Social Story: How to find McCormick House during field trips

Many schools start their visit at the Visitor Center Standing in the parking lot. The front door.

Inside the Visitor Center You will find a toy model of Cantigny Park under heavy plastic called Plexiglas. Don’t worry, the Plexiglas is strong enough so that people can walk on it. We ask that people walk inside the Visitor Center and use “inside voices.”

Also inside the Visitor Center There is a movie theatre. We use this to do a quick orientation. If there is time, many schools watch the 8 minute video about Cantigny Park.

Where are the restrooms? There are restrooms on the other end of the Visitor Center.

Where are the drinking fountains? There are two drinking fountains inside the Visitor Center by the restrooms. The taller drinking fountain can also be used to fill water bottles!

Ready to head out to McCormick House? Many people call McCormick House “the Mansion.” It used to be someone’s home and now it is a museum. We have another museum at Cantigny Park about the First Infantry Division. There will be another story about that museum soon! Exit out the “back door” and you will start to see small green signs to lead you to McCormick House.

There are green signs to help you find your way. Your path will look like this. Sometimes you will see carts or golf carts near the path. These belong to people who work here. Only the big long golf cart shown in the picture gives rides to guests. We call it a tram and we usually have a tram on duty from 10-2.

Keep following the path Keep following the path. You will notice that it changes from stones to black asphalt.

Gardens at Cantigny There are many beautiful flowers and other plants at Cantigny. Please don’t pick the flowers or other plants. You may see different types of flowers when you visit because the flowers change with the seasons.

Stay on the asphalt path! People are allowed to walk on the grass, but in order to get to McCormick House, you want to stay on the asphalt path. We call this spot 4 corners because of how the paths meet. Did you spot the green sign?

You should see the back of McCormick House! Don’t head toward the green fencing, that area is under construction and the path is blocked. You will walk past a small reflecting pool as you head toward the house.

The South Reflecting Pool The reflecting pool is just to look at. Sometimes you will spot frogs or tadpoles, but we ask that you leave them alone. Many people do take photos near the reflecting pool and that is okay as long as they don’t hop in!

Keep on going! This is the back porch, once you pass this door you are almost there!

It’s just around the corner! Once the path turns to bricks again, you know you’ve made it! This is the sign by the entrance. The times show when we have tours. If your teacher booked a tour, we save your school a spot!

We will start your field trip in the Gold Theatre. Please wait for a teacher to check in before you rush down the steps! Watch your step, there is a ramp on the other side of this orange door.

Welcome to the Gold Theatre!