Morton Arboretum Park

Address: The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL 60532, United States

Website: https://www.mortonarb.org

Hours: Daily 8am-5pm (hours vary seasonally)

Admission: Adult admission ~ $20 (prices may vary); members free

The Morton Arboretum is a large public arboretum and research institution in Lisle, Illinois, established in 1922 by Joy Morton and covering about 1,700 acres. It combines public gardens, conservation collections and scientific research on trees and woody plants.

Founded in the early 20th century to promote the planting and conservation of trees, the Arboretum has grown its living collections and research programs over the decades and now serves as a regional center for tree science and education. It operates botanical collections, conservation initiatives and public programming.

Located in the village of Lisle in DuPage County, the arboretum sits roughly west of downtown Chicago and is accessible by car from the Chicago metropolitan area. The property includes mixed woodlands, cultivated gardens and open landscapes.

• Founding and size: Founded in 1922 by industrialist Joy Morton and covering approximately 1,700 acres, it is both a public garden and a research institution.
• Collections and research: Noted for seasonal displays and a large collection of labeled trees and woody plants used in research and conservation.

What to See#

• Children’s Garden: The Children’s Garden, a dedicated interactive area for young visitors with hands-on exhibits and play features.
• Trails and landscapes: Extensive trail network and open meadows spanning the arboretum’s landscape across lakes and woodland.

The Morton Arboretum is in Lisle, Illinois (about 25-30 miles / 40-50 km west of downtown Chicago). By car take I‑88 (East/West Tollway) toward Lisle and follow local roads to the arboretum; Route/County roads and IL‑53 serve the area. By public transit take Metra’s BNSF commuter line from Chicago Union Station to Lisle station, then a short taxi or rideshare (roughly a 5-15 minute drive) to the arboretum - local bus service is limited, so plan for the final short road transfer.

• Plan a visit in autumn for peak fall color and go on a weekday morning to avoid weekend crowds that concentrate at the visitor center and popular trails.
• Enter through the arboretum's main Route 53 entrance, pick up a map and follow the marked driving or walking loops to see the highlights rather than wandering aimlessly.
• If you want to see popular seasonal features or guided tram tours, check and reserve those timed activities on the Arboretum's website in advance to avoid disappointment.