CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Morton Arboretum announced Tuesday plans for a phased reopening of the grounds beginning with access for members.
Beginning June 1, the great outdoor museum of trees in west suburban Lisle reopen with members-only access. Online member reservations are currently scheduled to begin May 29 at 8:30 a.m.
The phased reopening will allow members through June 14, with nonmembers expected to be allowed back starting June 15.
"As everyone anticipates the beauty and respite of the Arboretum this summer, the health and safety of visitors and employees will remain of utmost importance. To ensure your wellbeing, entering and visiting the Arboretum will be different from usual," Morton Arboretum said in a statement.
Visitors must reserve a date-specific, timed-entry pass in advance, "to ensure paced arrivals and moderated attendance levels." Each person visiting must reserve a member pass in advance online, including children. This will be the only method for admission. Member passes will not be available on-site, and members without advance online timed-entry passes will be directed to exit.
After a timed-entry pass is booked only, it will be emailed to the member. When you arrive at the Arboretum for your visit, gatehouse attendants will ask to see the member pass and entry time. You may also show a printed member pass, if preferred. Members will also need to present their member card.
Once inside the Arboretum, social distancing will remain essential for all who visit. Special measures will be put in place to ensure this on-site, Morton Arboretum said in a statement.
"Please be considerate of other visitors by practicing social distancing around the Troll Hunt sculptures and in other areas of the Arboretum, such as parking lots and on trails. Visitors are asked to wear masks when within six feet of other visitors who did not arrive with them," the Arboretum said.
All Morton Arboretum buildings will be closed until further notice, including the Visitor Center, The Arboretum Store, the Plant Clinic, the Ginkgo Cafe and Restaurant, the Sterling Morton Library, and the Thornhill Education Center. The Children’s Garden and Maze Garden are also closed. Manual wheelchairs and strollers will not be available for loan.
All indoor restrooms will also be closed. Portable restrooms are available in the bus lot, Big Rock Visitor Station, and Prairie Visitor Station.
The Morton Arboretum will have adjusted hours daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the last entry at 5 p.m. Limited tickets are available daily with time slots on the hour from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Check the webpage for the latest visit information about the phased reopening.