When tree branches are bare in winter and the woodlands may be blanketed by snow, the Arboretum is still very much alive with plants, wildlife, and the early stirrings of spring.

Arboretum employees explore and enjoy the grounds all year long, and have discovered places that are uniquely beautiful and interesting in the winter.

Winter walks are fun for families, too. Kids will enjoy searching for acorns and pine cones without understory plants covering the ground. Bird nests, woodpecker holes, fungi, and birds that overwinter in our region are also easier to spot in winter.

Take one of these walks recommended from the Arboretum’s staff to explore the tranquility and special beauty of winter at The Morton Arboretum.

Walks on the Arboretum’s East Side

Spruce Plot

Recommended by Christy Rollinson, forest ecologist

The Spruce Plot in the Arboretum’s East Woods, across from Parking Lot 12, is a favorite destination of guests and employees alike.

The Norway spruce trees were planted in the 1920s as an experiment to test their lumber potential. Today, the tall, bare trunks of the trees create a cathedral-like atmosphere beneath a canopy of needles far overhead.

Fresh snowfall enhances the scene, with dark trunks standing out against the white snow and gray sky.

Woodland Trail

Recommended by Christine Carrier, Center for Tree Science Integrated Mentorship program coordinator

This trail is usually peaceful and quiet even during peak visitation times. Its winding, wood-chipped path offers plenty of visual interest year-round. It can be completed as a short half-mile loop or extended by following the connecting Heritage Trail. The loop begins near the Big Rock Visitor Station.

Main Trail Loop 2

Recommended by Emilian Geczi, manager of early childhood programs

This wood-chipped, 1.6-mile trail is just north of Parking Lot 6. The trail passes through the Maple, Beech, and Buckeye collections and the Crowley and Bur Reed marshes, where you may see coyote tracks after a fresh fall of snow. A boardwalk through Bur Reed Marsh offers the opportunity to explore further.

Main Trail Loop 4

Recommended by John Garrison, lead education guide

A favorite for snowshoeing, this 1.5-mile wood-chipped trail winds through the Oak Collection, the Spruce Plot, and the East Woods. A popular starting point is the trailhead across from Parking Lot 8 at the Gateway to Tree Science exhibition.

Heritage Trail

Recommended by Vince Gortner, senior director of guest experience and safety

This trail is a one-mile loop that passes through both dense woodlands and open prairie, offering a mix of landscapes. It includes the half-mile Woodland Trail. Both loops can be accessed from at the Big Rock Visitor Station. Occasional steep sections along the Heritage Trail provide a refreshing cardio challenge.

Walks on the West Side

Lake Marmo Trail

Recommended by Megan Gensler, manager of visitor services

The trail that encircles Lake Marmo winds through Hemlock Hill and Spruce Hill. The hemlock trees along the southern edge of the lake release a crisp, refreshing scent in the cold air. The landscape here is transformed by snow, which piles on the branches of the hemlocks and bends them into an arch over the trail.

Lake Marmo was designed by renowned naturalistic landscape designer O.C. Simonds in 1922. The surrounding landscape offers beautiful views from all sides in all seasons.

Joy Path

Recommended by Spencer Campbell, Plant Clinic manager

Joy Path is named for Arboretum founder Joy Morton because it was his favorite walk. This paved trail begins just steps from the Thornhill Education Center entrance, near Parking Lot 21. It is regularly plowed, so it is easy to travel even when there is snow.

The trail is lined by an interesting mix of plants, including original specimens that surrounded the Morton mansion during the days of their residence. It is a popular starting spot for short hikes or all-day adventures year-round.

Sterling Pond

Recommended by Mary Claire Kastenholz, tribute gift specialist

A peaceful retreat located near Parking Lot 24, Sterling Pond is perfect for early morning walks, bird-watching, and quiet reflection. Ice makes patterns on the still water in winter, wildflowers bloom in spring, and in fall, the water reflects autumn colors.

Plan Your Visit

A winter walk at The Morton Arboretum offers a chance to embrace the season’s unique beauty—crisp air, quiet woodlands, and details that only reveal themselves in the stillness of winter. Plan your visit today.