Celebrate colors, flavors of fall at Morton Arboretum
Sunlight streams through leaves burnished gold. On a morning hike along a winding wood-chipped trail, a canopy of trees from around the world rustles in the breeze - red, yellow and orange leaves as vivid as the shades on a painter's palette
At the Morton Arboretum, you can find trees from more than 40 countries in their fall grandeur, with 16 miles of hiking trails to explore and an array of events celebrating the season.
October's monthlong Fall Color Festival opens with the Fall Color 5K Run and Walk on Sunday, Oct. 2. Race participants follow a course through the woodlands during the race, which includes a kid's dash and post-race party.
Pumpkins, another hallmark of the season, are displayed throughout the arboretum's grounds. Along with real pumpkins of all sizes are thousands of glittering glass orbs for sale during the sixth annual Glass Pumpkin Patch from Wednesday to Sunday, Oct. 12-16. The fall favorite includes demonstrations by professional glassblowers from around the country and one-of-a-kind pieces for sale.
What's fall without a Halloween-type thrill? With the Mystery Dinner at Thornhill Mansion, journey to 1977, the height of the disco era, and help detectives solve a crime at Thornhill, the historic Morton family mansion.
Come attired in groovy garb and enjoy dinner while the caper unfolds Thursdays, Oct. 20 or 27, or Saturday, Oct. 29.
On Saturday, Oct. 22, enjoy the flavors of fall with the Cider and Ale Festival featuring dozens of craft breweries.
Families can have fun at the BOO Breakfast, complete with costumed characters, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 29 and 30. All month long, kids also are welcome to take part in games and crafts in the Trick-or-Trees program in the four-acre Children's Garden.
Throughout October, arboretum visitors can enjoy the Scarecrow Trail. Designed by local Scout troops, the handmade creations encircling Meadow Lake add a sense of whimsy and fun to the natural surroundings. Every weekend, visitors also can enjoy seasonal fare, including taffy apples and kettle corn.
All event dates and times are subject to change. For information about the arboretum's fall festivities, visit mortonarb.org/fallcolorfest.
Arboretum admission is $14 for adults, $12 for seniors ages 65 and older, $9 for ages 2 to 17 and free for younger children and members. On Wednesdays, admission is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors and $6 for children.