DuPage County, west of Chicago, has two large gardens that make easy day trips: the Morton Arboretum in Lisle and Cantigny Park in Wheaton. Both offer lawns, trees, gardens and space to wander, and they are only a short drive apart. They are quite different, though. The Morton Arboretum is a huge outdoor museum of trees with miles of trails. Cantigny is a former estate with formal gardens and two museums. This guide helps you pick the right one.
Key takeaways
- The Morton Arboretum covers 1,700 acres with 16 miles of hiking trails.
- Cantigny Park is a 500-acre estate with about 29 acres of gardens, a mansion museum and a military museum.
- Both charge a fee; at Cantigny, parking covers admission to the grounds and museums.
The Morton Arboretum
The Morton Arboretum in Lisle is a 1,700-acre outdoor museum of trees and plants from around the world. It has 16 miles of hiking trails through woodlands, prairie and collections of trees, plus roads for driving and biking through the grounds. Families come for the Children’s Garden and the maze garden; hikers come for the quiet trails. It is especially popular in fall, when the arboretum publishes a weekly fall color report, and in winter, when it hosts a ticketed light show.
Admission is charged per person and includes parking. Timed tickets may be required on busy days, so check the official website.
Cantigny Park
Cantigny Park in Wheaton is a 500-acre estate that once belonged to a Chicago newspaper publisher. Today it has about 29 acres of gardens spread across more than 20 themed areas, open lawns, walking paths, a golf course and two museums: the McCormick House, the historic mansion, and the First Division Museum, which covers the history of the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division. Outdoors, historic tanks sit on display near the museum, a favorite with children.
Visitors pay for parking, and the parking fee covers access to the grounds and museums. The fee varies by season and day; check Cantigny’s website.
Side-by-side comparison
| Morton Arboretum | Cantigny Park | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 1,700 acres | 500 acres |
| Main draw | Trees, trails, woodland walks | Formal gardens, museums |
| Walking | Long trails, 16 miles | Short, easy garden paths |
| Cost | Admission per person, parking included | Parking fee covers admission |
| Best season | Fall color, spring blooms | Late spring and summer gardens |
| Time needed | Half day to full day | 2 to 4 hours |
Tip: If you choose the Morton Arboretum in October, check the weekly fall color report before you go. It shows which parts of the grounds are at their peak.
Which one fits your day
Choose the Morton Arboretum if
- You want to hike or walk for several hours.
- You are chasing fall color.
- You have kids who love exploring outdoors.
Choose Cantigny Park if
- You prefer gardens and short, easy walks.
- You want a museum stop as part of the day.
- You are visiting with older relatives or small children who will tire quickly.
Getting there
Both are easiest to reach by car. The Morton Arboretum is on Illinois Route 53 in Lisle, near the junction of Interstates 88 and 355. Cantigny is on Winfield Road in Wheaton. Public transit options are limited for both, so plan on driving or a ride.
Before you go
- Check admission, timed-ticket rules and hours for the day you plan to visit.
- Wear good shoes at the arboretum; some trails are unpaved.
- Seasonal events can change hours and prices.
Visiting with children
Both places are good with kids, in different ways. At the Morton Arboretum, the children’s garden and the maze garden give younger kids a clear goal, and short trails through the woods feel like an adventure. At Cantigny, the tanks outside the First Division Museum are a big draw, and the gardens are small enough that little legs do not get too tired. Pack snacks and water, and plan a picnic stop, which keeps the day relaxed.
In both places, check the event calendar first; seasonal festivals can make the grounds busier than usual.
Common mistakes
The most common mistake at the arboretum is trying to see all of it. Pick one side of the grounds and one or two trails. At Cantigny, many visitors skip the museums and miss half of what the park offers.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Morton Arboretum free?
No. It charges admission per person, which includes parking.
Can I visit both in one day?
Yes. They are a short drive apart. Many people spend the morning at one and the afternoon at the other.
Which is better for kids?
Both work. The arboretum has a large children’s garden and trails; Cantigny has the tanks and short paths.
The arboretum is one of our top picks in Where to See Fall Colors Near Chicago. Another suburban garden option is the Chicago Botanic Garden in The North Shore: Evanston, Wilmette and Glencoe in One Day.