Oh gosh, I have such fond memories of this place as a kid, but had not been back for ages. My wife and I went this winter, her having never been, and we really enjoyed it. First, we went straight for the tanks. Just like kids, we climbed around, took pictures, and had fun. We then checked out the museum which was very impressive - I had never been to it before that I remember, and really enjoyed it. We sort of sped through it, but you could easily spend over an hour here alone. Walking around the grounds is quite nice as well, but the gardens were pretty much empty as it was winter. I am sure it's awesome in the spring and summer. Really great place to spend some time for not too much money! read more

I wish I could tell you more about the history of Cantigny. I've walked the grounds at Cantigny, done photo sessions at Cantigny, and even participated in and watched Shakespeare in the Park at Cantigny. I'm sure I could rattle off a few interesting facts or tell you the name of a garden or two. But that's not why you should find time to visit. Cantigny is peaceful. Quietly beautifully peaceful. It's a sort of peacefulness that is so hard to find nowadays. Even with my group of children climbing on the tanks, meandering thru the gardens, sometimes on the paths but sometimes not. They enjoyed every water feature to the fullest, especially the stream near the tanks. The tadpole pond was a huge hit too. The playground was closed when we went but the children still had a great time and didn't want to leave. There's a little something for everyone. The house tour is informative and it's remarkable how well preserved the home is. The grounds are meticulously taken care of. Plus it's only $5 per car. Value, history, peace and quite. Enjoy! read more

I've been to Cantigny a few times to walk around the grounds and check out the museums. My most recent trip took me to the 1st Division Military Museum (Join the Red One) and I forgot how detailed the exhibits were. Because of McCormick there is endless information on WWI and WWII, it is cool to see the newspaper headlines at the time and the war posters. My favorite is one advertising Joining the IL National Guard at the Tribune Building. But the way the exhibits are set up you really feel like you are walking through a recently bombed town. At one point there is a short video on D-Day and you sit in this room fashioned to be ship and then the door raises out onto Omaha Beach the following day. There exhibits on Vietnam and Desert Shield/Desert Storm are smaller and I'm assuming they will add on for Iraq and Afghanistan. The grounds of Cantigny are also really cool to walk through. I love when the rose garden is in bloom and I see lots of weddings take place here. Admission is really cheap- $5 for a car but only $2 before 10am. So there really is no excuse not to visit at least once. They also have a picnic area to bring lunch and sit outside. I think it is a nice alternative to a zoo or a botanic garden where you would like to spend time outside without it being too crowded. I find it totally relaxing. read more

Beautiful grounds, histrical information and tanks! Cantigny offers many interesting programs and exhibits throughout the year as well as concerts. It is a great place to pack a picnic and enjoy the day. At $5 for parking and no admission it is a steal of a deal! read more

Cantigny - Museums Near Me - Wheaton, Illinois

My wife and I were married this summer at Rose Garden. It was beautiful and we ended up with a lots of awesome pictures. East Lawn would have been nice too but I'm glad we went with the roses. I love knowing that the site where I got married will be a pretty place that my wife and I can visit for years to come. I also liked that my guests had a nice park to explore in the down time between the ceremony and reception while the wedding party takes pictures. The only reason I give 4 stars instead of 5 is the planner drove me nuts. She was unreachable 99% of the time. I also thought it was weird she refused to provide an umbrella for the string quartet to sit under. read more

This place is seriously amazing! We visited quite a few parts on our trip here, and I am extremely impressed. The scenery is beautiful, and the buildings are super cool too! It's a great place to bring family and friends, and really makes you appreciate the natural beauty of this Earth! Parking is only $5, and its sooo worth it! read more

Cantigny - This is one side of the McCormick mansion! Beautiful. - Museums Near Me - Wheaton, Illinois

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I visit Cantigny 3-4 times a year to primarily photograph the flower gardens. I talked to one of the employees about what improvements they are making over the next 3 years and I was amazed. I look forward to seeing the Park improvements as they are completed. The Military Museum should be done in August. It is a little bit of "Heaven." Thank you Mr. McCormick! read more

This will be I suppose for lack of better phrasing a double review. There is a restaurant on site called Le Jardin which does not seem to have it's own Yelp page, Yelp doesn't tell me that it just keeps locking up when I try to search. Cantigny: We came up to the guard shack entrance in a tour bus as we are a group with pre-paid admission called in ahead of time. The guard, or whatever he is supposed to be, starts yelling, Event? Event? Not here for an event, we are touring our group is *****. Guard again, "What Event"? We yell the group name and try to explain as he angrily looks at the list and nods, then yells, "No photos. No Photos". Do they still have WWI secrets here? At the inside desk there is a map one of our members asks about walking and the woman sort of yells, "you have to have a tour guide, tour starts in fifteen minutes". Such warm N fuzzys. I decide I'm too tired and hungry and frankly don't really care what's behind the gates anymore. **** Le Jardin: Dehydrated and hungry I enter the garden like (sorta) restaurant. Three heads pop up and stare as I stand by the sign that says "Please Wait To Be Seated". "Just me". I tell the server acting as hostess who advises I can sit anywhere ?? but the sign.. oh never mind. I have the Chicken Pesto Panini sandwich with Raspberry Ice Tea. The sandwich was thick, warm and a nice spread of pesto to not overwhelm. The order arrived quickly. The Raspberry Ice Tea was way too sweet. When the server came back to check on me I mentioned it's just too sweet and another server advised her to take it back and use half regular ice tea. She did, I sipped and found the regular tea is way too sweet to so it's still too sweet. Back to Cantigny grounds: After lunch while the others were in lock step I wandered the grounds and sat on a bench by the picnic tables. I noticed there are men driving three wheeled carts, some are maintenance, others just patrolling and watching. While I walked around I think I was observed and tracked three times. I went back and sat on our bus and will always wonder why the Homeland Security style paranoia. Wonder why no photos of trees and picnic benches? read more

This review is only for The First Division Museum, though Cantigny contains a variety of gardens, a golf course and the McCormick Mansion Museum. It was our destination for this Saturday's gallivant. The museum traces the history of the First Division Infantry from its inception through modern times. The facility is very impressive. It tells the story of this military division, without glorifying war. It extols the bravery of the men, while showing the horrors and destruction of these conflicts. This museum is very well designed and creates some real visual drama. When you step outside, the surrounding woods are peppered with tanks representative of various wars. They are magnets for kids to climb on and amazingly it is not prohibited. I did feel the museum might be a bit difficult for disabled people or some elderly folks to negotiate, because in creating a realistic experience, the floor simulates the terrain represented in the exhibits. It could be troublesome for wheelchairs, or people who are unsteady on their feet or have poor vision. There is no admission fee, though parking is $5, so all in all it is a real bargain. As we were leaving we saw a campsite where a scout troop was doing some winter camping. As we were freezing, I can't say I envy them, but then again, my idea of roughing it is black and white TV. Can't wait to come back in early summer and see the gardens. Even in winter the place is beautiful!! read more

Frank: Zac we were invited to a wedding. Zac: Who's wedding and where is it taking place? Frank: Andy and Michelle and its taking place some place in Wheaton. Zac: Why does every wedding need to be held in the burbs? That was part of a conversation Zac and I had when we got Andy and Michelle's wedding invitation. So, even though the wedding was taking place in the burbs we weren't going to miss it. Good thing we didn't, Cantigny Park was gorgeous. The ceremony was held in a open garden space and the cocktail hour/reception was held in a beautiful hall right next to the garden. Cantigny Park was owned by a Colonel who fought in WWI and took up residence in Wheaton. The estate is huge with various gardens, a war museum, and a golf course. If you're looking for a venue to host your wedding I highly recommend Cantigny Park. I heard they have event planners on staff that can assist with wedding planning. Best wishes Andrew and Michelle Wrona! read more

Why am I reviewing this? Well, because I got dragged along with some out of state family visiting. Quite frankly, it is nice park and a really cool museum, but if you don't give a rip about flowers,(like me) please please please don't go here. You will be about as board out of your mind as I was. For what it is, if you like flowers... Totally go here and have a good time!! But if you don't... Do some woodworking or work on your car for the day. read more

We went for the Robert R. McCormick museum hour long tour and it was awesome. Tour guide and all the staff at the home were very welcoming and answered all of our questions. We went on a colder day so getting tickets for the tour wasn't a problem. Love coming back here and discovering something new every time. read more

We recently held my father's Memorial Service at Le Jardin in Cantigny Park and it was wonderful. From Lindsey's amazing planning and prompt communication to the amazing staff that worked the event, everything went off without a hitch, and the food was great, too! I would also like to note that since we were hosting a Memorial Service, they did not charge us for use of the venue, nor charged us a "minimum" amount we had to spend, which I thought was incredibly generous. read more

AWFUL BREAKFAST with SANTA!!! Attended the breakfast with Santa today and will NEVER return. Arrived and nothing was decorated?!??? The entire clubhouse had one tree in lobby! That's it! My husband noticed too! They had one tree when you walked in and that was poorly decorated. Rooms were plain and not festive at all. Buffet was a total disappointment as well. Few selections, one sided buffet for a lot of people eating And food was just average at best. Ordered bloody Mary's and they were just meh. Santa visit was less than exciting and he barely engaged with my son. All in all we spent over $140 and were very dissatisfied. Never ever again! read more

I visit Cantigny every year. I enjoy this museum and the way they display their history. I highly recommend this place.

I love Cantigny! I have been coming here since I was a wee lil one.This is such a nice place to just walk around and enjoy wildlife,gardens, and the outdoors.Oh yea and war memorabillia type stuff.They have a war museum and some kick butt tanks all over the grounds.You can climb and play on them!! I have to admit I still get on them as an adult but beware they get really really spicey hot in the summer and will burn your first two to three layers of skin off. My next fav thing is the mansion! It the house of the old owner of the property mr mccormick (btw he started a little company called the Chicago Tribune), You can go on a tour of the mansion and get some great a great history lesson while seeing a beautiful mansion. I almost forgot the best part and one of the only reasons I go here....to possibly see a wild dog! Yea thats right there are wild dogs on the property. They are so cool but pretty hard to find.I have visited probably 50 times and only seen a wild dog 3 times.But still really cool! After you visit and tour Cantigny head next door to his brothers old property now known as St.James Farm to see some more gorgeous property and tour elebrate barns and show arenas. read more

A Mansion tour, war museum, tanks to climb on, and several garden areas and miles of paths... For five bucks a carload. No-brainer. Pick a nice day and GO. Bring a camera! read more

I grew up across the street from this amazing place. It was great playing army and having your own real tanks! It has changed over the years but is still what I consider to be one of the finest places to go for a walk, tour a museum and picnic in the Wheaton/Winfield area. I recommend a tour of the mansion to learn about the man who lived there, Col. Robert McCormick, who was frequently visited by historic people like Winston Churchill and Charles Lindbergh. read more

My husband and I used to frequent Scarecrow Fest in St Charles. Lately that event has become an overcrowded mess. So this year we decided to try Cantigny's fall event. We enjoyed it far better than going out to St Charles. The grounds are absolutely beautiful, scarecrows spread out and the best part was that the children's events were outside the park. Not once did I get hit in the ankles by a stroller, or trip over an unattended child. One of the coolest features is the smart phone self tour. All you do is call a number enter your location which is on a placard and they tell you about your current location in the park. I for one did not know that the grounds were used in the movie A League of Their Own. The grounds have several walking paths some are kind of tucked away which are nice. Also they have most of the plants marked so you know what they are so if you are interested in planting one or two at home you know what to look for at the garden center. read more

Perfect picnic area!!! Beautiful grounds that are not over crowded. I love that they are totally cool with you climbing all over the tanks! What a great time... Even if you're not a kid!!! I'm looking forward to some warmer weather so I can spend more time here!! They don't allow dogs though, which is a little sad. Just a word of warning before you pack fido into the car with all your picnic gear and have to head elsewhere. read more

What a beautiful place to visit! There is no more relaxing place to be on a sunny, mild spring or summer day than Cantigny. The property consists of stunning gardens, the Robert McCormick mansion, and the war museum. It is fun to walk the grounds and imagine what it must have been like to live on such a breathtaking estate. When you enter the mansion, you are introduced to Robert McCormick by way of an interesting biographical video. After that, a tour guide leads you through the mansion--showing you its bedrooms, library, kitchen areas, and more. The guide is very knowledgeable and the property has so much charm. Outside the mansion stand the massive monuments of Robert McCormick and his wife. Beyond are the flower gardens blooming with new life. On the other side of the park you find the war museum. It is quite extensive and packed with many war artifacts and realistic battle scenes. So much can be learned from an attentive stroll through this museum. Children will also love to climb up on the tanks outside. From gardens to architecture to war history there is so much to appreciate about Cantigny Gardens and Museum. read more

An escape from the rest of the world located in suburbia! It's a great place to just sit relax, listen to music, take in some history, or schedule a photo session amongst the beautiful gardens. All in all, whatever your pleasure is I would highly recommend Cantigny Gardens & Museums. read more

What an amazing deal! $5 per car! ...and when you go Monday it is only $3! (Due to the Museums are closed). I was amazed to see so much color and texture in plants in the Fall... what a beautiful place to go for a walk! Every corner we turned, there was an amazing variety of cabbage, kale, Swiss chard, ornamental grass, mums, and so many more I cannot name! We've gone at Easter time when they have a huge egg hunt. Considering a membership now that I know that they run excellent kids programming year long! read more

I came here with the kids bc it was a free day (supposedly). Well I drove in and at the booth where you usually pay $5.00 (not bad) but it was a free day so I asked the guy and he acted like he had no idea what I was talking about. He said are you here for a certain event? I replied no and said I just thought it was free day. Usually I do a little more research but I didn't and I gave the man $5.00. I was meeting my sister and a few friends here as well so I pulled in the parking lot and looked on my phone to check if I had the date/parking lot/ etc. right. And I did but you need to show a voucher I guess. So I called my sister and told her to show the guy the Voucher and she did. Well the guy gave her a hard time that it wasn't printed and said mam you need it printed and he seemed rude about it. He showed her the printed ones he received and said look next time have it printed or you'll have to pay. What?! Really?! Printing kills trees and it doesn't say ANYWHERE to have it printed. I was pretty pissed because I literally pulled in 5 minutes before she did and the guy acted like he didn't know what I was talking about. Very frustrated and the guy was pretty rude to begin with. He's the first person your going to encounter when coming there and that's the impression he's going to make on people?! I wouldn't go back if I had it happen again. The place is beautiful but if everyone is like he is RUDE, no thank you! I'll go somewhere else and take the kids. read more

Cantigny - Picnic area - Museums Near Me - Wheaton, Illinois

Tour the Gardens, Mansion, & Museum, & Climb the Tanks! Cantigny is one of our favorite parks with acres of beautiful gardens, the McCormick Mansion, the extraordinary Big Red One First Division US Army Military Museum, and dozens of tanks and vehicles you can climb. All of this only costs $10 a carload! We love the manicured park and gardens and the wide variety of flowers and trees. (See photos.) The stunning 35-room mansion was the home of Colonel Robert McCormick, former Chicago Tribune publisher. The Mansion is open most days for tours. It was cool seeing where scenes from Tom Hank's "A League of Their Own" were shot. The Museum exhibits are fun and are being updated but your kids may just want to spend the day playing on the tanks. (More photos!) Plus there is a golf course, another museum, playgrounds, a gift shop and restaurant. Secret: Scout Troops or Packs can still camp here each weekend! So much to explore. Cantigny is usually open daily except in January and is about 30 miles west of Chicago. See cantigny.org for schedules. read more

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What a great place! Had meant to come here, and finally found a reason with the completely awesome Lego Holiday Train Show today. Way cool. Very impressive. So many intricate pieces and sets and lots of little Lego-size jokes. And Cantigny itself is this great piece of history, with lovely grounds and cool museums. We will absolutely be back when the weather is better to see more of the grounds... read more

Cantigny is a nice place to go for some nature type of things, and in the right time of year, flowers, like roses. It's pretty cheap, I think it's $5 for parking. $2 on Mondays, and $2 after 5pm. Something like that. You can check out the website. Also, a lot of the suburban libraries have a free pass that gets you free parking, but it's usually checked out, and really, it's a few bucks. I actually haven't been on any of the tours, but usually just walk around and take pictures with my family. From where I live, it's fairly close and there are some nice scenic areas for sure. I dig it. read more

What a beautiful place to walk around, take photos, enjoy a picnic... I've been to Cantigny for a birthday party (held in one of their rentable facilities, which was beautiful, clean, and spacious), as well as just to walk around with friends. We went for story time that the local library holds for tots. It was beautiful, outside under a big tree. There are tons of amazing gardens of all types, it's not uncommon to see weddings and quinceñeras held there, and it's easy to see why! read more

This place is really cool. From the beautifully kept grounds and gardens, to the unique playground, to the awesome tanks and amazing museum, I could spend all day there with my kids. I have 2 boys so they particularly didn't want to leave the tank area. But so much to see and a great place that educates and honors the 1st Division! For anyone who appreciates the American military, our veterans, history in general, and particularly anyone with kids, I highly recommend a visit here! read more

Beautiful park. Love the historical set up and story of park. The flowers are beautiful

There are many things to enjoy here....some gardens, some tanks, a restaurant, some music....they have it all! Since I have only visited this place with kids, that's what this review is based on. For a small admission price (I think it's $5 a car), you can access anything on the grounds. My kids really like climbing on the tanks (some are closed for restoration as I write this). They also have some big open spaces which are great for running. You can bring some cold drinks and take some time to slow down and enjoy your surroundings, something we all need to do. They also have a Children's Center now and have beefed up their concert schedule here, so visit their website and check out all they have to offer. read more

One of the best dead rich white guy's estate I've been to in years. Only $5 admission per car and you can access the picnic areas (many fond childhood memories here); cafeteria/visitor center (very new/clean with tons of patio space); house itself (didn't go this time, but the tours are every 30min and the house itself is beautiful, a true gem compared to stuff I've seen out east); and a WWI/WWII museum (much more impressive than I expected - esp liked the part where you storm Normandy coming out of a ship). The grounds are immaculate and dotted with real tanks. A few water features/ponds, some pergolas, there's even something called the Idea Garden (which I hope to replicate in my backyard). Perfect place to spend time with the folks/leisurely stroll about. They periodically host events like bands and craft/art fairs. read more

I came here as a guest for a wedding over the weekend and was super impressed with everything. The grounds (that I saw, which wasn't much) were beautiful! The wedding was outdoor and all the foliage was lush and abundant, but also well taken care of. The reception was inside at the visitor center and the service was top notch. We were addressed multiple times by waiters with apps, the bar service offered great beer, wine and liquor choices (of course I'm sure that depends on how much you are willing to spend!), and the food... OMG the food was AMAZING! This wedding offered parmesan crusted beef filet and potatoes, and it was perfect. The salads too were healthy dark greens- not a speck of ice berg in site! Hallelujah!! I want to come back to tour the rest of the grounds soon, and would definitely come back in a heartbeat for another wedding! This is a very popular wedding venue. We saw 3 or 4 other brides while walking in. I think a little bit of signage should've been provided by Cantigny to help guide guests. I didn't know many people at the wedding, and was nervous about where I was walking initially. That'd be my only suggestion for improvement! read more

What a beautiful place! I enjoyed the gardens! Took a lot of pics of the grounds. Do not forget to visit the house. Our guide was very pleasant and helpful with questions. I have not been there often but I am looking forward to another visit soon! read more

I can't say enough good things about Cantigny (Can tee nee)! This place is way more than McCormick's old estate and gardens, to see everything here in one walk-through would be impossible. For $5 you can visit two first-class museums, take in several beautifully maintained gardens, golf or grab a snack at one of their restaurants or snack shops. Yes, it is definitely a history lovers dream but that is not a requirement. They host several great events throughout the year that will keep you coming back throughout the year no matter what your interest is. If you have never been to Cantigny before, then you will be absolutely amazed at what you were missing! read more

We just had our wedding reception at Cantigny in June. We loved: the room (Le Jardin, so beautiful), the cake (included, and the best I've ever had), the location, the setting, the price, and the fact that Magan (the coordinator) let me bring all my centerpieces in three days before and kept them in her tiny office! Thanks, Magan! However...overall, I felt like my experience working with the staff could have been a bit more organized. We went through three different coordinators -- the room was new, changes were being made, we understood. I just felt like I had to think of and ask about so many little details, and it would have been so much easier for someone Type A like me (and on poor Magan, who received all of my questions) if some of this info could have been spelled out a little more clearly in the brochure. For instance, we didn't get to take any cake home, and at first I was a little upset, but then when I e-mailed Magan, she said we get a little cake on our one-year. I know this is becoming more common, but I would have had no idea if I hadn't e-mailed her. Just stuff like that. Finally, the guard at the gate directed my in-laws to the wrong site! He insisted that our wedding was at the golf course, wouldn't let her in, and then they had to drive all the way back (around the block really) when the golf course (of course) told her the reception was where she thought it was. Just a little frustrating. Otherwise, excellent value for a truly breathtaking site! read more

This is my third visit to Cantigny and each time has been wonderful. The gardens are lovely and are a great way to learn about horticulture and botanical life itself. As a early childhood teacher, I believe Cantigny is the perfect place for children to learn about natural science. The war museum and tanks were favorites of the boys in my group. Children are also able to climb and explore them. The restaurant, la Jardin, was full of fresh, flavorful food. read more

Very nice place for the whole family especially during the events the hold. Best is their no individual entry ticket policy, just pay $5 per car ... Well maintained gardens and museums. Many tanks exhibited from the wars of last century. read more

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Cantigny has such a beautiful atmosphere with tons of different gardens. I really enjoyed the tour of Robert McCormick's home and the tour guide was very knowledgable. I did not know much about Cantigny until I got there and it was definitely a memorable experience I will be back! read more

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Our boys used to love climbing on the tanks at Cantigny, we've been to the museum and golfed there a few times too. They have a 9 hole course just for kids 8-15, how flipping cool is that? Our oldest son and his wife decided to get married here. They wanted a Saturday wedding in the Rose Garden so they had to book it one year in advance. It was worth the wait. Our inlaws wanted to provide their daughter with a special day, and they sure did. They went top of the line on everything (there is a wedding planner in the family!) and I was so impressed with everything from top to bottom. So, we can't credit Cantigny with the weather, but we got lucky and had a beautiful day. We had the indoor backup plan in place. When I say "we" I mean they (inlaws, wedding planner, the couple and Cantigny) Lisa and I did the rehearsal dinner (Arrowhead in the "Tower") The rose garden as a setting is fabulous, it's a bit of a walk from the parking lot, but Cantigny provides transportation for those that need/want it. After a very memorable ceremony, photos we moved to the reception which was held inside. (Premium open bar) Three entrees were offered; Veggie meal: Rice pilaf with edamame served with roast tomatoes, spinach, yellow squash, zucchini, three pepper coulis and a fried sweet potato nest. Combo Meal: A 4oz filet of Angus beef in a porcini merlot sauce and a 4oz grilled chicken breast with a basil mascarpone sauce Accompanied by sun-dried tomato whipped potatoes and vegetable Napoleon Seafood: Broiled tilapia in a lemon artichoke sauce Accompanied by rice pilaf and haricot vert It will surprise no one that I got the combo meal. The steak was done perfectly (on the lighter side of medium) and the chicken was moist, good restaurant quality. Everybody else said that their food was great too. Catigny is currently rehabbing their main entrance (golf course entrance is separate, on Mack Road) which will make it an even more attractive venue.... pretty hard to do. So a big "Tanks" to the McCormick Foundation for establishing and protecting such a wonderful resource. read more