If you encounter issues loading this site, please refresh the page by using Ctrl + F5 if on Windows or Cmd + Shift + R if on Mac.

Know Before You Go: Important information and helpful hints for your next visit
The Morton Arboretum Get tickets

Hours

The Morton Arboretum is open 365 days a year, from 7:00 a.m. to sunset daily (members-only hours 7:00-9:00 a.m.. Last timed entry is one hour before sunset).

Content Detail

Hours of Operation

Many of the Arboretum’s gardens and buildings have their own hours, which vary seasonally and in response to inclement weather and public health directives. Before you visit, please check your destination’s hours.

  • The Arboretum grounds are open daily, 365 days a year, from 7:00 a.m. to sunset (members-only hours 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. Last entry is at 7:00 p.m.). Timed-entry tickets or passes are required. The Arboretum closes at sunset and all guests must leave the grounds at that time.

  • The grounds are open and free to the public on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day (members-only hours 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. Last entry during winter months is 3:00 p.m., except for Christmas Eve, when the grounds close at 3:00 p.m.).

    Timed-entry tickets or passes are required, even on holidays when admission is free. All buildings and the Children’s Garden are closed on these dates. Portable restrooms are available throughout the grounds.

    Thanksgiving: Normal hours, free admission; last entry at 3:00 p.m. Buildings and Children’s Garden closed.

    Christmas Eve: Buildings and Children’s Garden open; last entry at 2:00 p.m. (grounds close at 3:00 p.m.). Ginkgo Café is open until 2:00 p.m.

    Christmas Day: Normal hours, free admission; buildings and Children’s Garden closed.

    New Year’s Eve: Normal hours; buildings and Children’s Garden open.

    New Year’s Day: Normal hours; buildings and Children’s Garden open. Gingko restaurant is closed during the day (but open at night for Illumination).

  • The Visitor Center is open daily, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The restrooms inside the Visitor Center are currently open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily and the West Pavilion restrooms are open until sunset; closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day; closed at 3:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

  • The Children’s Garden is open daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Members are admitted early on Friday, at 9:00 a.m. The Children’s Garden is open until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday in June, July, and August.

    Severe weather or ice and snow removal may close the Children’s Garden temporarily. Please call ahead during snowy or rainy conditions to ensure access. The garden is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and December 26. No rainchecks or refunds are given for expected or unexpected weather-related closures in the Children’s Garden.

  • The Arboretum Store is open daily, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day; closed at 3:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

  • The garden is open daily, 9:30 a.m. to sunset. Please call ahead during snowy or rainy conditions to ensure access.

  • The Plant Clinic is open for visits or calls, Monday through Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (630-719-2424). You may also email plantclinic@mortonarb.org at any time with your tree and plant questions.

    The Plant Clinic is closed on Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.

  • The restaurant is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Open during lunch hours only; no weekend breakfast hours. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

  • An assortment of food and beverages is available for purchase at the Ginkgo Café, open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

  • The library is open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.

    The library is closed on the following holidays: July 4, Thanksgiving Day, the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.

  • The Thornhill Education Center is open and available for events, programs, and activities by advanced reservation only. Please contact the Education Registration office at 630-719-2468 for more information.

  • The Founder’s Room at Thornhill Education Center is available for private, scheduled events. Please contact the Education Registration office at 630-719-2468 for more information.