LISLE, Ill. (May 16, 2024)— The Morton Arboretum’s tree science will grace the green May 24 with the debut of its new Wonder Woods Mini Golf attraction. The nine-hole pop-up course will engage and educate players of all ages about the fascinating world of trees and their significant role in Illinois ecosystems through Sept. 2.
“We’re excited to offer this fun and interactive way to showcase the invaluable role trees play in our lives and the Arboretum’s global science and conservation work,” said Amy Scott, head of exhibitions.
The visually compelling tree-themed course is colorful and imaginative. Features include giant mushrooms, oversized bugs and colossal acorns in playful game elements such as Plinko and foosball. Players will learn how tree rings tell the life story of a tree, putt through a stylized forest canopy and explore how sound waves are used to detect decay in trees.
The Arboretum’s exhibitions and design teams, in collaboration with the science and conservation staff, meticulously created each hole in-house, with guidance from A Couple of Putts, Minneapolis-based mini golf consultants.
“Each hole was imagined by Arboretum staff and is custom-designed, with every detail bearing the Arboretum’s stamp,” said Grant Apgar, creative director.
The course is wheelchair-accessible and situated in the heart of the Arboretum’s core Visitor Center area. Other nearby attractions include the acclaimed Children’s Garden, the serene 2-acre Grand Garden, Maze Garden, and two sculptures in the Arboretum’s current outdoor art exhibition Of the Earth by artist Olga Ziemska.
“Public gardens like the Arboretum provide important opportunities for immersive learning and understanding about the natural world,” said Scott. “At the core of the Arboretum’s mission to plant and protect trees is the commitment to educate youth and adults to foster a deeper appreciation for trees.”
The mini golf course is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week, May 24 through Sept. 2. Tickets for the Wonder Woods season are available online, and are in addition to Arboretum general admission. Member tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for children, and nonmember tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children. Additional rounds of play may be purchased on-site for $2, subject to availability. Participants must be at least 4 years old to play. Adult supervision is mandatory for players under the age of 15.
To reserve tickets online and for more information about Wonder Woods visit mortonarb.org.