The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois, is offering visitors a unique mini-golf experience this summer designed to educate about trees, ecosystems, and invasive species. The Wonder Woods mini-golf course, which runs through Sept. 7, features nine holes that incorporate environmental themes and interactive elements to engage players of all ages.
Located about 26 miles west of downtown Chicago, the course combines playful challenges with educational content. Obstacles include representations of invasive species, city skyline views, and a foosball-style setup where players manipulate tree-shaped levers to influence the path of their golf balls. The course has been designed to be accessible to wheelchair users.
Visitors can learn about tree biology through displays explaining growth rings and the role of fungi and microorganisms essential to tree health. The arboretum collaborated with scientific experts to transform complex ecological ideas into approachable, hands-on learning opportunities, according to Amy Scott, head of exhibitions at the arboretum.
Tickets for the mini-golf attraction range from $4 to $10 depending on age, arboretum membership status, and day of the week. Members enjoy free daily access to the course, early morning hours, discounts on classes and events, and other benefits. Admission to the arboretum itself is free for children age 3 and under, and parking remains complimentary for all visitors. Advance online reservations for tee times are encouraged due to variable pricing and demand.
In addition to the mini-golf experience, the arboretum offers a variety of free activities, including a four-acre children’s playground, 16 miles of hiking trails, nine miles of paved roads suitable for running, walking and biking, with bike rentals available on weekends. The site also features “Vivid Creatures,” a public art installation of five brightly painted sculptures depicting native Northern Illinois animals such as a deer, snail, squirrel, dragonfly, and sandhill crane. Four sculptures are located within a one-mile walk from the visitor center, with the snail sculpture positioned about half a mile away.
Upcoming cultural events at the arboretum include the Destination Asia Festival on Aug. 1-2 and Celebracion de los Arboles on Sept. 26-27. Both events will showcase live music, traditional dance, and food from local vendors.
The arboretum encourages visitors to come prepared with water, sunscreen, and bug repellent and reminds guests that activities such as drone flying, Frisbee throwing, rollerblading, and barbecuing are prohibited. Dogs are allowed only on designated days, and climbing trees is not permitted.
Meghan Midgley, senior director of the arboretum’s Center for Tree Science, noted the enthusiasm of children who enjoyed a Plinko-style game that simulates the challenges acorns face to grow into oak trees, illustrating the unpredictable nature of forest regeneration.
Scott highlighted the benefits of visiting the arboretum as a way to disconnect from technology and engage in physical activity while enjoying nature. “Many people come for their physical or mental health – a break from the every day,” she said. “It’s a great outlet to get physical exercise as well as peace of mind.”