Get Up Close and Personal With Nature, Fun at Lisle's Morton Arboretum

Looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life for a few hours?

Why not take a trip to the Morton Arboretum and immerse yourself in an oasis of trees, hiking trails, and 900 acres of natural areas including the prototypical, restored 100-acre Schulenberg Prairie.

Founded in 1922 by Morton Salt magnate Joy Morton, the Morton Arboretum, located at 4100 Illinois Route 53, in Lisle, is an internationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to the planting and conservation of trees. More than 222,000 live plants representing nearly 4,300 taxa from around the world make up its 1,700 acres.

Also on the grounds are the Visitor Center and Plant Clinic, The Arboretum Store, Ginkgo Restaurant and Café, four-acre Children’s Garden, one-acre Maze Garden, an environmentally-friendly parking lot, and a paved walking trail around restored Meadow Lake. The Arboretum also houses the renowned Sterling Morton Library, devoted to the literature and art of botany and horticulture.

During winter months, put on your coats and mittens to cross-country ski or snowshoe. Bring your own skis and snowshoes or rent some at the Arboretum.

The Arboretum is open 365 days a year. The grounds open at 7 a.m. year-round and close at sunset.

Admission fees are $12 for adults ages 18 to 64; $11 for seniors ages 65 and up; and $9 for those ages 2 to 17. Children 1 and younger are free. Wednesdays offer discount admissions: adults are $8; seniors are $7; and those ages 2 to 17 are $6. Admission includes free parking. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult while visiting the Arboretum.

Want to take a tram tour of the grounds or take in a special event at the Arboretum? Head to Visitor Services for to find detailed calendars, brochures, and informational handouts.

The Arboretum is two miles from the Metra train station in Lisle (Burlington Northern stop).

For more information, call (630) 968-0074 or visit www.mortonarb.org.