Do you like to hike with your hound, especially in places where pets are not usually permitted?
You’re in luck: Dog Admission Day is 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 15 at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle.
“The arboretum hosts Dog Admission Day five times per year, giving members and guests several opportunities to bring their four-legged friends to safely enjoy the arboretum’s 16 miles of trails during every season,” said Allie Betti, special events coordinator. “Dogs are only allowed on our site on certain days of the year, so as you might expect, these dog-friendly events are extremely popular.”
Depending on the weather, anywhere from 800 to 1,500 furry pals will come to romp throughout the day. All dog breeds are welcome.
“Dog owners absolutely love and look forward to dog-friendly days,” Betti said. “It is a great opportunity to get outside in a safe environment among other dog lovers.”
And hopefully enjoy the tail end of some beautiful fall colors.
“Families are looking for safe spaces to spend time together, and the arboretum’s 1,700 acres allow guests and their four-legged friends to really spread out and explore our scenic trail system and diverse plant collections,” Betti said.
True to the arboretum’s mission, the program is an opportunity to bring the entire family — including canine fur babies — to learn about the wide variety of trees, shrubs and other plants from around the world. And possibly sniff out some giants.
“My favorite thing about Dog Admission Day is seeing the dogs interact with the Troll Hunt exhibition sculptures,” Betti said. “These six colossal trolls stand 15 to 30 feet tall and are hidden all throughout the grounds. It’s quite a fun hunt.”
To meet social-distancing guidelines, entry is limited by capacity, with timed-entry member passes and guest tickets required for both humans and dogs. Admission for all dogs is $5 each. Arboretum (human) members are free. Guest admission rates are $15 for adults 18 to 64, $13 for seniors ages 65 and over, and $10 for children ages 2 to 17. Children under age 2 are free. Parking is included with admission. Tickets should be purchased online in advance at mortonarb.org. No tickets will be sold at the front gate.
“Social distancing is essential for all who visit,” Betti said. “Guests are asked to wear masks when indoors and outdoors when six feet of social distance cannot be accommodated.”
A few pooch-specific rules will be in place: Dogs must have updated vaccinations and registrations and must leashed and attended at all times. Do not go off marked trails. Clean up after your canine.
Dogs are not allowed in the Children’s Garden, Maze Garden, Visitor Center, Thornhill Education Center, or Administration Building and Research Center. Portable restrooms for humans with dogs are located at the Thornhill Picnic Shelter, Prairie Visitor Station and Big Rock Visitor Station.
The next Dog Admission Day is Feb. 21, 2021.
Dog Admission Day
When: 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 15
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Where: The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Rt. 53 in Lisle
Tickets: $10-$15 per person; dogs are $5
Information: 630-968-0074; www.mortonarb.org/events/dog-admission-day
Jen Banowetz is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.