Walking Plays are full-length plays, adapted exclusively for The Morton Arboretum and performed by local professional actors. A walk leader guides the audience to each scene, which takes place at several natural backdrop locations, along a one- to two-mile hiking route. Audiences are encouraged to bring water, portable chairs or blankets for seating, and bug spray.
Walking Plays take place on select Saturdays and Sundays, July through October, 2025. Performances begin at the Thornhill Shelter on the Arboretum’s West Side (parking lot P-21). Performances last approximately 90 minutes to two hours.
Performance start times vary by season. Summer performances (July and August) begin at 6:00 p.m.; fall performances (October) begin at 4:00 p.m.
Two low-impact hike dates are offered for the 2025 Walking Plays season—Saturday, July 26 (Pride and Prejudice), and Saturday, October 18 (Farewell, Mr. Poe). These performances cover a shorter distance at a slower pace and stay near paved paths wherever possible.
2025 Performances
Pride and Prejudice
Please note: Tickets for Pride and Prejudice are sold out.
Walk with the Bennet family through a lovingly faithful adaptation of the original Jane Austen novel Pride and Prejudice, told through the lively eyes of the Bennet sisters themselves. The beautiful, sprawling setting of the Arboretum’s West Side and views of the Thornhill Education Center, once a family mansion, offer the perfect backdrop for this romantic, funny, touching family drama. Recommended for audiences ages 10 years and older.
July 12, 13, 19, 20, 26*, and 27
August 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, and 17
Farewell, Mr. Poe
In the last four days of his life, Edgar Allan Poe drifted in and out of consciousness before he died. Where did his mind wander in those final hours? Perhaps through a dark forest, confronting the ghosts of his past? Find out for yourself if you dare, as the paths wind through Poe’s life and poetry, until he finally confronts his earthly departure. Recommended for audiences ages 12 years and older.
October 4, 5, 11, 12, 18*, 19, 25, and 26
*Indicates a low-impact experience
See the full 2025 performance schedule.
Ticket Details
Purchase tickets or member tickets online and in advance.
Cost
Infant (younger than 2): Free
Child (2 through 17): $17
Adult (18 and older): $27
Member Cost
Infant (younger than 2): Free
Child (2 through 17): $7
Adult (18 and older): $17
Your ticket purchase helps support the Arboretum’s vision of a greener, healthier, more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together.
The Morton Arboretum acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council.
