The Morton Arboretum is someplace we have taken the kids for years. Bill's company did some work there almost 10 years ago, so when we have some free time, we go and check them out. My kids love heading out there, and it is always just so pretty! I recently got to visit as a blogger!

Did you know that The Morton Arboretum is among the leading arboretums of the world in size, age, quality of specimens and programs in Plant Collections, Research, and Education? Something I just learned myself is that The Morton Arboretum was founded by Joy Morton who was the foundr of the Morton Salt Company. I feel like an idiot, because I never made that connection!

The Morton Arboretum encompasses 1700 acres. There are 500 acres of plant collections and gardens. There is also 900 acres of woodlands, prairie, meadows, lakes, and streams. Another interesting fact that I didn't know myself was that they are open 365 days a year! I'll be honest — it never dawned on me that this is a great place to visit in the winter!

Here's a small list of all the fun things you can do here:

• Children's Garden- 4 acre interactive, educational, and fun garden
• Maze Garden – one acre puzzle of hedges
• Collections – View and learn about trees and other plants

• Grounds – Visitors can explore 16 miles of hiking trails plus 9 miles of roads for driving or biking. You can also get a ride on an open air tram or take a guided walk.

• Visitor Center – Experience interpretive displays, The Arboretum Store, and the Gingko Restaurant. Special events and exhibits are offered throughout the year.
• Visitor Stations – The Big Rock and Schulenberg Prairie visitor stations offer shelter as well as interpretation and orientation for adjacent trails and landscapes.
• Annual attractions – Spring flowers, changing of leaves in autumn, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in the winter, as well as special events that include Arbor Day, concerts, Theatre-Hikes, art shows, Fall Color Festival, Holiday Celebration, and Husky Heroes.
• Facilities Rental
• Group Tours
• Sterling Morton Library (who knew they had a library!) – There are more than 28,000 volumes in the circulating and reference collections including 4000 rare books, 200 current periodicals, over 1500 current and historic nursery catalogs, 12000 artworks, papers and photographs relating to the Arboretums founder, over 1500 landscape drawings, and 10,000 photographs and slides.
• Plant clinic – You can diagnose and learn about other plant ailments at no charge. I know I'm bringing some leaves the next time I head out there!

There is just so much to do here! You can't possibly do it one day!

So you totally want to go right? I know you do! Since my family and I have always enjoyed heading out to the Morton Arboretum, I have arranged for one lucky winner to win 4 passes to go yourself! Here's what you need to do: