Cantigny Park

Cantigny Park 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 Park 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 Park for 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. Cantigny’s Project New Leaf, a massive gardens revitalization plan, is delivering new horticultural features well worth the visit. 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. 

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, fitness classes and more. Park hours, directions and a calendar of upcoming events are online at www.cantigny.org

Cantigny Park is featured in DuPage County’s Natural Wanders.