Located just east of the Visitor Center, Meadow Lake is a large manmade lake surrounded by great sweeps of native grasses and flowering plants.
Meadow Lake is intentionally designed as a retention basin for the nearby DuPage River and as an ecosystem for native wildlife. The lake collects rainwater that soaks into the soil from nearby parking lot P-1, which is covered with permeable pavers. Working together, the permeable pavers and the lake help control stormwater levels in the floodplain of the East Branch of the DuPage River.
Meadow Lake Trail is a half-mile paved and wheelchair-accessible trail that loops around the lake. It is one of the Arboretum’s most popular paths, and a favorite way for guests to enjoy a beautiful and varied natural tapestry all year round.
Lining the trail are some of the tallest, most stately trees in The Morton Arboretum’s collections, including towering elms, sycamores, and silvery-green white pines. Rare cultivars and a variety of ornamental flowering trees can also be found near Meadow Lake.
A stroll around Meadow Lake can offer ideas if you are selecting a tree to plant in a home landscape. The plants along the shore offer blooms and interest from late spring into summer, and support a wide range of animals. It’s not unusual to see birds, such as egrets and herons, as well as butterflies, turtles, and other wildlife making use of the plants and the water.
Meadow Lake Trail is used for some of the Arboretum’s ticketed special events during the spring, summer, and fall. In winter, it is part of the path taken by guests through Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum. The Ginkgo Room, which overlooks Meadow Lake through floor-to-ceiling windows in the Visitor Center, is available to book for private events and wedding receptions.
Two of the five large-scale sculptures included in the Arboretum’s current art exhibition, Vivid Creatures, can be viewed from Meadow Lake Trail. Loop around Meadow Lake to see Nimbly the blue dasher dragonfly and Cadence the sandhill crane.
Important Information
Hours: Meadow Lake Trail is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to sunset. This trail may be closed or have limited access during ticketed special events.
Parking: The nearest available parking is in the adjacent parking lot P-1.
Restrooms: Accessible, heated restrooms are in the Visitor Center, the West Pavilion, and the Children’s Garden.
Seating: Benches are placed along the Meadow Lake Trail.
Accessibility: Meadow Lake Trail is .6 miles long and paved with asphalt. It is relatively flat, with a typical grade of 3%. Accessible parking is available in parking lot P-1. The accessible parking spaces and pathways to the Visitor Center area feature smooth pavers.
Admission: Meadow Lake is included with Arboretum general admission and open to all guests year-round. Meadow Lake Trail and areas around Meadow Lake may close for private event rentals or ticketed special events.
Water: Drinking fountains are available inside the Visitor Center.
