We also wanted to do something we hadn't done before, so later that afternoon we went to Cantigny. Cantigny is in Wheaton, IL about 10 minutes from our house. It is the former sprawling estate of Robert R. McCormick, most notable as the owner of the Chicago Tribune. After his death, Cantigny was converted into museums and gardens open to the public.
The property is huge, but we hit three main areas. We toured the main hous
e/mansion which is now a museum, very interesting. We also visited the other museum on the grounds---The First Division Museum, which for me was the highlight of the day. This museum is dedicated to the 1st Infantry Division of the US Army and basically presents its history from the Revolutionary War to Desert Storm. I was very impressed by the exhibits; they are top-notch. The girls had a great time and everything kept their attention.
e/mansion which is now a museum, very interesting. We also visited the other museum on the grounds---The First Division Museum, which for me was the highlight of the day. This museum is dedicated to the 1st Infantry Division of the US Army and basically presents its history from the Revolutionary War to Desert Storm. I was very impressed by the exhibits; they are top-notch. The girls had a great time and everything kept their attention.
The exhibit that made the biggest impression on Paige, was in the WWII period in which you sit in a landing craft, watch actual footage from D-day, then the front of the landing craft opens up and you walk onto a replica of Omaha Beach. It's pretty dramatic and amazing.
Outside the 1st Division Museum is Tank Park. The girls loved this. There is a big collection of tanks from WWI to Desert Storm. The tanks are spread around outside and kids are allowed to climb up and play on them. It is really quite amazing to be up close to these huge vehicles.
I can't recommend Cantigny enough and am glad that we didn't wait any longer to visit.
Thanks for the tip! =)
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