Morton Arboretum

What is Morton Arboretum?

Morton Arboretum covers 1,700 acres and features a wide range of tree and plant collections, gardens, and natural areas. There are more than 4,100 types of trees and over 200,000 individual plants. The grounds include a restored tallgrass prairie, 16 miles of hiking trails, a maze, and a large children’s garden. The site also houses a library, herbarium, and a visitor center designed with sustainable materials. Visitors can walk, bike, or drive through the grounds and enjoy both formal gardens and wild landscapes.

The history of Morton Arboretum

Joy Morton, who founded Morton Salt, established the arboretum in 1922 on his estate in Lisle, Illinois. The original area began with land from the Thornhill estate, which was set up in 1910. The Morton family remained involved in its leadership for decades, with several family members serving as board chairs. Over time, the arboretum expanded its land, collections, and educational programs, becoming a center for plant research and public learning.

What there is to see

The arboretum is open every day of the year. Its grounds are organized into living collections, gardens, and restored habitats. The Schulenberg Prairie, started in the early 1960s, was created by planting seeds from local prairies to bring back native grassland on former farmland. The site also includes a library built in the 1960s, a modern visitor center, and spaces for education and research. Trails and roads let visitors explore by foot, bike, or car.

When to go

People visit Morton Arboretum for recreation, education, and to learn about trees and conservation. The arboretum offers classes for all ages, from children to professionals, and runs outreach programs on tree care and urban forestry. The Plant Clinic answers questions from the public. Special events, such as the annual Illumination tree lights display, draw visitors in winter. The grounds are used for walking, nature study, and family activities throughout the year.

Parts and collections

The arboretum’s collections include trees and plants from around the world, with a focus on oaks and other woody species. The Schulenberg Prairie is a notable example of prairie restoration. The site also holds grafted cuttings from a historic bur oak once at Lincoln Park Zoo. The Sterling Morton Library preserves rare books, art, and documents related to plant science and landscape design.

Why Morton Arboretum matters

Morton Arboretum is recognized for its role in tree conservation and restoration. It serves as the IUCN Center for Species Survival: Trees, supporting global efforts to protect threatened tree species. The arboretum’s outreach and research influence tree care in the Chicago region and beyond. Its history is closely tied to the Morton family, who also helped establish Arbor Day, a holiday promoting tree planting.

Questions people ask about Morton Arboretum

Good reading and sources

• Official websiteOfficial site
• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle

• Morton Arboretum on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data