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    The Morton Arboretum

    4.3 (839 reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Services - The Morton Arboretum

    Community Service/Non-Profit

    The Morton Arboretum Photos

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    Katie N.

    The Morton arboretum is a gem. While I prefer the botanical gardens, the arboretum is beautiful too. They have lots of events throughout the year. I have attended concerts and loteria nights. Volunteers are friendly. Parking lot can get crowded for events, so if you do come here, plan to get here at the gate opening time.

    Snowflake shaped light.
    Stefanie K.

    This is the second time I've gone to the Morton Arboretum for their Illumination event, and it's been fantastic both times. Despite the fact it was cold outside, we enjoyed the various light installations, especially with the freshly fallen snow to set the mood. I didn't take as many pictures this time, I was too busy enjoying the lights - the lantern section this year was my favorite! They do a great job with making sure the path is cleared and there are places you can step off of it so you're out of the way if you want to take pictures or just want to be by an installation for a while. You can't get lost, they have signs and people posted to help make sure foot traffic keeps moving in one direction. I think the cost is fair, if you're a member it's a bit cheaper, but we are not. Giving it 4/5 stars for this last experience because there were supposed to be fire pits along the path but there were none this time, just one heated tent that was packed, so we didn't have another way to warm up a bit during the mile long walk. I do look forward to going again next year!

    Annette M.

    We came to the arboretum to attend the Crane Chat for members and volunteers of the International Crane Foundation which was held in the Ginko Room. Since we arrived early we walked the beautiful grounds that were decorated for fall and saw the current exhibit called Vivid Creatures. After the talk we were treated to drinks and snacks while mingling with attendees and chatting with ICF staff. It was a really lovely evening.

    Pretty flowers
    Lisa P.

    The weather has been so nice lately; cool, breezy and still sunny. So, it makes sense to enjoy the outdoors. I am appreciating the break from the hot, muggy Chi town temperatures. My goal is to walk three days a week exploring different venues and appreciating all that it offers; sights and sounds of nature, sweet aromas and beautiful landscapes. The Morton Arboretum has a plethora of things to do from driving, hiking, walking, jogging and exploring the picturesque grounds. Please keep in mind that if you choose to walk, you better be wearing shoes with a sturdy sole, have your fitness watch fully charged, water on deck for hydration and have done some stretching. There are inclines everywhere and you will certainly feel it. I had planned to jump on the tram but after exploring the grounds searching for each vivid creature, I was both tired and hungry. I decided I can do this on another visit. I have a question for you, what is one beautiful thing you saw outside today?

    Nicole L.

    I can't believe my earlier review because I love love love this place now! I have been a member for over a decade and call it my happy place. Whether the weather is good or bad, I come here to enjoy nature. Sometimes in the winter my husband and I will just drive around the grounds and see what birds we can spot from the car. There are so many trails that we're still discovering new ones to explore. Being a member really cuts down on the overall price if you're able to visit as frequently as we do.

    Bob R.

    This was our first visit to the Morton Arboretum and it was a fantastic experience. It was a hot summer day and that made it difficult to walk too far without getting overheated. I'd say we walked about a mile, then opted to go on their tram. The tram picks you up in the back of the welcome center. I had no idea how huge this place was until we rode the tram. (I didn't see the map in the welcome center until we finished the tram ride.) Our driver/guide was very knowledgeable about the history of the Arboretum and about the various types of trees planted throughout. You would never know this is right by the highway. They strategically place mounds of dirt to hide the highway and the sounds. I can't begin to recount the types of trees we saw. A few were familiar, but I admit I had never heard of most of them. All in all, this was fascinating. We want to go back, but think we're wait until the leaves are changing. It should be even more beautiful in Autumn.

    Sami U.

    My best friend proposed to his girlfriend yesterday here! It was our first time here and quite literally it has amazing views and lots of greenery perfect for runs and bike riding! They also have a beautiful area where they conduct weddings and events with a water fall. The ticket is very affordable at $15 for Dupage residents and really is worth it! Definitely recommend this place to all to visit for the vibes.

    Rosa J.

    We are members of the Chicago Botanic Garden, and this benefit allows us to gain access to the "Morton Arboretum" at no cost due to the reciprocal garden network. Honestly, I've found it very worth it for our family because the kids truly enjoy going there whenever we get a chance. The younger ones can take advantage of the children's garden. They have tree slides, water fountains, suspended bridge, and other sensory experiences to keep the kids busy. It opens until 5pm daily so usually that is our first stop and then we move on to explore other parts of the arboretum. We really haven't gone through the "entire" place, according to the map. However, that really isn't our quest to conquer every spot of the Morton Arboretum. We simply just want to spend some quality time with kids and they also get to exercise, run around, and do their spontaneous things! The cafe sells caffeinated/non-caffeinated beverages, sandwiches, cookies, and beer. As they should be, items are pricier than what we want to pay on a regular basis. Nevertheless, bring your own food and drinks, find a spot to picnic, and enjoy what mother nature has to offer. Location wise, it takes more than 40 minutes one way to travel, but we don't mind if there is no other agenda for the rest of day. Parking is free and fetching a spot shouldn't be an issue. I see weddings and celebrations happen frequently during summer/early fall and part of the walkkng paths may be closed due to these private events. I would say to bring a stroller just in case the toddler gets tired from walking.

    Illuminations at the Morton Arboretum
    MaryAnn B.

    Wonderful and festive evening walk during Christmas season in Lisle Illinois . About a mile of dazzling lights illuminating the landscape. Fun way to enjoy a unique experience in this treasure of trails, trees landscape. Stopped in to the cafe for nice meal choices or just a yummy hot chocolate. Everyone happy having fun. Not cheap but worth it for such a beautiful holiday adventure.

    Melanie A.

    I've been going yearly since my 3 year old was born. It's really nice that he is still free- makes paying the adult price to take a young kid seem more reasonable. I personally wouldn't pay for two adults to go unless you are an outdoorsy family and know you'll spend several hours there. On that note- we do go as a family every year for the lights because we actually prefer the simplicity of it (perfect for toddlers when it's freezing cold and you want somewhere quicker than a freezing zoo trip- maybe 30m with a stop for spiked hot cocoa but without stopping for smores) Keep in mind that a regular stroller isn't the best for the wood-chip path around the water. This was my first summer going for free on a Tuesday with an educator pass, and it reminded me that my kid can just enjoy being outdoors without any big fancy playground. We got there around 5pm; parking was a breeze and the children's play garden was conveniently open later (until 7:30). We spent about 1.5 hours there- could have easily lasted another 30 minutes to an hour. My son loved walking the paved paths to find the rainbow animal sculptures, crossing the pond by rocks, and going through the treetops by way of rope sway bridges. So many beautiful details throughout the gardens!!

    Cheryl W.

    The views are incredible. I had no idea how large this place is until I was given a map when we were inside. This is the perfect place to have a picnic or go on a walk. We walked a bit and then drove around. They currently have their vivid creatures exhibition open, so I highly recommend you check it out! The cost of the ticket is definitely worth it. The only thing I didn't like was the terrible service at the little cafe inside the visitor center. That negative experience didn't impact my visit, though. We still enjoyed our time!

    Wendy L.

    I've been visiting the Morton Arboretum on average once per year for the last few years. It's just a nice, expansive space to enjoy some quiet nature and walk through the woods. I've biked the whole main trail before, and today I also drove the trail. They have a tram ride tour that I have yet to go on, and this year the trams start running at the end of April. Their children's garden is always a huge hit with kids, and packed! In the summer, lots of kids enjoy the stream and get wet. You can basically spend your whole visit here with your little ones. I also highly recommend eating lunch at their Gingko cafe- it has an excellent view of the pond and some great food selection.

    Sculpture
    Lori S.

    My suggestion definitely wear a good pair of walking shoes. When visiting you're able to drive through the grounds for viewing. But to see any of the gardens or the current art pieces up close you do need to go on foot. My husband & myself really enjoyed ourselves on our visit. We saw the Vivid Creatures, I love the size & how colorful they are! Very beautiful! There's also mini golf, the Sterling Morton Library, events & family programs.

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    The Morton Arboretum Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Morton Arboretum

    Are the trolls still there or were they exhibits replaced with the new nature statues?

    Hi Richard. As others have confirmed, the Troll Hunt exhibition ended in January 2021. The new Human+Nature exhibition features five large-scale sculptures by artist Daniel Popper. The exhibition is free with general admission entry, and parking is… Read more

    Has anyone else had issues with the radio (88.5 FM) cutting in and out? It was even getting music from other stations (including Metallica) as well as static most of the time we were in the Arboretum.

    I saw it twice, in 2 different cars. Didn't have that issue either time.

    Are there long lines to enter the park if you arrive at the designated time?

    No, there was no line at the gate. I think the lack of any lines is due to the fact that all tickets are pre-purchased and the gate person only has to scan the barcode. There are no concessions available.

    Does the concessions throughout take credit cards or cash only?

    They take both cards and cash

    Are there any bathrooms throughout?

    No there is not. The only one is in the visitor center.

    Does membership run for 1 year from date of sign up?

    Yes

    Can you get in just to have lunch?

    You would still have to pay to enter the park regardless of what you are trying to do at the park.

    View All 8 Questions

    Review Highlights - The Morton Arboretum

    The park is large and beautiful, with many interactive things to do, while still looking at and appreciating nature.

    Mentioned in 111 reviews

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    Savers - Loft for $20...

    Savers

    (12 reviews)

    I'm one giving this place two stars just because it's highly overpriced. Like, it's used clothing…read morethere is no way anybody should be paying $8 for a single used tank top! You could buy a new pack of tank tops from Walmart for that price! That's like if location was able to convince the customer to buy used underwear for $4 a pair. I don't know who would buy that! Extravagant prices for jeans and other clothing! I will say that the store was really clean , shells were well organized and it was no garbage on the floor . Great variety of items that I would have not expected . Me and my wife did spend a nice hour and a half here checking out what was offered but if the price is here cheaper and immediately get stuff off the racks and inventory so you can bring more stuff in you should really lower the prices!

    This place is pretty bad. Everything is overpriced. I won't ever come here on any other day than…read moreMonday. They also knowingly sell counterfeit items that they have the audacity to price as if it were real. Let me write that again. They knowingly sell overpriced counterfeit goods in direct violation of Illinois' Counterfeit Trademark Act. Also, and let me preface this by saying retail work is hard but the store manager sets the tone and hers is not very friendly, at all. One time I was there on a very busy Monday and she just randomly starts accusing everyone of shoplifting. She then closed all the self serve registers creating a huge line which was shoppers to fight with each other. Lady, the over priced goods that are being sold were DONATED. Why are you getting all bent out of shape and acting like everyone is stealing? Maybe, knowing that Mondays are the busiest day of the week, you should accurately staff your store. I have to agree with the other reviewer, the manager might be racist. She is very rude to people who do not resemble her. In fact, she was so hostile, my 13 year old actually called her out. Thanks store manager for showing my child discriminatory behavior out in the wild. Until now, she had only read and heard about such behavior.

    The Morton Arboretum - gardens - Updated June 2026

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