During Tails on the Trails events, guests 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 connect with local animal shelters about volunteering options.
The upcoming Tails on the Trails pet expo event will be held on Sunday, May 4, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Dogs are allowed on the trails until sunset.
Admission
Dog admission is $5 per dog and is available only on designated Dog Admission Days and Tails on the Trails events. Each dog needs a ticket.
General admission tickets are required for people, except for members. Plan ahead and save on general admission by purchasing tickets online. Tickets bought online are always $2 cheaper.
Arboretum members may enter at any time without general admission tickets by showing their current physical or digital membership card at the gatehouse. Have your membership card, general admission ticket, dog admission tickets, or payment ready when approaching the gatehouse.
Rules and Restrictions
Please note that dogs must be attended and on a leash at all times, must stay on marked trails, and are not allowed in some locations at the Arboretum.
Pet Expo Vendors and Map
The Tails on the Trails pet expo takes place in Arbor Court and on the south side of Meadow Lake on the Arboretum’s East Side, next to the Visitor Center. The closest parking is in Parking Lot 1.
A map and details about vendor locations will be available closer to the event date.
Admission
Dog admission is $5 per dog and is available only on designated Dog Admission Days and for Tails on the Trails events. Each dog needs a ticket.
General admission tickets are required for people, except for members. Plan ahead and save on general admission by purchasing tickets online. Tickets bought online are always $2 cheaper.
Arboretum members may enter at any time without general admission tickets by showing their current physical or digital membership card at the gatehouse.
Have your member ID or guest ticket, as well as dog admission tickets, ready when approaching the gatehouse.
Rules and Restrictions
Please note that dogs must be attended and on a leash at all times, must stay on marked trails, and are not allowed in some locations of the Arboretum.
Rules for Visiting with Dogs
Guests who visit the Arboretum with dogs on Dog Admission Days must adhere to the following rules.
- Dogs must be attended and on a leash at all times.
- All dogs must have updated vaccinations and registrations.
- For the safety of 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 permitted on Walking Play performances.
Restricted Locations
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
Dog-Friendly Restrooms
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
Visiting 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 guests disregard this rule, staff or guests 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.
