The Conifer Walk is a paved, ADA accessible path that winds from the Visitor Center through a scenic and scientifically valuable collection of cone-bearing trees and shrubs from around the world.
The Conifer Walk is beautiful in every season and is a great way to discover the variety of cone-bearing plants that can grow in the Midwest. Because most of the trees and shrubs are evergreen, this path is especially lovely in winter.
Looping paths allow you to take a half-mile or one-mile walk through the collections. The Conifer Walk connects to the paved Meadow Lake Trail for a longer stroll.
To reach the Conifer Walk from the Visitor Center, cross Arbor Court and take either the path between the Children’s Garden and Maze Garden or the one through The Gerard T. Donnelly Grand Garden.
Conifer Collection
The Morton Arboretum’s Conifer Collection, beautifully displayed across 22 acres, shows the variety of trees and shrubs, mostly evergreens, that reproduce through cones. It highlights the differences in their needles, shape, color, size, and form; the contrasts in their bark texture and color; and the range of shapes and colors in their cones.
Garden Conifer Collection
The Garden Conifer Collection can be found in a large bed south of the Conifer Walk. Here, home gardeners and landscape professionals can find evergreen shrubs and small trees that will inspire a beautiful design.
Important Information
Hours: The Conifer Walk is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to sunset (7:00 a.m. for members).
Parking: The nearest available parking is in parking lot P-1, on the Arboretum’s East Side.
Restrooms: Accessible, heated restrooms in the Visitor Center, West Pavilion, and Children’s Garden are open to all guests year-round.
Seating: Benches are placed along the trail.
Shelter: No shelter is available along the trail.
Accessibility: The Conifer Walk features a paved path that is accessible to wheelchairs and walkers. The path is less than a half-mile long and is a loop, with smaller loops for shorter walks.
Admission: The Conifer Walk is included with Arboretum admission.
Water: No drinking fountains are available along the trail.
