Cantigny is the former 500-acre estate of Colonel Robert R. McCormick, the longtime editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune. Cantigny was named after a small village in France, where Colonel McCormick commanded an artillery battalion in 1918 as a member of the U.S. Army’s First Division. The Battle of Cantigny was America’s first victory in World War I.
Cantigny opened to the public in 1958 and is home to: The Robert R. McCormick Museum; The First Division Museum; Cantigny Gardens and Trails; Visitors Center; Education Center; and Cantigny Golf.
Whether you’re visiting Cantigny or the museums, golf courses or a special event, there’s no looking past the beautiful landscape. The park’s ever-popular gardens feature year-round seasonal beauty. A walk through the park and gardens is a sensual delight, and a sure way to off-set the stress of everyday life.
Grab the binoculars and have a bird-watching good time. Cantigny is a great place to watch birds, especially in the spring and fall! The property features excellent habitat variety and is a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. If you prefer watching with others, check out the organized bird walks at the park that are conducted in partnership with the DuPage Birding Club. The walks are free and beginning birders are always welcome. Kids ages 8 and up are also welcome if accompanied by an adult.
Mondays are designated as “Paws in the Park Days” (excluding holidays like Labor Day and Indigenous People’s Day). So, grab your four-legged companion, hop in the car, and get ready for some Barks and Recreation time in the beautiful gardens! While our buildings are off-limits to our furry pals, they’re guaranteed to have a blast exploring the great outdoors.
Play on one of the finest golf courses in the Midwest at Cantigny, listed among Golf Advisor’s Top 10 places to play golf. When the 27-hole layout opened in 1989 it was named “Best New Course in America” by Golf Digest. Since then Cantigny Golf has hosted the Illinois State Amateur Championship five times and numerous USGA qualifiers. After the links, enjoy the view and hospitality at Fareways Grill in the Cantigny clubhouse.
Throughout the year, Cantigny is host to numerous special events, concerts, weddings, birthday parties, museum tours, lectures, horticulture workshops, and more. Learn more at www.cantigny.org.
Hours:
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday-Monday: 9 AM - Sunset
2024 Parking Fees:
Free Parking on Wednesdays, for those who register in advance
