Cantigny

We go there for a school trip every year. It is an excellent value. The tanks for climbing on and the beautiful grounds have already been mentioned. Even more impressive is the museum. The best parts of this are the realistic reproductions of different military sites: you can walk through Cantigny, France during WWI, hide out in trenches, walk along the Normandy beaches (after arriving by boat), or walk through a Vietnamese jungle. Fun for kids, and adults will learn a lot.

The gardens are wonderful, always changing and always beautiful, at least in spring, summer, and fall. Col. McCormick's collection of archetecture and statues on the grounds are very impressive. But his house, and the EXPERIENCED TOUR GUIDES, are unbelievable. Also, the tour of the house is free. The best part is the tank display out side of the museun. The kids will go crazzzzzzzy. The musium is geared to older children and adults. Younger kids will get bored quickly and adults won't get a chance to really appreciate it. There is also a golf course near by. So sneaky, experienced golf officialdos may be able to get their spouse to take the kinds on a tour while they take in a round or two. All in all, it is absolutely worth your afternoon and your $7.00 (golf is extra). Oh, and if at all possible, go the weekend of a re-inactment. Re-inactors show up with marvelous and authentic (for the most part) gear; ie, swords, rifles, uniforms, tents, and one even had a 65 year old, WW II Hershey Bar (imagine, antique candy).

What a place! For a $7 fee per car fee, you have access to the entire grounds. There is a huge botanical garden, military tanks for kids (and adults) to look at and climb on, free concerts and a military museum (that I think supasses any I have seen anywhere in the country).