Accessibility
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The Illumination trail is a one-mile paved path that is ADA-compliant. The paved path is walkable and rollable for wheelchairs, mobility devices, and strollers.
The exhibition is not visible or accessible by car.
Wheelchair Loans and Personal Mobility Scooters
The Arboretum has a small number of nonmotorized wheelchairs available for loan, free of charge, in the Visitor Center. Guests must leave a driver’s license or other photo ID to check out a wheelchair.
Because the supply is limited, we recommend bringing a wheelchair to the Arboretum if one is needed. Wheelchair loans are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Personal mobility scooters may also be used on the trail.
Arboretum staff make best efforts to clear the path of ice and snow. Crowds are generally lighter on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, making it easier to navigate the trail.
Service Animals
The Morton Arboretum welcomes visitors with trained service animals. Please note that pets, emotional support, and therapy animals are not permitted except on special Illumination Dog Admission Nights.
Accessible Parking
Parking is available near the Illumination entrance for those with a disability placard on their vehicle—please notify the parking attendant as you drive in. Otherwise, parking is first come, first served, and is directed by parking attendants.
Guests directed to a secondary lot (parking lot P-21) near the Thornhill Education Center on the Arboretum’s West Side can take a shuttle bus that will transport them to the main event area. Please note that this is the only shuttle bus during Illumination and it only runs between parking lot P-21 and the Visitor Center. The bus does not have a wheelchair lift.
If you do not have a disability placard and someone in your party has mobility concerns, you are also welcome to drop off passengers in the circle drive adjacent to the Visitor Center before you park. Please notify the parking attendants and they will direct you accordingly.
