Accessible Trails
Paths near the Visitor Center on the East Side are paved and accessible, but many of the trails found farther out in the Arboretum’s 1,700 acres are spread with wood chips and are not usable by wheelchairs and strollers. There are short paved trails at the Big Rock and Prairie visitor stations.
The Arboretum is divided into two sides, lying on either side of Illinois Route 53 and connected by an underpass. Each side has several accessible areas. Please consult the East Side map and West Side map before your visit.
The East Side is the larger of the two sections and contains some of the most frequently visited and accessible locations on the grounds. You can find the Visitor Center, Meadow Lake, Children’s Garden, the Sterling Morton Library, and the Conifer Walk on this side of the Arboretum.
Meadow Lake Trail
The Meadow Lake Trail (Parking Lot 1) loops around a manmade lake located directly outside the Visitor Center. Depending on the season, guests can see birds, turtles, and native prairie plantings from this partially shaded paved path.
- Length: 0.6 miles
- Estimated time: 25 to 45 minutes
- Surface: paved asphalt
- Typical grade: 3%
- Maximum grade: 8%
The Gerard T. Donnelly Grand Garden
A central attraction for gathering and enjoyment, The Gerard T. Donnelly Grand Garden (Parking Lot 1) showcases the beauty and diversity of plants with paved paths, intimate seating areas, sparkling fountains, and spaces for celebration. It is a long, 2-acre rectangle divided into three spaces: the central Centennial Plaza, the Joy of Plants Garden to the west, and the Celebration Garden to the east. All are connected by paved, accessible paths with plenty of benches and seating areas where visitors can gather.
- Length: 0.3 miles
- Estimated time: 10 to 20 minutes
- Surface: paved concrete
- Typical grade: 0%
- Maximum grade: 0.5%
Children’s Garden
The Children’s Garden (Parking Lot 1) spans more than 4 acres and encompasses two main garden areas: the Backyard Discovery Garden and Adventure Woods. These two areas are linked by the Central Plaza and include 10 different themed gardens. The vast majority of the Children’s Garden is accessible for wheelchairs, with paved paths and accessible wooden ramps and bridges. Some features involve climbing.
- Size: 4 acres
- Estimated time: 30 minutes to 3 hours
- Surface: concrete and paved asphalt
- Typical grade: 2%
- Maximum grade: 6%
Conifer Walk
The Conifer Walk (Parking Lot 1) is a great way to explore the Arboretum’s Conifer Collection, on an easy paved path between tall trees that are green all year round. Evergreen trees from around the world are grouped by their genetic relationships to help visitors understand the features and differences of each plant family. The Conifer Walk can be reached by paths from Arbor Court, the Meadow Lake Trail, and The Gerard T. Donnelly Grand Garden.
- Length: 0.3 mile
- Estimated time: 10 to 30 minutes
- Surface: paved asphalt
- Typical grade: 0.5%
- Maximum grade: 5%
Ground Cover Garden
The Ground Cover Garden (Parking Lot 1) can be enjoyed by a short path that links the Visitor Center area to the Administration and Research Center and the library. Depending on the time of year, this garden hosts up to 350 different species of plants.
- Length: 0.15 mile
- Estimated time: 10 to 30 minutes
- Surface: textured concrete
- Typical grade: 0.5%
- Maximum grade: 5%
Administration and Research Center
The Administration and Research Center contains the Sterling Morton Library and the Cudahy Room. Guests are welcome to use the library during open hours, and members may obtain a library card and check out books from the collection. Some classes and events will take place in the Cudahy Room. The library’s parking lot can be accessed by taking a right at the stop sign after passing the gatehouse, and then taking the first left. Parking here is limited, but additional parking is located in Parking Lot 1, connected by paved paths.
Big Rock Visitor Station
Big Rock Visitor Station’s Interpretive Path (Parking Lot 13) is a paved trail that begins at the visitor station. Guests will see a sampler of ecosystems along the trail. This trail is made of textured concrete and is just under a quarter of a mile. The Big Rock Visitor Station is also the trailhead for the Heritage Trail and the Woodland Trail and also provides access to Main Trail Loop 3, all of which are covered with wood chips. This visitor station has a picnic area on gravel and accessible portable toilets.
- Length: 0.2 mile
- Estimated time: 10 to 25 minutes
- Surface: textured concrete
- Typical grade: 2%
- Maximum grade: 7%
Thornhill Education Center
On the West Side, the Thornhill Education Center (Parking Lot 21) hosts many of the classes that are offered by The Morton Arboretum. The building has two floors, with the majority of classes taking place on the lower level, which can be accessed by stairs or an elevator. The accessible entrance is on the east side of the building. There are accessible parking spaces near the start of the ramp.
Prairie Visitor Station
The Prairie Visitor Station Interpretive Path (Parking Lot 25) is a paved accessible trail that is about a quarter mile long. The trail winds through a sample prairie and gives views of the Schulenberg Prairie.
- Length: 0.2 mile
- Estimated time: 15 to 25 minutes
- Surface: textured concrete
- Typical grade: 5%
- Maximum grade: 10%
The Prairie Visitor Station is also the starting point for the Prairie Trail (which has an uneven gravel surface) and the Acre Trail (mown grass). It provides access to Main Trail Loop 4 (which is spread with wood chips). This visitor station has a picnic area on gravel. There are also accessible portable toilets at the Prairie Visitor Station.
