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Location
Best time
Visit during spring or summer to maximize your experience. The beautiful grounds, flower gardens, and tree-lined Tank Park courtyard are major attractions that are most enjoyable in pleasant weather. May events can impact Saturday parking, so consider visiting on weekdays or Sunday during peak seasons.
Visitor tip
Don't miss the Tank Park outdoor exhibit - it features one of the only climbable M1A1 Abrams tanks on display, plus a rare WWI American-made Renault and various WWII and Cold War tanks. This is consistently highlighted as the museum's standout feature and a major draw for families with children.
Visitor tip
Combine the museum visit with the beautiful surrounding grounds and gardens. Visitors recommend enjoying the chairs, swinging chairs, and scenic pond views as part of your visit. This makes it an excellent full-day destination that appeals to both history enthusiasts and those seeking outdoor relaxation.
About First Division Museum at Cantigny
Exhibits on the First Infantry Division. Interactive exhibits & displays presenting the military history of the First Infantry Division.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Natural History Museum
- Focus
- 1st Infantry Division military history from WWI to present
- Main Exhibits
- First in War, Duty First, Tank Park with WWI-Desert Storm vehicles
- Hours
- Wednesday–Monday, 10 am–5 pm
- Location
- Cantigny, Wheaton, IL
What visitors say
Such an Awesome place! They have plenty of information to answer all of those questions you have boiling up in your head! The inside is well kept and show what these units and this specific division had done. Tank park is amazing! They…
We spent several hours here! I took my 2 adult sons and adult daughter. They climbed on the tanks, toured the museum, walked the flower gardens and we enjoyed a mimosa
A must go to destination in nice weather. The tanks are displayed in a tree lined courtyard and yes, the children can climb on them. The 1st Division museum didn't disappoint either. Weapons and uniform displays covering the greatest of…
From 953 Google reviews Read all reviews
Did You Know?
- Tank Park features one of the only climbable M1A1 Abrams tanks on public display, along with an American-made Renault tank from WWI and multiple WWII and Cold War era tanks
- The museum is located on the Cantigny Estate grounds, which includes formal gardens, flower displays, walking trails, and ponds alongside the military exhibits
- The museum features interactive programs including History Trunks, Veteran Speakers in the Classroom, and Scout Activities designed for all age ranges
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