Visiting the Arboretum with Dogs
Several times a year, the Arboretum hosts “Dog Admission Days” and “Tails on the Trails” events. These are the only times that non-service dogs are allowed in cars or on the grounds of the Arboretum.
Both events offer a unique opportunity to explore the Arboretum’s 16 miles of trails with your favorite canine companion.
Dog Admission Days
“Dog Admission Days” are less structured and simply offer members and guests the opportunity to visit the Arboretum with their dogs, without the vendors and other Pet Expo attractions.
Tails on the Trails
During “Tails on the Trails” events, guests can visit the on-site 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 only admitted to the Arboretum on specific days. During “Tails on the Trails” events, guests can visit the on-site 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.
Interested in becoming a vendor? Email specialevents@mortonarb.org
Dog Admission Days
Pets are only admitted to the Arboretum on specific days. “Dog Admission Days” simply offers members and guests the opportunity to visit the Arboretum with their dogs, without the vendors and other Pet Expo attractions.
Dog and human admission passes must be reserved in advance through the Arboretum’s online ticketing system and will become available for purchase or reservation close to the date of the event (members get priority access). Admission for dogs is $5 per dog and will be added to the ticketing fees at the time of purchase.
Tips for Visiting with dogs
- Dog admission is $5 for each dog. All payments must be made in advance through the Arboretum’s online ticketing site. No cash is accepted at the gatehouse; members and guests without passes will not be able to enter.
- Have your Member ID and member pass or guest ticket ready when approaching the gatehouses.
- The Arboretum is following the DuPage County Health Department and Center for Disease Control current recommendations. Please abide by these recommendations while onsite.
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 both 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 allowed in the following locations:
Children’s Garden
Maze Garden
Visitor Center
Thornhill Educational Center
Administration Building and Research Center
May T. Watts Reading Garden
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
Remember, pets are only permitted at The Morton Arboretum on specific dates. Timed-entry passes are required for guests and members (except for Thornhill Society members) and will only be honored within one hour of the time on the reservation.
Fees and Admission
Dog admission is $5 per dog. Please remember that dogs are only allowed at the Arboretum on certain days of the year.
Please note that members are able to reserve their passes two months in advance and guests are able to buy their passes 30 days in advance.
As always, members are admitted free of charge; guests pay the regular admission fee. Both members and guests are required to have reserved, timed-entry passes (except for Thornhill Society members) and a dog admission pass for each dog accompanying them.
Your visit helps support the Arboretum’s mission of planting and conserving trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world.
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 (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.
