Dog Admission Days

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 events. 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 dog-friendly days provide an opportunity for guests to explore the Arboretum’s 16 miles of trails and many beautiful natural areas with their favorite canine companions.

Dogs are allowed on the Arboretum’s trails from 9:00 a.m. to sunset on Dog Admission Days. Members enjoy exclusive access to the grounds from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m., and may bring dogs to the Arboretum during these hours on Dog Admission Days and Tails on the Trails events.

Admission

Dog admission is $5 per dog and is available only on designated Dog Admission Days and for Tails on the Trails events. Each dog needs a ticket.

General admission tickets are required for people, except for members. Plan ahead and save by purchasing online. General admission tickets purchased online are always $2 cheaper.

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

Please have your membership card or general admission ticket, dog admission tickets, or payment ready when approaching the gatehouse.

Upcoming Dog Admission Days

Sunday, December 8, 2024
Dog Admission Day

Sunday, January 19, 2025
Dog Admission Day

Sunday, February 9, 2025
Dog Admission Day

Sunday, March 16, 2025
Dog Admission Day

Sunday, May 4, 2025
Tails on the Trails

Rules and Restrictions

Dogs must be attended and on a leash at all times and must stay on marked trails. Dogs are not allowed in some locations at the Arboretum.

Please note that dogs are not allowed at Illumination or other ticketed events.

Tails on the Trails

During Tails on the Trails events, in addition to the Arboretum’s trails, guests can explore a special pet expo featuring dog-oriented shopping from vendors representing local businesses and organizations. Guests can buy pet-friendly toys and equipment and learn about opportunities to adopt dogs or volunteer 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 9:00 a.m. to sunset on expo days.

Members enjoy exclusive access to the grounds from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m., and may bring dogs to the Arboretum during these hours on Dog Admission Days. Please note that dogs must be attended and on a leash at all times, must stay on marked trails, and are not allowed in some locations of the Arboretum.

Upcoming Dates

Sunday, May 4, 2025, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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

Admission

Dog admission is $5 per dog and is available only on designated Dog Admission Days and for Tails on the Trails events. All guests must reserve a dog admission ticket in advance for each dog.

Arboretum general admission is required for guests who are not members. Plan ahead and save on general admission by purchasing tickets online. Tickets purchased online are always $2 cheaper. Online purchasing 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.

Please have your membership card or general admission ticket, dog admission tickets, or payment ready when approaching the gatehouse.

Rules and Restrictions

Dogs are not allowed in the following locations:

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

Guests who visit the Arboretum with dogs on Dog Admission Daysmust adhere to the following rules.

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 Plays performances, on the Illumination trail, or at other ticketed events.

Portable 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

Visiting the Arboretum with Service Animals

The Morton Arboretum welcomes 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 guests disregard this rule, staff or other guests 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.

Learn more about accessibility at the Arboretum.