On Thursday, August 23rd we visited Cantigny (pronounced CAN-TEE-NEE) Park (#10 on the list of 50 Ideas for Summer Fun). Located in Wheaton, Illinois, the park is 500 acres and is the former estate of Colonel Robert R. McCormick, longtime editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune.
“It 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 Website
As we entered the park we paid $5 for parking ($10 on the weekends from May – September). An unbelievable deal, considering the enjoyment you’ll receive from your visit. We quickly ate our packed lunch, near the newly renovated playground and then went through the Visitor’s Center.
We walked through some of the gardens before heading to the Tank Park, which features 100 years of armor. The kids really enjoyed climbing on these massive machines and reading about their place in military history.
After leaving the Tank Park, we headed to the Idea Garden. However, before entering the garden we had to get a picture on the yellow sofa and chairs (we found others along the way). You never know where you will see the Chairs of Cantigny, but when you do, you just have to get a picture.
We enjoyed walking around and seeing many of the French influences in the Idea Garden, which happens to be the theme this year. There was also a tribute to a rather special gift from France to the United States. Noah was also pretty proud of his frog find in the lily pond. From there it was on to the Rose Garden and my favorite place in the park. The pergola is beautiful and makes an amazing backdrop.
Our last stop, and the kids’ favorite place, was the Formal Garden and fountains. The last time we had visited Cantigny Park, was probably a good seven years ago, but the kids still remember the fountains. Since, I did not pack any towels (which I suggest you do), I told the kids that they could just get their feet wet. I’m sure you can guess how well that went over.
After sitting in a wheelchair (with a newly dislocated knee), and watching the kids have fun in the water, Riley asked if she could just put her hands in the water. So, Sydney was nice enough to wheel her around the water, making sure not to get her too wet.
In the end, it was a fun visit and the kids were pleasantly surprised on how much fun they had. And for a photographer, like myself, Cantigny Park offers so many photo opportunities, you just don’t know what to shoot first.
Sharon Gaietto Photography 