Visiting with Dogs

Explore the Arboretum with your canine companion on selected dates.

Several times a year, The Morton Arboretum hosts Dog Admission Days and Tails on the Trails. These are the only times that dogs not designated as service dogs are allowed on the grounds of the Arboretum. Service dogs are welcome at no cost daily, and should be identified when entering at the gatehouse.

These special events provide an opportunity to explore the Arboretum’s 16 miles of trails with your favorite canine companion.

Fees and Admission

Dog admission is $5 per dog and is available only on designated Dog Admission Days and Tails on the Trails events. Arboretum general admission is required for visitors who are not members and must be purchased online before arriving at the Arboretum. Arboretum members may enter at any time without general admission tickets by showing their current physical or digital membership card at the gatehouse. Tickets are not available at the gatehouse.

Have your member ID or guest ticket, as well as dog admission tickets, ready when approaching the gatehouse.

Dog Admission Days

Dog Admission Days offer members and guests the opportunity to visit the Arboretum with their dogs. Vendors and other Pet Expo attractions will not be available on these days.

Tails on the Trails

During Tails on the Trails events, guests can explore a Pet Expo, which features dog-oriented shopping from vendors representing local businesses and organizations, opportunities to adopt dogs, and options to learn about volunteering at local animal shelters.

Tails on the Trails

Pets are admitted to the Arboretum only on specific days. During Tails on the Trails, visitors can explore the on-site pet expo, featuring dog-oriented shopping from vendors representing local businesses and organizations. Learn about opportunities to adopt dogs and about options for volunteering at local animal shelters.

Tails on the Trails expos are held from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Dogs are allowed on the Arboretum’s trails from 7:00 a.m. to sunset on expo days.

Upcoming Dates

Sunday, September 8, 2024, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Interested in becoming a vendor? Email specialevents@mortonarb.org.

Tips for Visiting with Dogs

Have your member ID or guest ticket, as well as dog admission tickets, ready when approaching the gatehouse.

Please adhere to the following rules while visiting The Morton Arboretum with your dog on Dog Admission Days:

Dogs must be attended and on a leash at all times.
All dogs must have updated vaccinations and registrations.
For the safety of your pet and the natural environment, do not let dogs go off the marked trails.
Please clean up after your pet. Bags are available at the Visitor Center.
Dogs are not permitted on Walking Play performances.

Dogs are not allowed in the following locations:

Children’s Garden
Maze Garden
Visitor Center
Thornhill Educational Center
Administration and Research Center
May T. Watts Reading Garden
Firefly Pavilion

Restrooms for humans who need to bring their dogs with them can be found at the following locations:

Thornhill Picnic Shelter
Prairie Visitor Station
Big Rock Visitor Station

Fees and Admission

Dog admission is $5 per dog and is available only on designated Dog Admission Days and Tails on the Trails events. All visitors must reserve a dog admission pass in advance for each dog accompanying them. Please remember that dogs are allowed at the Arboretum only on certain days of the year.

Arboretum general admission is required for visitors who are not members and must be purchased online before arriving at the Arboretum. Purchasing admission online takes just a few minutes and can be done with a smartphone or computer.

Arboretum members may enter at any time without general admission tickets by showing their current physical or digital membership card at the gatehouse.

Visiting the Arboretum with Service Animals

The Morton Arboretum welcomes members and guests of all abilities and strives to create a safe, enjoyable, and engaging experience for all. To support that goal, the Arboretum welcomes all service animals, including those still in training.

Because the Arboretum does not allow pets on the grounds except on designated days, and some visitors disregard this rule, staff or visitors may inquire about your service animal if it is not wearing a vest or label. To help alleviate these questions, please let the gatehouse attendants know you have a service animal with you when you enter the Arboretum so they can make other staff aware.

To learn more about accessibility at the Arboretum, see the Accessibility Guide.