool is only open from mid-April through mid-November. Outside of that window, it’s a no-go. Nice fluffy white snow at this spot, not so much. But hey, if you’re aiming for those lush spring blooms or the warm glow of early fall, you’re in luck.
So there you have it—The Lily Pool is a great place to consider a location for photos. Planning ahead with give you a sense that you have a nature setting all to yourself.
