Autumn inspires in the ginkgo an intense, brief reaction. Seemingly overnight, the ginkgo's fan-shaped leaves turn a pure yellow. But the beauty is fleeting. You can walk by it one day, and see it all its full golden glory. The next day, half the leaves will have fallen. The next, bare twigs and branches preside over a pile of leaves scattered on the ground. Joy Morton, founder of The Morton Arboretum, was particularly fond of the Ginkgo tree for its enduring beauty, and the ginkgo has become our signature tree.

Find the Ginkgo Collection on the East Side, near Parking Lots 17 and 18.

On lower Joy Path, you'll encounter majestic oaks, their branches reaching for the horizon. Along with their acorns, their red to red-brown distinct lobed leaves evoke the crunchy-crisp days and cool evenings of autumn. Animals know to squirrel away the acorns to get through winter. When you wander underneath the oaks' sturdy limbs and curled reddish leaves, you'll also know winter is not far away.

Find the West Side Oaks on lower Joy Path, west of Lake Jopamaca.

In early fall wander the woodlands on the East Side and you'll find the sugar maples, spectacular in their bright orange beauty. They form a sort of cathedral, delicately ornamented with glowing leaves that whisper in the wind. It's a secret place perfect for a quiet contemplative hike on a cool fall day. A few weeks later, return for the oak trees, resplendent in all their red finery.

Find the East Woods Sugar Maples along the East Side Main Route, between Parking Lots 10 and 13.

All the lakes and ponds of the Arboretum offer their charms, but Meadow Lake in particular is easily accessible to visitors of all ages and levels of mobility. Benches, interpretive signs, and plant display labels make the experience relaxing, entertaining, and educational. In autumn the lake is ringed by a gorgeous fall foliage display that is reflected in the quiet water. Look for birds perching in the shrubs or among protective conifers, perhaps snacking on seeds from the cones.

Meadow Lake is just north of the Visitor Center and is also accessible by a path leading from the Main Parking Lot.

Not to be outdone by the summer wildflower display, the fall flowering plants of the Schulenberg Prairie put on a riotous show. The prairie is thick with goldenrods, asters, and coneflowers, which almost shout their yellows and purples under the autumn sun. If you're lucky, you may glimpse a flock of sandhill cranes overhead as they make their yearly migration.

Park at the Prairie Visitor Station on the far end of the West Side.