Morton Arboretum brings culture and family fun outdoors
A living museum and one of the world's leading tree research centers, the Morton Arboretum in Lisle is home to thousands of trees and plants from around the world. Since its 1922 founding by Joy Morton of the Morton Salt company, the arboretum's sprawling 1,700 acres of woodlands, wetlands and prairie continue to beckon visitors of all ages to connect with nature and enjoy outdoor recreational activities like hiking or biking.
The Morton Arboretum is building a summer like no other with a slate of new events and returning favorites. Visit and take a walk around the grounds to learn about the arboretum's more than 4,100 different types of trees, hop on the Acorn Express tram for a guided tour, find daily activities in the award-winning Children's Garden, or join us for one of our summer events. Here's a look at this summer's highlights.
Nature Connects: Art with Lego Bricks by Sean Kenney, July 17 to Nov. 1.
Lego fans of all ages will be dazzled by Nature Connects, featuring sculptures of nature's top attractions carefully crafted from nearly half a million Lego bricks. Highlights of the 13 displays, which will be placed throughout the arboretum's east side, include a nearly 7-foot-tall peacock showing off its brilliant green and blue plumage and a hummingbird sipping nectar from a colorful trumpet flower. During the exhibition, the arboretum also will host several Lego-themed events and activities for children as well as a play-and-stay area where kids of all ages can get creative with Lego bricks. Nature Connects is free with arboretum admission.
Destination Asia festival: Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 1 and 2.
Take a trip around the world during the arboretum's second-annual Destination Asia cultural festival. Experience authentic music, dance and cuisine, and visit the arboretum's Asian tree collections to learn more about the trees from these regions. Events take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and are free with admission.
Theatre-Hikes: July 11 to Oct. 31.
Walk along with the action of favorite literary tales performed live among 1,700 acres of trees and beautiful landscapes. Join the action with "The Man in the Iron Mask" in July and "Clue: The Musical" in August. In September, take part in a hiking rendition of "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)," and enjoy "War of the Worlds" in October. Tickets, including admission, are $10 for adult members, $5 for children; $20 for other adults, $10 for children.
Movie Nights: July 18 and Aug. 15.
Grab a chair or blanket and enjoy movies under the arboretum's trees on a warm summer night. Audiences can gather for family favorite "The Lego Movie" in July and the 2014 smash hit "Guardians of the Galaxy" in August. Concessions will be available. Movie Nights are free with arboretum admission.
Other popular events taking place this summer include the return of Wednesdays, Woods and Wine. Enjoy wine, tapas and live music among the towering trees through Aug. 26. Through Aug. 27, spend a beautiful summer evening in the Children's Garden for Thursday Family Nights, with extended hours and live music from some of the area's best kid's performers.
Visit the arboretum's website at mortonarb.org for details about these events and many others.
Nonmember admission rates to the Morton Arboretum are $14 for adults ages 18 to 64, $9 on Wednesday; $12 for seniors ages 65 and older, $8 on Wednesday; $9 for ages 2 to 17, $6 on Wednesday; and free for younger children. Parking is free with admission. Members receive free general admission all year long.