The Morton Arboretum strives to provide an excellent and welcoming experience for all who visit. We look forward to seeing you.

Exhibition Closure

The sculptural exhibition Of the Earth closed on Saturday, March 1, 2025. A new, upcoming exhibition, Vivid Creatures, will open on Saturday, May 17, 2025.

Admission Process

General Admission

Before visiting the Arboretum, plan ahead and buy general admission tickets online or become a member. The further in advance you purchase tickets online, the more you save.

General admission is also always $2 less expensive when you purchase online rather than when you arrive at the gatehouse. Purchasing online takes just a few minutes and can be done with a smartphone or computer.

After you purchase a general admission ticket online, it will be sent electronically to the email address provided in the transaction process. You can either print it out or show it on your phone to the gatehouse attendant when you arrive.

The Arboretum is open from 9:00 a.m. to sunset. Once you have paid general admission, you can drive and park anywhere in the Arboretum with no additional admission or parking cost.

Member Admission

Members may enter the Arboretum on any day without general admission by showing their current physical or digital membership card at the gatehouse. Members have exclusive access to the Arboretum between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m. daily and are welcome to visit and explore the grounds anytime until the Arboretum closes at sunset.

Members can invite family and friends to come to the Arboretum with them, and they can purchase $10 discounted admission tickets per day beyond the admissions included in their membership level. Senior-, Individual-, and Dual-level members can buy one discounted admission ticket. Household- and Tree Advocate-level members can buy up to two discounted admission tickets. Those who use the discounted add-on tickets must be accompanied by the member during their visit and should arrive in the same vehicle or in a vehicle directly behind the member. Learn more about becoming a member.

First-Time Visitors

The Arboretum features 1,700 beautiful acres (690 hectares) and offers far more than anyone can see in one day. For information about what to expect and how to explore the Arboretum during your first visit, read our First-Time Visitors Guide.

Accessibility

The Morton Arboretum welcomes people of all abilities and strives to create a safe, enjoyable, and engaging experience for all. In advance of your visit, explore accessible features of the Arboretum such as paved paths, wheelchair rentals, and sensory resources.

Admission for Accessibility Aides

Anyone who requires the help of an accessibility aide in order to visit may reserve one complimentary admission pass when purchasing general admission. For group visits or field trips, please contact the registrar at registrar-ed@mortonarb.org or 630-719-2468.

Online Ordering at the Ginkgo Restaurant

Skip the line at the Ginkgo Restaurant and enjoy more of the Arboretum by using our convenient online ordering system. Place your order online for pickup. Once you’ve ordered, you’ll receive an estimated pickup time based on the current queue. Orders are packaged in to-go containers so you can enjoy your meal while enjoying the Arboretum. Online ordering is available from opening until 30 minutes before closing. Whether you’re in the restaurant or out on the grounds, you can avoid waiting in line and make the most of your visit.

Visiting with Children

The Morton Arboretum is the perfect place for family members of all ages to connect and experience a fun-filled visit surrounded by nature. As you plan a visit to the Arboretum for your next family outing, explore Visiting with Children to learn more about outdoor play areas, paved and wood-chipped paths, food options, restrooms, water features, and more.

Explore Your Way

There are many ways to explore the Arboretum. You can use the 16 miles of the wood-chipped trails and accessible paths, take a guided tram tour, bring bikes, or drive along the 9 miles of paved roadways to discover and enjoy the unique landscapes, gardens, and plant collections of the Arboretum.

Special Events

The Arboretum hosts many exciting family-friendly events, cultural festivals, concerts, tastings, and race events. Explore upcoming events at the Arboretum or subscribe to our newsletter to learn more.

Your visit supports the Arboretum’s vision of a healthier, greener, more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together.