Cantigny Park is a 500 acre park in Wheaton IL, about 30 miles west of Chicago. This park was established in 1955. This is the former estate of Joseph Medill and Colonel Robert R. McCormick (his grandson) who were publishers of the Chicago Tribune.
Unfortunately when we were there the 35 room mansion built in 1896 was closed for renovations, normally there would be tours. We’ll have to come back next year for that.
On the grounds are the mansion, 2 golf courses (one 27 hole and a 9 hole for teen golfers), a cafe and gift shop, beautiful botanic gardens, a tank and artillery park and the 1st Division Museum. Colonel McCormick served in the 1st Division of the US Army in WWI and left an endowment for the creation and maintenance of the museum.
The museum is dedicated to the 1st Division of the US Army going back to WWI all the way to Desert Storm.
Outside is the tank park, visitors are allowed to climb on the tanks but not inside them.
This park has some of the most beautiful botanic gardens in my opinion. This season there is also an art display of Alebrijes, traditional folk art from Mexico. The pieces were created by six different Mexican artists along the theme “Creatures of a Dream World”. The artwork is whimsical and fun.
This was a very nice day and we highly recommend a stop here if you are in the area.
Bonnie & Bruceontheloose 