Events

Visiting with Dogs

Explore the Arboretum with your canine companion on selected dates.

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Several times a year, The Morton Arboretum hosts Dog Admission Days and Tails on the Trails. These are the only times that dogs not designated as service dogs are allowed on the grounds of the Arboretum. Service dogs are welcome at no cost daily, and should be identified when entering at the gatehouse.

These special events provide an opportunity to explore the Arboretum’s 16 miles of trails with your favorite canine companion.

Dog admission is $5 for each dog. Guests must obtain human and dog general admission tickets in advance through the Arboretum’s website. Members may enter at any time without admission tickets by showing their current physical or digital membership card at the gatehouse. Members may purchase dog admission tickets in advance online or at the gatehouse upon entry.

Dog Admission Days

Dog Admission Days offer members and guests the opportunity to visit the Arboretum with their dogs. Vendors and other Pet Expo attractions will not be available on these days.

Tails on the Trails

During Tails on the Trails, guests can explore a Pet Expo, which features dog-oriented shopping from vendors representing local businesses and organizations, opportunities to adopt dogs, and options to learn about volunteering at local animal shelters.

Upcoming Dog Admission Days 2024

  • Sunday, April 21, 2024 (Dog Admission Day)
  • Sunday, May 5, 2024 (Tails On the Trails)
  • Sunday, June 23, 2024 (Dog Admission Day)
  • Sunday, July 21, 2024 (Dog Admission Day)
  • Sunday, August 11, 2024 (Dog Admission Day)
  • Sunday, September 8, 2024 (Dog Admission Day)
  • Sunday, November 3, 2024 (Dog Admission Day)
  • Sunday, December 8, 2024 (Dog Admission Day)

Tails on the Trails

Pets are admitted to the Arboretum only on specific days. During Tails on the Trails, visitors can explore the on-site pet expo, featuring dog-oriented shopping from vendors representing local businesses and organizations. Learn about opportunities to adopt dogs and about options for volunteering at local animal shelters.

Interested in becoming a vendor? Email specialevents@mortonarb.org.

Dog Admission Days

Pets are admitted to the Arboretum only on specific days. Dog Admission Days offers members and guests the opportunity to visit the Arboretum with their dogs. Vendors and other Pet Expo attractions will not be available.

Tips for Visiting with Dogs

Dog admission is $5 for each dog. Guests must obtain human and dog general admission tickets in advance through the Arboretum’s website. Members may enter at any time without admission tickets by showing their current physical or digital membership card at the gatehouse. Members may purchase dog admission tickets in advance online or at the gatehouse upon entry.

Have your member ID and member pass or guest ticket ready when approaching the gatehouse.

Please adhere to the following rules while visiting The Morton Arboretum with your dog on Dog Admission Days

  • Dogs must be attended and on a leash at all times.
  • All dogs must have updated vaccinations and registrations.
  • For the safety of both your pet and the natural environment, do not let dogs go off the marked trails.
  • Please clean up after your pet. Bags are available at the Visitor Center.

Dogs are not allowed in the following locations

  • Children’s Garden
  • Maze Garden
  • Visitor Center
  • Thornhill Educational Center
  • Administration and Research Center
  • May T. Watts Reading Garden
  • Firefly Pavilion

Restrooms for humans who need to bring their dogs with them can be found at the following locations:

  • Thornhill Picnic Shelter
  • Prairie Visitor Station
  • Big Rock Visitor Station

Remember, pets are only permitted at The Morton Arboretum on specific dates. Arboretum general admission is required for all guests and must be purchased online before arriving at the Arboretum. Purchasing admission takes just a few minutes and can be done with a smartphone or computer. Members may enter at any time without general admission tickets by showing their current physical or digital membership card at the gatehouse.

Fees and Admission

Dog admission is $5 per dog for both members and guests and is available only on special Dog Admission Days and Tails on the Trails events. Please remember that dogs are allowed at the Arboretum only on certain days of the year.

Arboretum general admission is required for all guests and must be purchased online before arriving at the Arboretum. Purchasing admission takes just a few minutes and can be done with a smartphone or computer. Members may enter at any time without general admission tickets by showing their current physical or digital membership card at the gatehouse.

Both members and guests are required to have a dog admission pass for each dog accompanying them.

Your visit helps support the Arboretum’s vision of a greener, healthier, more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together.

Visiting the Arboretum with Service Animals

The Morton Arboretum welcomes members and guests of all abilities and strives to create a safe, enjoyable, and engaging experience for all. To support that goal, the Arboretum welcomes all service animals, including those still in training.

Because the Arboretum does not allow pets on the grounds (and some visitors disregard this rule), staff or visitors may inquire about your service animal if it is not wearing a vest or label. To help alleviate these questions, please let the gatehouse attendants know you have a service animal with you when you enter the Arboretum so they can make other staff aware.

To learn more about accessibility at the Arboretum, see the Accessibility Guide.

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