Apr
21
Grissom Hall, Old Chanute Air Force Base, Rantoul, Il. This particular building has been re-purposed for a museum and an Illinois National Guard program for troubled teens. Sadly it’s still falling apart slowly.
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Archive for the ‘Travel’ Category
Mar
30
Not a very pretty picture, but an interesting one nonetheless, and certainly a tad bit historic considering that Chanute Air Force Base was decommissioned in 1993. I found this mat sitting at the back door of a repurposed military building that faces the old flight line and runways. I spotted it from the airport tarmac (where I wasn’t supposed to be) and hopped a fence (into where I really wasn’t supposed to be) so I could get a shot of it. Who could resist the military nostalgia? Not I.
Mar
08
We recently visited Cantigny Park in Wheaton, Illinois, which is home to the First Division Museum (Big Red One) and a fantastic tank park. You can walk amongst the tanks, touch them, hug them, climb on them, and kiss them, if you like. My kids loved it. The park itself is fantastic and a wonderful place to spend a nice sunny day. Besides the First Division Museum, there are tours available of the famous McCormick mansion, a great visitor’s center, places to eat, lots and lots of beautiful gardens to stroll, a nice golf course, group camping, and a whole lot more. (A quick tip: while at the visitor’s center be sure to check out the massive park model under glass, built into the floor. Awesome!). Admission to the park is a measly $5 per car and includes admission to both museums. On the park’s website there is a giant schedule of events (classes, live music, etc) and Cantigny Park is extremely Cub Scout/Boy Scout friendly as they offer several events for both programs. (That’s how I found it….stayed overnight with the Boy Scouts in 1984. ) Cantigny Park is truly a hidden gem and a must see.
A few of the many tanks on display. More photos to come later.
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