From pumpkins, gourds and scarecrows, to taffy apples, brats, chicken and roasted corn, to flower shows, wood carvings, garden accents, and even Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, October’s chilling Theatre-Hike, there’s no shortage of things to see, do and taste at the Arboretum’s Fall Color Festival. Visitors can enjoy a shared experience with family and friends or come alone to enjoy the peaceful 1,700 acres. Nature’s autumn beauty provides a spectacular backdrop for hiking our 16 miles of trails or bicycling 9 miles of roads.

And don’t foget our annual “Scarecrow Trail.” Members and visitors vote for their favorite scarecrow artfully displayed all around beautiful Meadow Lake. These creative, cleverly-decorated, nature-themed scarecrows are among the favorite attractions each autumn at The Morton Arboretum.

The Morton Arboretum gratefully acknowledges UPM, the Fall Color Festival Presenting Sponsor. 

And another thank you to our wine sponsor, Wente Vineyards. Come out and sample some of the grape!

Before you visit, check the weekly fall color report or call the Bloom ‘n Color Hotline, 630-719-7955.

We can’t predict exactly when trees and shrubs change color. The timing varies year to year. We can only witness the transformation as it is happening. So, whether you’ve come here a hundred times or just a few, it’s time to put autumn at the Arboretum on your “must-do” list—and enjoy the color show again, for the very first time.

At The Morton Arboretum, members and visitors can see what fall looks like around the world in just one day. The Arboretum’s worldwide collections distinguish it from other fall destinations because the stunning colors from across the globe are rarely seen growing elsewhere in Illinois. 

“By having a diverstity of tree species in our community, we are ensuring that a pest or disease doesn’t have a widespread impact on the entire tree population. We are also broadening our gene pool, which allows us to conduct tree and plant research that will lead us to reintroduce endangered trees back to their native countries,” said Kunso Kim, Curator and Assistant Director of Collections at the Arboretum.

Don’t forget to check out Ed the Color Scout’s Bloom ‘n Color Report to get the latest on the magnificent fall color changes at the Arboretum. And learn all about why leaves change color.

Children can learn about the different types of bats that live in Illinois and make a bat finger puppet to take home during the drop-in activity, “Beneficial Bats.” And who can resist an entertaining storyteller, in “Arbor Reading.”

Gardeners will see or purchase many varieties of African violets this weekend during the “Harvest Showcase.”

And, of course, you can find fall color plants, unique garden ornaments and container garden items in our Fall Garden Marketplace: an outdoor shopping boutique headquartered in Arbor Court through the month of October.

And don’t foget our annual “Scarecrow Trail.” Members and visitors started voting late in September for “Hannah Plantanah,” “Elvis Parsley,” “Phantom of the Arboretum” and others. They’re among the 35 creative, cleverly-decorated, nature-themed scarecrows vying to be chosen as the best on the at The Morton Arboretum.

INDIVIDUAL WEEKEND EVENTS still to come
* African Violet Show and Sale: October 25, 1 – 4 pm; October 26, 10 am – 4 pm
* Book Signing with the Arboretum’s Dr. Andrew Hipp: October 25: 11 am – 3 pm

WEEKENDS
* Theatre-Hike: Dracula:  weekends in October. Saturdays at 1 – 3:30 pm, Sundays at 3 – 5:30 pm
* The Fall Garden Marketplace: Weekends in October: 11 am – 4 pm; Wednesdays in October: 11 am – 2 pm

DAILY, through OCTOBER 26
* The Scarecrow Trail: 7 am – 7 pm or sunset, whichever is earlier

WEEKDAYS IN OCTOBER
* Children’s Garden Drop-in Activity: Beneficial Bats, 1 – 4 pm (weather permitting)
* Children’s Garden Drop-in Activity: ArborReading, Fridays, 11 – 11:20 am (weather permitting)

The Morton Arboretum gratefully acknowledges all of our sponsors:
UPM, the Fall Color Festival Presenting Sponsor, and Bank of America, the Supporting Sponsor, along with the Bicycling Sponsor, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, and the Featured Wine Sponsor, Bonterra Vineyards. Fall Color 5K Run sponsors are AthletiCo, Dick Pond Athletics, and REI.