Whether you seek a quiet walk in the woods or an active family exploration, the Arboretum offers a wide variety of activities, events, tours, and classes for people of all ages and interests. Within an oasis of magnificent trees and beautiful landscapes, come explore 16 miles of hiking trails and nine miles of paved roads.
From a guided tour on an open-air tram, to the award-winning Children’s Garden and Maze Garden, to lunch in The Ginkgo Room overlooking Meadow Lake, the Arboretum is a unique place to explore, discover, escape, and connect with trees and nature.
Calendar of events
Something is always happening at The Morton Arboretum. Find out about upcoming classes, available activities, and special events in the Arboretum's online calendar of events. LEARN MORE
Admission and hours
The Arboretum is open 365 days year! The grounds are open from 7:00 to sunset daily. Buildings, exhibits, and facilities have select hours. Because we are an outdoor destination, we do occasionally close due to extreme weather. Learn how you can pre-purchase general admission tickets. LEARN MORE
Events and programs
The Morton Arboretum offers a variety of events for adults, kids, and families to enjoy. Race under a canopy of trees, enjoy live music and a glass of wine, hone your gardening skills, and much more with one of our many events. LEARN MORE
Maps and directions
Located in the western suburbs of Chicago, The Morton Arboretum is convenient to visit year-round. LEARN MORE
Ginkgo Restaurant & Café
Enjoy a quick bite to eat or a sit down meal at the Ginkgo Restaurant & Cafe. LEARN MORE
Visiting tips
The Morton Arboretum is a living museum, kept beautiful and healthy for research, enjoyment, and learning. Read information on how to prepare for a visit and on what is allowed to bring on the grounds. We ask all visitors to help the Arboretum continue nurturing the exhibits, grounds, trees, and plants in our care. LEARN MORE
Accessibility
The Morton Arboretum welcomes visitors with disabilities and we strive to create a safe, enjoyable, and engaging experience for all visitors. This page provides detailed information for navigating the Arboretum and includes information for visitors with accessibility concerns. LEARN MORE
Group tours
Whether you have 60 minutes or all day, The Morton Arboretum is a special destination for your next group outing.
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Museums for All
The Morton Arboretum is proud to participate in the Museums for All program starting in 2016. Any visitor with a state-issued EBT card (also known as a LINK card) is eligible for a special admission rate of $1. LeaRn more
Bloom 'n Color
Each spring and fall, Ed Hedborn, manager of plant records, reports on what’s blooming or in color throughout the season. learn more
Biking
Bike nine miles of paved roads that wind through the magnificent tree collections. Hop on a bicycle, and explore our expansive grounds in a new and adventurous way all year-round, weather permitting. LEARN MORE
Hiking
Many visitors prefer to hike throughout The Morton Arboretum because it lets them experience nature up close, in new and intimate ways. The Arboretum maintains trails just for hiking, or walking, or strolling—for the express purpose of allowing people a serene experience among the trees. LEARN MORE
Running
The sights, sounds, and smells that change with the season, as well as the safe roads and varied terrain, make the Arboretum a runner's paradise year-round. LEARN MORE
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
Embrace the snowy season and trek through the 1,700 acres of The Morton Arboretum’s winter wonderland on skis or snowshoes. Visitors are invited to bring their own cross-country skis or snowshoes to explore the grounds from 7 a.m. to sunset when there is 4" or more of snow on the ground. Seasonal rentals are also available at the Visitor Center. LEARN MORE
Admission and hours
The Arboretum is open 365 days year! The grounds are open from 7:00 to sunset daily. Buildings, exhibits, and facilities have select hours. LEARN MORE
By your presence, you grant permission for your likeness to be included in any filming or recording to be used by The Morton Arboretum.
2018 Illinois' 200 Great Places List
The Illinois Council of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Illinois) named The Morton Arboretum among Illinois’ 200 Great Places in 2018, in honor of the state’s Bicentennial.
