During Robert R. McCormick’s early years, he spent summers with his grandfather, Joseph Medill, at Medill’s home, Red Oaks Farm, in suburban Wheaton, IL. McCormick loved the grand estate, which he later renamed Cantigny. He chose the name because of his experiences as a soldier in the Battle of Cantigny, France, the first American victory of World War I. The Colonel commanded an artillery battalion of the U.S. Army’s First Division.
Cantigny Park is home to the First Division Museum (military history), the Robert R. McCormick Museum (the Colonel’s former residence), beautiful grounds, and two golf courses.
The First Division Museum explores American history as seen through the eyes of the First Infantry Division. With more than 38,000 square feet, the First Division Museum (FDM) provides an immersive and stimulating experience for visitors of all ages. A highlight for kids is the chance to climb on the tanks displayed on the museum’s grounds.
I am a nanny for a 5 year old boy and 3 year old girl. We *loved* it here! We went in July, and the children especially loved playing in the splash park. They also enjoyed the beautiful gardens, and of course climbing all over the tanks! We packed a picnic lunch and enjoyed eating on the beautiful grounds, next to a nice playground. Fun, fun day! :)
I have 2 small children and we have been to Cantigny many times. It only costs $5 per car to get in. The kids love to climb on the tanks and just be free to run around! The gardens are beautiful and we enjoy having picnics on the grounds. We even like going in the winter to release come cabin fever. A great place!
This place is amazing! My boys love to see the collection of tanks. The indoor museum is absolutely wonderful. It takes you on a tour of all the wars. We went last weekend for the Lego event.
beautiful grounds, kids LOVED climbing on all the tanks (great photo opportunities too). Not crazy about their annual butterfly release. 25 kids, and they only released 2 butterflies. Other than that, we plan on going back again and again.
Spent the day here for the first time today and the whole family can't wait to go back! Kids had a great time at the splash pad and climbing on the tanks. We also borrowed the Birds Of A Feather family discovery backpack and the kids had a blast playing all the games and walking around with their binoculars. I did find that the idea garden, although beautiful, was a little difficult to manage with an 18 month old who only wanted to jump in the pond but all in all it was a fantastic day.
Our 1st visit of many to come was amazing. I can't believe the grounds are 50 years old in August. Kids can climb authentic tanks just outside a military museum. Inside life-like scenes of a bombed out village, trench living and Omaha beach. Watch a film in the jungles of Vietnam all in air conditioned comfort with clean restrooms. The gardens are unique and colorful. The tours of the mansion are 10, 40 and 60 minutes in length and more adult based. Food is available but the grounds great for a picnic with many tables and a playground on the north side. $5 a car no matter the head count!!
This is one of my favorite places. In my family, we each get to choose where we want to go for our birthdays and I always choose Cantigny. It is just such a nice place to spend the day and enjoy the outdoors.
Use my Macy's Adventure Pass to get in. Glad I didn't pay for it. This was our first time and I was told how awesome it was so I was expecting so much more. We went early in the season so maybe that had something to do with it. Not much to do except walk around. Small play area but not much else. Kids were not interested in the military portion of it so not worth it.
We went for a kids playgroup time and the kids just loved climbing the tanks. We walked the beautiful grounds and gardens and enjoyed a picnic lunch. The museum as very cool and brought to life the stories of WWII. This would be a nice place for a father/son outting also.
This place is a gem in the western suburbs. My girls recently went to a tea party at the mansion and loved it. It was one of the most well done programs I've been to. They have many concerts and special events on their grounds, and admission is only $5.
My father loved to take my family to Catigney. He was a proud veteran and it was a good way for him to share his experiences. The museum is amazing, I got a little scared when I was left in the Vietnam jungle alone. The battle field (I think WWII) is scary for younger kids.
I am looking forward to going back to Cantigny for a Disney Event.
I have fun memories of goingthere many times to see the Tanks and War museum. The Mansion has much History.
I would always recommend thsi little excursion, Wheaton is not far from the City. Image all the Rich and Famous in the Early 1900's who would drive out to a Party there in Horse and buggy.
