Annam

Does anyone know about how long it takes to tour the 1st Division museum at Cantigny park in Wheaton, IL? I went there often as a child but haven't been in almost 40 years. I know it's been expanded quite a bit since then. We're gong to a concert at the park Saturday night and want to tour the museum, but don't want to be there all day if not necessary.

CAPH52

It won't take you all day. You could do the house, the grounds and the museum in a couple of hours or so. Unless it's changed in the last couple of years, the museum is a self-guided tour. So you can do it as quickly, leisurely as you'd like.

chitowngirl

Will you be there for the Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band? We will be. Nice thing about Cantigny is you can spend as much or as little time as you desire. I have flown through the museum and I have spent hours in it. FYI, they are expecting a large crowd, so you may want to head over there early/mid afternoon, do the museum, tour the grounds/house and pack a picnic dinner and then you won't have to worry about parking.

joethekay

Most of the museum is self guided, but there is a movie/commentary on the D Day landing at Omaha Beach that is a virtual beach landing. It is timed. I believe this takes 10 min, so if there is a crowd you may have to wait one or 2 cycles. Also, I think the mansion tours are on a schedule as well so depending on the crowd there may be a slight wait as well.
Be sure you check out the gardens and the childrens' idea garden as well. Enjoy.

Annam

Thanks bunches everyone. I can always count on Fodorites for instant answers. Yes, Chitowngirl, we are going to see Lt. Dan. Have never seen this act but i am a big fan of Eileen Byrne on WLS and she made it sound like a good time and we decided it would be a good excuse to return to Cantigny after all these years. Looking forward to a nice day and a pleasant evening.