Image from Morton Arboreteum website
Morton Arboretum Free Day Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Morton Arboretum has three free days a year Arbor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. On Thanksgiving and Christmas all the buildings are closed and of course it can be cold. On Arbor Day everything is open. It’s a very busy day. The arboretum recommends arriving early.
When: Thursday November 25, 2021 and Saturday, December 25, 2021. 7 a.m. to sunset.
Where: Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL 60532
Admission includes FREE parking. All buildings and the Children’s Garden will be closed. Restrooms will be available in the west pavilion of the Visitor Center and the West Side shelter at Parking Lot 21.
Enjoy FREE admission. Take a hike and burn off some calories after your Thanksgiving and Christmas meals.
Please leave pets at home.
Regular admission fees are:
- Adults ages 18–64, $15 ($10 Wednesdays*)
- Seniors 65, +$13 ($9 Wednesdays*)
- Children ages 2–17, $10 ($7 Wednesdays*)
- Children 1 and younger are free
Arboretum roads and trails
Nine miles of paved roads wind through The Morton Arboretum providing vehicles, bicyclists, and runners with a stunning view of the majestic landscape. In addition, 16 miles of trails are maintained year-round for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Biking
Bike nine miles of paved roads that wind through the magnificent tree collections. Hop on a bicycle, and explore our expansive grounds in a new and adventurous way all year-round, weather permitting. LEARN MORE
Hiking
Many visitors prefer to hike throughout The Morton Arboretum because it lets them experience nature up close, in new and intimate ways. The Arboretum maintains trails just for hiking, or walking, or strolling—for the express purpose of allowing people a serene experience among the trees. LEARN MORE
Running
The sights, sounds, and smells that change with the season, as well as the safe roads and varied terrain, make the Arboretum a runner’s paradise year-round. LEARN MORE
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Getting there:
There is no viable way to get there without a car unless you take Metra (BSNF) to Lisle and call for a taxi or Uber to take you back and forth from the Metra Station or bring your bike on the train. The Arboretum is 2 miles from the Lisle Metra station.
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Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
Embrace the snowy season and trek through the 1,700 acres of The Morton Arboretum’s grounds on skis or snowshoes. Visitors are invited to bring their own cross-country skis or snowshoes to explore the grounds from 7 a.m. to sunset when there is 4″ or more of snow on the ground. Seasonal rentals are also available at the Visitor Center.
