Cantigny joins Museums for All initiative
Cantigny Park's two museums, the First Division Museum and McCormick House, are participating in the Museums for All program.
The national initiative of the Association of Children's Museums and the Institute of Museum and Library Services is designed to encourage individuals and families of all backgrounds to visit the park's museums and other attractions.
Museums for All will apply to Cantigny's parking fee because the park's museums, gardens and most events at 1S151 Winfield Road in Wheaton already offer free admission.
Families may now visit the park for just $1 by presenting a state-issued Electronic Benefits Transfer card or Women, Infants and Children program card. The discounted rate is for one vehicle with up to eight passengers.
Cantigny Park's regular daily parking fee is $5. The daily fee on Saturdays and Sundays, May through September, is $10.
"Museums for All aligns perfectly with what our benefactor, Robert R. McCormick, intended for Cantigny," Matt LaFond, Cantigny Park executive director, said. "He envisioned this property being open to all, with a strong educational component. We want as many people as possible to benefit from Colonel McCormick's generous gift."
In addition to the $1 daily rate, a Museums for All annual rate is available for $10 to those who qualify. Ticketed events, fee-based programs, paid tours and discounts at Bertie's Bistro, Cantigny Shop and Cantigny Golf are not included.
In addition to Museums for All, Cantigny Park offers several other free or discounted admission programs:
• Free admission on the first Wednesday of every month.
• Free admission (and other benefits) every day for active-duty military and veterans who join the complimentary Cantigny Honor Club.
• Free admission on Armed Forces Day, McCormick Day, Constitution Day and Veterans Day.
Other Museums for All program participants near Cantigny Park include the Aurora Regional Fire Museum, DuPage Children's Museum, Morton Arboretum and Naper Settlement. A complete list is available online at childrensmuseum.org.