How to Picnic at Morton Arboretum Lakes

The Morton Arboretum, located in Lisle, Illinois, is one of the most revered botanical destinations in the Midwest. Spanning over 1,700 acres, it features meticulously curated woodlands, gardens, and natural water features—including its serene lakes and surrounding meadows. Among its most beloved offerings is the opportunity to enjoy a peaceful, scenic picnic by the lakeside. Whether you're a local resident seeking a quiet weekend escape or a visitor planning a family outing, picnicking at Morton Arboretum Lakes offers a unique blend of nature, tranquility, and aesthetic beauty. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to planning, executing, and enhancing your picnic experience at the lakes, ensuring you make the most of this exceptional natural setting.

Unlike typical park picnics, picnicking at Morton Arboretum Lakes requires thoughtful preparation due to the site’s conservation focus, seasonal regulations, and the desire to preserve its ecological integrity. This tutorial is designed to help you navigate those nuances with confidence. From selecting the perfect spot to packing sustainably and respecting wildlife, every element of this guide is crafted to elevate your experience while honoring the Arboretum’s mission of conservation and education.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Plan Your Visit Around the Arboretum’s Hours and Seasonal Closures

Before you pack your basket, confirm the Morton Arboretum’s operating hours and seasonal access policies. The Arboretum is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. during spring and summer, with slightly shorter hours in fall and winter. However, the lakeside picnic areas are only accessible during public hours, and certain trails or viewpoints may be temporarily closed for habitat restoration or special events.

Visit the official Morton Arboretum website to check the calendar for closures, guided tours, or photography permits that may affect your picnic plans. Avoid weekends during peak foliage season (late September to mid-October) if you prefer solitude. Early weekday mornings are ideal for quiet, undisturbed picnicking with fewer visitors and optimal lighting for photography.

Step 2: Choose Your Picnic Location Wisely

The Arboretum features several lakes, including the largest—Morton Lake—and smaller, more secluded ponds such as the Hidden Pond and the Woodland Pond. Each offers a distinct ambiance:

• Morton Lake – Best for families and groups. Offers expansive views, nearby restrooms, and paved access paths. Popular picnic spots include the grassy area near the Visitor Center and the bench-lined shoreline east of the boathouse.
• Hidden Pond – Ideal for quiet, intimate gatherings. Accessible via the Nature Trail from the Children’s Garden. More shaded and secluded, with fewer amenities but greater wildlife activity.
• Woodland Pond – Perfect for nature enthusiasts. Surrounded by native trees and wildflowers, this area is best for early morning or late afternoon visits when birds are most active.

Use the Arboretum’s interactive map (available on their website or via the mobile app) to locate designated picnic zones. Only picnic in areas marked for public use—grassy fields and designated stone tables are permitted. Avoid sitting directly on the shoreline to protect fragile wetland vegetation.

Step 3: Obtain Required Permits or Reservations

While casual picnicking does not require a reservation, groups of 10 or more must notify the Arboretum in advance. For larger gatherings, you may reserve a picnic shelter near the Visitor Center or the Oak Meadow area. These shelters include tables, trash bins, and access to restrooms but do not have electricity or running water.

For photography sessions, weddings, or organized events involving props or equipment, a special use permit is required. Even if you're simply bringing a tripod or a drone, check the Arboretum’s photography policy—drones are strictly prohibited without written authorization.

Step 4: Pack Smart and Sustainably

Packing for a picnic at Morton Arboretum Lakes means prioritizing sustainability and minimal environmental impact. Follow these guidelines:

• Use reusable containers – Avoid single-use plastics. Opt for stainless steel, glass, or BPA-free silicone containers.
• Bring a cloth napkin and real utensils – Disposable items increase waste and are difficult to clean up in natural areas.
• Carry a collapsible cooler – Choose one with ice packs instead of loose ice, which can melt into soil and disrupt local water tables.
• Include a small trash bag – Pack out everything you bring in. Even biodegradable items like fruit peels can attract wildlife and disrupt natural foraging patterns.
• Bring a lightweight blanket – Choose one made of recycled materials and avoid synthetic fabrics that shed microplastics.

Food suggestions include: cold grain salads, wrapped sandwiches, fresh fruit (apples, grapes, berries), cheese cubes, nuts, and bottled water. Avoid sugary drinks and messy foods like barbecue sauce or sticky desserts that attract ants and wasps.

Step 5: Arrive Early and Follow the Trail System

Arriving early not only ensures parking availability (especially on weekends) but also gives you time to explore the trails before settling in. Use the official trail maps to navigate from the parking lot to your chosen picnic spot. Key access routes include:

• From the Visitor Center: Follow the Path of the Pines to the Lakeview Overlook.
• From the Children’s Garden: Take the Nature Trail to Hidden Pond (approx. 0.6 miles).
• From the East Parking Lot: Use the Oak Trail to reach Woodland Pond.

Stay on designated paths. Off-trail walking can damage root systems and compact soil, which harms native plant growth. The Arboretum’s ecosystem thrives on careful stewardship—your adherence to trails supports that mission.

Step 6: Set Up Your Picnic with Minimal Impact

When you arrive at your chosen spot, lay your blanket on flat, grassy ground away from tree roots and flowering plants. Do not tie ropes to trees, hammer stakes into the soil, or leave items unattended. Use a small, portable table if you have one, but avoid placing heavy objects directly on moss or lichen-covered rocks.

If you’re bringing children, designate a small play area using a boundary like a picnic mat. Keep pets on a leash at all times and clean up after them immediately—pet waste is not permitted in the Arboretum’s natural areas.

Step 7: Enjoy Responsibly and Respect Wildlife

The lakes and surrounding woodlands are home to a rich variety of wildlife: turtles, herons, red foxes, deer, and over 200 species of birds. Observe from a distance. Do not feed animals—this alters their natural behavior and can lead to dependency or aggression.

Keep noise levels low. Avoid loud music, amplified devices, or shouting. The sounds of rustling leaves, water lapping against the shore, and birdsong are part of the experience. Bring a book, sketchpad, or journal instead.

Turn off your phone or place it on silent. If you must take a call, step away from your picnic area to minimize disruption.

Step 8: Clean Up Thoroughly and Leave No Trace

Before you depart, conduct a final sweep of your area. Pick up every crumb, wrapper, and piece of litter—even if it seems insignificant. Use your trash bag to collect everything, including napkins, fruit cores, and even biodegradable compostables.

Dispose of waste in the designated bins near the Visitor Center or parking areas. Do not leave trash in picnic tables or near the lake edge. If bins are full, take your waste with you until you find an appropriate disposal point.

Check under your blanket and behind rocks for forgotten items. A lost water bottle or snack wrapper can remain in the environment for years, harming wildlife and degrading the landscape.

Step 9: Extend Your Experience with Nature Exploration

After your picnic, take time to explore. The Arboretum offers free self-guided walking tours, interpretive signage, and QR codes linked to audio guides at key points along the lakeshore. Learn about native plant species, the role of wetlands in flood control, or the history of the Arboretum’s founding in 1922.

Consider visiting the Tree Research Center or the Plant Science Center, both located near the lakes. These facilities offer free exhibits on dendrology and conservation science—perfect for curious minds of all ages.

Step 10: Return with a Sense of Stewardship

Leaving the Arboretum with a clean picnic site is only the beginning. Consider becoming a member, volunteering for a tree planting day, or donating to support habitat restoration. Many visitors who enjoy the lakes return as advocates—helping to ensure future generations can experience the same peace and beauty.

Best Practices

Practice the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace

The Morton Arboretum endorses the Leave No Trace (LNT) principles. Apply them rigorously:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare – Know the rules, weather, and terrain before you go.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces – Stick to trails and designated picnic areas.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly – Pack out all trash, food, and litter.
4. Leave What You Find – Do not pick flowers, collect rocks, or carve into trees.
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts – Open fires are prohibited. Use a portable stove if cooking.
6. Respect Wildlife – Observe from afar. Never feed or approach animals.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors – Keep noise down and yield paths to others.

Optimize for Weather and Season

Spring and early summer offer mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers, but afternoon thunderstorms are common. Pack a lightweight rain jacket and waterproof bags for electronics. Late summer can be humid—bring extra water and sun protection. Fall is ideal for cool, crisp air and golden foliage, but daylight hours shorten after 5 p.m. Winter picnics are possible but require thermal layers and insulated containers to keep food from freezing.

Engage Children and Elders Thoughtfully

For families with young children, bring a small nature scavenger hunt list (e.g., find a pinecone, a feather, a red leaf). For elderly visitors, choose accessible routes with flat terrain and benches. The Arboretum offers complimentary wheelchairs and mobility scooters—request one at the Visitor Center upon arrival.

Use Natural Light for Photography

The best light for lakeside photography occurs during the golden hours—sunrise and sunset. Position yourself with the sun behind you to capture reflections on the water. Avoid using flash, which startles birds and disrupts the natural ambiance. A polarizing filter enhances water clarity and reduces glare.

Respect Cultural and Historical Significance

The Morton Arboretum sits on land with deep ecological and cultural history. Some areas are sacred to Native American tribes and are protected as heritage sites. Do not enter fenced or signed restricted zones. If you encounter ceremonial markers or stone arrangements, observe quietly and do not touch.

Tools and Resources

Official Resources

• Morton Arboretum Website – www.mortonarb.org – For hours, maps, event calendars, and permit applications.
• Morton Arboretum Mobile App – Free download for iOS and Android. Includes GPS-enabled trail maps, audio tours, and real-time alerts for trail closures.
• Interactive Picnic Map – Available on the website under “Plan Your Visit.” Highlights picnic zones, restrooms, water fountains, and accessible routes.

Recommended Gear

• Collapsible Picnic Basket – Lightweight and easy to carry. Look for ones with insulated compartments.
• Reusable Water Bottles – The Arboretum has refill stations near the Visitor Center and the Children’s Garden.
• Compact Binoculars – Essential for birdwatching near the lakes. A 8x25 or 10x42 model is ideal.
• UV-Protective Hat and Sunscreen – The lakeside has minimal shade during midday.
• Small First Aid Kit – Include antiseptic wipes, bandages, and insect repellent (DEET-free options are recommended for environmental safety).
• Field Guide to Midwest Birds – A pocket-sized guide helps identify species like the Great Blue Heron, Belted Kingfisher, and Red-winged Blackbird.

Free Educational Materials

The Arboretum offers downloadable PDFs for educators and families:

• “Nature Journaling for Kids” – Promotes observation and creativity.
• “Trees of the Arboretum” – A laminated guide to 12 common species near the lakes.
• “Wetlands and Wildlife” – Explains the ecological role of the lakes.

All materials are available at the Visitor Center or via the website’s “Education” section.

Community and Volunteer Opportunities

Join the Arboretum’s “Lakeside Stewards” program, a volunteer initiative focused on shoreline cleanups, invasive species removal, and bird monitoring. Volunteers receive training and access to exclusive early-morning lake tours. Participation is free and open to all ages.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Johnson Family Weekend Picnic

The Johnsons, a family of four from Naperville, visit the Arboretum every third Saturday. They arrive at 8 a.m. via the East Parking Lot and walk the Oak Trail to Woodland Pond. They bring a reusable cooler with turkey wraps, apple slices, and sparkling water. Their 6-year-old carries a nature journal and sketches birds while they eat. Afterward, they use the QR code at the pond to listen to an audio guide about wetland insects. They leave no trace—packing out every wrapper and even picking up three pieces of litter they found on the path. Their daughter says, “I want to be a scientist who protects ponds like this.”

Example 2: A Solo Photographer’s Dawn Visit

Marisol, a freelance photographer from Chicago, arrives at 5:30 a.m. with a tripod and camera bag. She sets up near the Lakeview Overlook, waiting for sunrise. She brings a thermos of black coffee and a protein bar, eating quietly on a bench. She photographs the mist rising off Morton Lake, capturing a great blue heron taking flight. She stays for two hours, then leaves exactly as she found it—no footprints beyond the trail, no equipment left behind. She shares her images on Instagram with the hashtag

MortonArboretumLakes, inspiring others to visit respectfully.

Example 3: A Corporate Team-Building Picnic

A team of 12 from a nearby tech company reserves the Oak Meadow Picnic Shelter for a midday lunch. They bring plant-based meals in reusable containers and leave a donation in the “Support Conservation” box at the Visitor Center. They begin with a 20-minute guided walk led by a volunteer naturalist, then spend the rest of the time discussing work ideas under the shade of a 100-year-old bur oak. They return the next month to volunteer for a tree planting day.

Example 4: A Senior Couple’s Autumn Ritual

Every October, Eleanor and Harold, both 78, drive from Oak Park to picnic by Hidden Pond. They bring a thermos of tea, homemade scones, and a wool blanket. They sit in silence, listening to the wind and watching geese migrate overhead. They don’t take photos. They don’t speak much. They simply exist in the moment. “It’s the only place,” Eleanor says, “where I feel time doesn’t matter.”

FAQs

Can I bring my dog to picnic at Morton Arboretum Lakes?

Dogs are allowed in the Arboretum but must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet at all times. They are not permitted in the Children’s Garden, the Plant Science Center, or within 50 feet of any water’s edge to protect wildlife. You must clean up after your pet immediately and dispose of waste in designated bins.

Are grills or open flames allowed?

No. Open flames, including charcoal grills, campfires, and propane stoves, are prohibited in all natural areas. Portable stoves are allowed only in designated picnic shelters with prior approval. Use cold foods or pre-cooked meals for lakeside picnics.

Can I fly a drone over the lakes?

No. Drones are strictly prohibited without written authorization from the Arboretum’s administration. This policy protects wildlife, visitor privacy, and the natural soundscape.

Is there a fee to picnic at the lakes?

No. Picnicking is free with general admission. Admission fees apply for entry to the Arboretum: $18 for adults, $12 for seniors (65+), $10 for children (3–12), and free for members and children under 3. Parking is free.

What if it rains during my picnic?

Light rain is common. Bring a compact raincoat and waterproof bags. If heavy rain or thunderstorms occur, seek shelter in the Visitor Center or a picnic shelter. Do not remain near the lakes during lightning. The Arboretum does not offer indoor picnic areas, but restrooms and covered seating are available.

Can I bring a musical instrument?

Yes, but only acoustic instruments. No amplifiers or loud devices. Play quietly and be mindful of others seeking peace. Avoid playing during early morning bird activity hours (6–9 a.m.) to prevent disturbance.

Are there restrooms near the lakes?

Restrooms are located near the Visitor Center, Children’s Garden, and the Oak Meadow Picnic Shelter. There are no restrooms directly at Hidden Pond or Woodland Pond. Plan accordingly and use facilities before heading to secluded areas.

Can I collect leaves, rocks, or flowers as souvenirs?

No. All plants, rocks, and natural objects are protected. Collecting—even a single leaf—is against the Arboretum’s conservation policy. Take photos instead.

Is the picnic area wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Paved paths lead to Morton Lake’s main picnic zones and the Oak Meadow Shelter. Wheelchair-accessible restrooms and parking are available. The Arboretum offers complimentary mobility scooters—request one at the Visitor Center.

How early should I arrive on a busy weekend?

Arrive by 8 a.m. to secure parking and a preferred picnic spot. The main parking lot fills by 10 a.m. on weekends during peak season. Weekday visits are far less crowded.

Conclusion

Picnicking at Morton Arboretum Lakes is more than a meal outdoors—it is an immersion into a living, breathing ecosystem shaped by decades of conservation, research, and care. To picnic here is to participate in a tradition of quiet reverence for nature. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you not only ensure a memorable, comfortable experience for yourself and your companions, but you also become a guardian of the very landscapes that make this place so special.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime admirer, the lakes offer more than beauty—they offer stillness. In a world increasingly defined by noise and haste, the chance to sit by the water, surrounded by trees that have stood for generations, is a rare gift. Respect it. Protect it. And let it remind you of the simple, enduring joy of being present in nature.

Return often. Explore deeper. Leave nothing behind but footprints—and take with you only memories, photographs, and a renewed commitment to the natural world.