Field Trips

At the First Division Museum, we have several focused field trip options for you and your students! We provide options that encourage critical thinking, such as our Artifact Adventures field trip, historical adventures, such as our WWII-based trip, and a more in-depth look at our Research Center, through our Hands-on at the Mansion, for those looking for a more immersive scholarly experience. Take a look at our field trip offerings below.

Bus Reimbursements

Cantigny Park is now offering bus reimbursements. Schools must apply at least six weeks in advance of the scheduled field trip. Schools will be notified via mail or email of the reimbursement. They are to make their own bus arrangements and submit an invoice to the Cantigny Park for reimbursement of up to $200. A check will then be mailed to the school.

Eligibility Requirements

• A teacher or school administrator may apply on behalf of a fourth through twelfth grade class or classes.
  Schools must be located in the Chicagoland area.
• Schools must serve a student population comprised of at least 40% who qualify for free or reduced lunch under the National School Lunch Program.
• Schools may be awarded up to two scholarships per calendar year.

Field Trip Resources

Scouting Out the First Division Museum

Sign Up for our Scouting and Youth Organization Mailing List

The First Division Museum provides tremendous opportunities for scouts to build their confidence, character and a lifelong love of learning. The journey begins through the Main Exhibit Hall, where scouts go through the trenches of World War I, investigate an underground bunker, explore Omaha beach after D-Day, travel the jungles of Vietnam and much more! The eight major galleries of the First Division Museum cover military history from 1917-1991. In addition, there are 11 tanks outside the museum for scouts to explore and climb on.

Groups are encouraged to explore the Main Exhibit Hall with their chaperones. No reservations are needed for self-guided and chaperoned groups.

Also, we host a variety of badge programs for Girl Scout groups.

In addition to the First Division Museum, the grounds of Cantigny offer a host of activities for scouts that include hiking trails, garden walks and the Robert R. McCormick Museum. There are also places for camping and picnicking.

For more information on scouting opportunities and activities at the First Division Museum and Cantigny Park, please call 630.260.8237 or email scouts@cantigny.org.

Something for Everyone!

The First Division Museum is not the only attraction when you come to visit. The museum sits in the midst of beautiful Cantigny Park , whose 40-acres feature the Formal Gardens, the Rose Garden, and the popular Idea Garden, as well as Reflection Point. There are also hiking trails, a new playground, and a remodeled Visitors Center, which features a coffee house and a restaurant.

At the north end of the park is the Robert R. McCormick House, the former home of our benefactor, Robert R. McCormick. South of the park is Cantigny Golf, an award-winning 27-hole course that includes a learning center, a youth course, and a restaurant and grill.

Museum Hours

Hours (May through October)

Tuesday – Sunday
10 am – 5 pm

Admission to the museum is free. There is a parking fee for the park.

Parking Fees

Passenger Cars

Weekday $5.00

Buses, Limousines and Trolleys

18-34 Capacity $40.00
Over 35 Capacity $80.00

For more information, please contact fieldtrips@cantigny.org or call 630-260-5161.

Hold your next event here!

Looking for a unique space and an experience your guests will never forget? Host your next event at the First Division Museum. Rental spaces inside the First Division Museum are available for private parties and ceremonies. Rental fees are dependent upon the size of the room and time requested for use. All space rentals are scheduled on a case-by-case basis.

For more information please contact: