Join us for a memorable summer day bus trip on Friday, August 21! Embark on an epic day trip through Chicago's western suburbs that bridges the cutting-edge frontier of quantum physics with heroic military history and breathtaking landscapes!
You will kick off the morning at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, America’s premier particle physics laboratory, with a behind-the-scenes tour with Calvin professor and expert, Jim Jadrich. Tour highlights include the Wilson Hall Atrium and Art Gallery, main control room, and science center, along with walking paths through the prairie ecosystem and bison herd. (Please note that a physical REAL ID or passport is strictly required for all participants aged 18 and older to gain entry to the federal campus, and you will have time to purchase lunch on your own at the Fermilab cafeteria inside Wilson Hall. Lunch options include grilled foods, Italian, and deli and salad bar.)
Next, dive into the immersive exhibits at the First Division Museum, navigating a simulated WWI trench and exploring an impressive outdoor tank park dedicated to the U.S. Army’s famous "Big Red One."
In honor of our nation's 250th annviersary and after a multi-year restoration, the McCormick House will also be available for visiting. Col. Robert McCormick was a shrewd businessman who believed in modern advances a century ago, including including radio and television broadcasting. He was also a fan of history, particularly that of the Revolutionary War and the Founding Fathers of the United States.
Instead of merely seeing the house as it was when McCormick lived there, visitors can learn more about the legendary publisher of the Chicago Tribune. For the first time, visitors can hear McCormick himself talking about what they are seeing. Using artificial intelligence and old recordings of McCormick from WGN radio, the curators modeled McCormick’s voice.
Finally, unwind in the afternoon at the gorgeous 500-acre Cantigny Park estate by exploring its sprawling, vibrant display gardens designed by renowned landscape architect Franz Lipp—a historic property proudly named by Chicago Tribune publisher Robert R. McCormick to honor his battalion’s historic 1918 victory at the Battle of Cantigny. (A boxed sandwich meal from Calvin Catering will be provided for you to enjoy on the return bus ride home.)
We have done our best to keep the price as low as possible for this trip, despite a high bus rental cost of $3,200.