Naperville Itineraries

Choose an itinerary from the drop down menu below to see all that you can do in the City of Naperville and the surrounding area.

Weird Science
Morton Arboretum
The Morton Arboretum was formally established on December 14, 1922 by Mr. Joy Morton (1855-1934), owner of the Morton Salt Company. Its mission is to collect and study trees, shrubs, and other plants from around the world, to display them across naturally beautiful landscapes for people to study and enjoy, and to learn how to grow them in ways that enhance our environment. Our goal is to encourage the planting and conservation of trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. Today, under the Board leadership of Robert Reum and the direction of Dr. Gerard T. Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer, the Arboretum is recognized around the world for its magnificent collection of plants, and as a leader in research and education. In 1997, the 75th Anniversary of the Arboretum, a comprehensive master site plan was presented for the Arboretum's 1,700 acres. The plan identified significant new projects aimed at bringing people closer to the special collections and programs that the Arboretum has to offer. New garden areas are proposed, as part of these Branching Out initiatives, including a children's garden and maze garden, to open in 2005. The new Visitor Center offers spacious food and gift services as well as expanded interpretation and plant information resources. Visitor stations are being developed at several key locations around the Arboretum, which offer interpretation panels, special plantings, and a spot from where visitors can access trails to gardens and natural areas. An addition to the Sterling Morton Library, completed in late 1999, houses the Arboretum's Suzette Morton Davidson Special Collections of rare books and prints. With these ambitious plans and projects, the Arboretum will build on the strength of its current programs well into the 21st Century. For information on the Mortons and the Arboretum's history, stop by the Visitor Center, the Sterling Morton Library, or the Founder's Room at the Thornhill Education Center (open 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays). For more information go to www.mortonarb.org or call 630-968-0074 .