During Tails on the Trails events, 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 connect with local animal shelters about volunteering options.
The upcoming Tails on the Trails pet expo event will be held on Sunday, September 8, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Dogs are allowed on the trails from 7:00 a.m. to sunset, and dog-friendly activities are available from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Morton Arboretum welcomes you and your four-legged friends to explore all that the Arboretum has to offer.
Ticket Details
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.
Arboretum general admission is required for all 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.
Your visit helps support the Arboretum’s vision of a greener, healthier, more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together.
Ticket Details
Dog admission is $5 per dog for all visitors 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.
Vendors and Map
The Tails on the Trails pet expo takes place in Arbor Court and on the south side of Meadow Lake. Locations of vendors and demonstrations will be available closer to the next Tails on the Trails event.
Demonstrations
A schedule of vendor demonstrations will be available closer to the event date.
Rules for a Smooth Visit
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.
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
Visiting with Service Animals
Dog admission is $5 for each dog and must be purchased in advance of visiting. Have your member ID or guest ticket ready when approaching the gatehouse.
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.
