The Morton Arboretum

About

The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois, is one of the largest and most impressive public gardens in the world. Spread across 1,700 acres just west of Chicago, it's home to more than 222,000 living plants representing species from around the globe. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a family looking for a day out, or someone who simply wants to breathe fresh air surrounded by towering trees, this is a destination that rewards every visit.

The Arboretum offers something different each season. Spring brings waves of flowering trees and bulbs. Summer fills the meadows and prairies with color. Fall transforms the canopy into a spectacular show of reds, golds, and oranges. And winter has its own magic, especially during Illumination: Tree Lights, a beloved holiday light show that draws visitors from across the Midwest.

Beyond just walking the trails, there's plenty to do. The Children's Garden is a hit with younger visitors, featuring interactive nature play areas. The Schulenberg Prairie offers a glimpse of what Illinois looked like before European settlement. You can drive through much of the Arboretum on a scenic nine-mile road, stopping at various collections along the way. The Visitor Center on the East Side serves as a great starting point, with dining options, a gift shop, and restrooms.

The Conifer Walk is a particular highlight, winding through an impressive collection of evergreen trees along a paved path with benches for resting. Birdwatchers will find the grounds rich with species year-round, and photographers will never run out of subjects.

The Morton Arboretum is open every day of the year except Christmas. Admission is charged, with discounts available for seniors, children, and Illinois residents on certain days. Parking is included with admission. It's located about 25 miles west of downtown Chicago, making it an easy day trip. Plan to spend at least a few hours here, though you could easily fill an entire day exploring.

Accessibility

The Morton Arboretum offers year-round access to paved trails that are accessible to wheelchairs, mobility devices, and strollers. Paths near the Visitor Center on the East Side are paved and fully accessible, making it a good home base for visitors with mobility needs. The Conifer Walk features a paved, wheelchair-friendly path with benches placed along the route for resting.

During the holiday season, the Illumination: Tree Lights exhibition follows a one-mile paved path that is ADA-compliant and suitable for wheelchairs, mobility devices, and strollers.

It's worth noting that many trails farther out in the Arboretum's 1,700 acres are surfaced with wood chips, which are not usable by wheelchairs or strollers. Visitors who rely on wheeled mobility should plan their route around the paved paths near the Visitor Center and other designated accessible areas.

The Arboretum's nine-mile scenic road is accessible by car and provides access to many areas throughout the grounds, which is a helpful option for those who prefer to drive between stops rather than walk long distances.

Wheelchairs are not currently available to rent on-site, so visitors should plan to bring their own mobility equipment. Accessible parking is available near the Visitor Center.

Contact The Morton Arboretum directly at (630) 968-0074 for current details on accessible restroom locations, service animal policies, sensory accommodations, and any recent changes to trail conditions or accessibility features.

More accessible places in Illinois

• Adler Planetarium (Chicago)
• National Museum of Mexican Art (Chicago)
• Museum of Science and Industry (Chicago)
• Lincoln Home National Historic Site (Springfield)
• DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center (Chicago)
• Garfield Park Conservatory (Chicago)