Colonel McCormick never had children. When he died in 1955 he left his fortune to establish a charitable trust. He also directed that Cantigny should be transformed into a park for the general public to enjoy. The mansion was turned into a historic house museum which is open for tours.
There is also a war museum on the property. The First Division Museum chronicles World War 1 as well as later wars. Displayed outside the museum are tanks from the various wars. Children are allowed to climb on them. There are also beautiful gardens on the grounds.
We visited here often when the kids were small. They loved to climb on the tanks!
We took the house tour, and checked out the war museum. Both were great. Photos are not allowed inside the house. It Is filled with personal things, plus so many antiques and works of art. It is truly magnificent.
Here are a couple of museum pictures.
I thought of Amy while walking around the rose garden. I think everyone would enjoy it.
It was a very nice day!