Kankakee County Group Travel Guide Visit our website for suggested itineraries Located just 60 miles south of Chicago, the Kankakee County Convention & Visitors Bureau welcomes group travelers to our community! You will find Welcome! bus-loads of discoveries here. From a B. Harley Bradley House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, French Heritage Museum, Barn Quilt tour, Mystery Dinner Theatre, Antique shops to a 4,000-acre State Park. Groups can combine stops at different attractions to customize their personal itineraries.
Outdoor adventures, cultural activities, family recreation, dining and shopping await you less than an hour south Is your group staying overnight? of Chicago. With more than 900 hotel/motel rooms, We can host a complimentary welcome reception for your Kankakee County has the accommodations you need to group and provide room booking assistance. We’re happy make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. Our web site to share our hometown feeling! has several sample itineraries to enhance your visit and take advantage of all of the wonderful things to see and do Free Services for tour operators: in Kankakee County. • Customized Itinerary Planning Step On Guide Services The Kankakee County and Visitors Bureau welcomes the • opportunity to work with your group. Our community offers • Group Rates exciting places to eat, play, meet and sleep. Our seasoned • CVB Welcome Reception with Gift Bags sales and services team are available to assist you. • Planning Guide and Marketing Materials
800-747-4837 • www.visitkankakeecounty.com Kankakee River State Park More than 4000 acres extends along both sides of the Kankakee River offering unspoiled settings that are surrounded by scenic bluffs and woods. The park includes hiking trails, biking trails, canoeing, fishing, camping, cross- country skiing, snowmobile trails, picnic areas, hunting, boat launches, and much more! In addition there are several shelters available for picnic events. 5314 W. State Route 102, Bourbonnais, IL 815-933-1383 • www.dnr.illinois.gov Reservation link: www.reserveamerica.com Explore the wonders and beauty of nature in Kankakee County’s parks, where opportunities for relaxation and adventure abound- from wooded paths for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and snowmobiling
to a plethora of fishing spots and campsites. Outdoor Adventures
www.visitkankakeecounty.com 1 Outdoor Adventures Kankakee Valley Park District With more than 25 parks, the Ice Valley Centre Ice Arena, Splash Valley Aquatic Park, Theodis Pace Football Field and the River Road Softball Complex, the Kankakee Valley Park District offers a wide variety of attractions. In addition, the park district offers adult and youth programs throughout the year. Many park district facilities are available for rent. 175 S. Wall Street, Kankakee, IL 815-939-1311 • www.kvpd.com
Willowhaven Interpretive Center Visit this free, hands-on museum that houses exhibits focused on Illinois wildlife, conservation and natural history. Bourbonnais Township Park District The center also has live animal displays, butterfly gardens, Venture into Indian Caves, pick fruit in the fruit orchard, aquariums, a children’s reading nook, computer tables and let the kids experience the Exploration Station or visit a microscope lab table. This museum is assured to be a hit farm animals at Perry Farm Park. Learn about nature at with any nature or student group. the Willowhaven Interpretive Center or take in a game at 1451 N. 4000 E. Road, Kankakee, IL Diamond Point Park. In addition to hosting 250 different 815-933-9905 • www.btpd.org programs throughout the year, the Bourbonnais Township Park District has several spaces available for rent. 459 N. Kennedy Drive, Bourbonnais, IL 815-933-9905 • www.btpd.org
2 Group Planner Guide Outdoor Adventures Looking for adventure or just a relaxing activity? Find it in Kankakee County via, air, land and water. The possibilities are endless: Additional facilities and parks in Kankakee County Grant Park , 219-285-2184 • Air Sports www.nature.org/illinois • Bike Paths Kankakee Valley Forest Preserve, 815-935-5630 • Walking Trails www.krvfpd.org Bird Watching • Manteno Parks, 815-468-8224 Boat Tours • www.manteno.govoffice.com • Canoeing • Fishing Momence Park District, 815-472-2670 • Golf www.momenceparkdistrict.net • Horseback Riding Street Anne Parks, 815-427-6783 • Hunting Camp Shaw, 815-933-3011 • Scuba www.campshaw.org • Skatebaording • Water Park
Learn additional information on any one of the activities by visiting our website at www.visitkankakeecounty.com
www.visitkankakeecounty.com 3 Outdoor Adventures Museums & Historical Societies
French Heritage Museum at the Stone Barn The Lemuel Milk Carriage House, historically known as the Stone Barn, is home to the French Heritage Museum. Explore the French involvement in the history of the Kankakee River Valley—the first explorers and missionaries; the Coureurs de bois and fur traders, and the pioneer settlers from France, French Canada, and Belgium. Currently the museum is open on weekends. 165 N. Indiana Avenue, Kankakee, IL The river and the railroad brought business 815-936-0834 or 815-932-5279 History Legends and trade to Kankakee County. The www.kankakeecountymuseum.com Paramount Theatre and the iconic homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright are a testament to a rich Midwestern history.
4 Group Planner Guide History Legends Kankakee Railroad Museum Instead of automobiles and planes, enjoy trains and the good old days. See large operating model train displays and railroad memorabilia housed in Kankakee’s restored train depot. The museum also features a scale model replicating the city of Kankakee during the 1950s. A restored rail car and trolley can be rented for special events. 197 S. East Avenue, Kankakee, IL 815-929-9320 • www.kankakeerrmuseum.com
Momence Railroad Depot Museum This privately-owned 1890s depot was restored in 2001. Kankakee County Museum This building served as a depot from 1890 to the 1950s, History breathes life into your experience at the Kankakee and served the Chicago, Indiana & Southern Railroad and County Museum and Historical Society. Founded in 1906, the New York Central lines. In the depot are photos and the Museum Complex encompasses the historic 1855, Dr. artifacts relating to Momence’s railroading history. This fully A.L. Small house, 1904, Taylor one-room Schoolhouse, restored depot, houses a permanent display of railroad three past Illinois Governors Gallery, artist Bernard Shaw artifacts and military memorabilia. sculpture exhibit, Native American artifacts and the Column 691 N. Dixie Highway, Momence, IL Garden outdoor exhibit. Don’t forget to visit the museum’s 815-472-2255 gift shop for memorable souvenirs. Group tours, rental space and seminars are available. 801 S. Eighth Avenue, Kankakee, IL 815-932-5279 • www.kankakeecountymuseum.com www.visitkankakeecounty.com 5 History Legends Manteno Historical Society Museum Momence Historical House Museum Headquartered in the historic Charles Skinner House, It is like going back in time when your group sees the you can view a collection of photographs, histories, period furnishings and artifacts from 1870 to 1900. documents and artifacts. The third floor features uniforms Depicting everyday life in the late 1880s, the house and memorabilia from WWI to the present, commemorating originally served as a private residence. The Momence Manteno war veterans. The museum also features a Women’s Club was instrumental in preserving this lovely one-room schoolhouse and restored horse-drawn doctor’s house museum. The arbor and gardens were created by buggy. Group tours are available. young carpenters from Momence High 192 W. Third Street, Manteno, IL School and Historic Main Street 815-468-6124 • www.mantenohistoricalsociety.org Momence. 117 N. Dixie Highway, Check out the Momence, IL uniquely Kankakee 815-472-3861 items on pages 15-16 Kankakee County Fair and Exposition Center Illinois Central Depot Birthplace of Dairy Queen
Learn additional information on any one of the museums or historical societies by visiting our website at www.visitkankakeecounty.com.
6 Group Planner Guide History Legends Additional Museums & Historical Societies in Kankakee County
• Basu Museum & Cultural Center, 815-944-8211 • Bourbonnais Grove Historical Society- Letourneau Home Museum, 815-933-6452 www.bourbonnaishistory.org • Bronte History of Printing Museum, 815-932-5192 • Conrad Park Pioneer Cabin, 815-472-6081 • Essex Historical Society Museum, 815-365-4048 • Herscher Area Historical Society, 815-949-1555, www.herscher.net • Kankakee Valley Genealogical Society, 815-939-4564, www.kvgs.org • Little Red School House, 815-472-2924 • Kankakee County Historic Preservation Commission, 815-937-2940
www.visitkankakeecounty.com 7 History Legends Architecture New in Historical Church Tour 2014! Kankakee County’s history is directly tied to the many church congregations that began in the 1800s. Most of these churches are located downtown and represent the spirit of commitment our early settlers had in establishing our area as a viable community. Contact the Kankakee County CVB to schedule your customized group tour today. 800-747-4837 • ww.visitkankakeecounty.com Frank Lloyd Wright’s B. Harley Bradley House This famous Prairie Style designed house is one of two located in Kankakee. Renovated and transformed to its original design, the property includes the original stable house, now a gift shop with Frank Lloyd Wright replicas, art and collectables. This fine gem awaits your visit to Kankakee. Inquire about the house tours and unique Kankakee River tours. 701 S. Harrison Avenue, Kankakee, IL 815-936-9630 • www.kankakeewright.org
8 Group Planner Guide History Legends The Kankakee County Courthouse The Beaux Arts Architecture inspired dome of the courthouse has dominated the downtown Kankakee skyline since 1912. A mural depicting scenes of the county’s history embellishes the dome’s ceiling. This masterpiece is bordered by six historical churches that were built in the late 1800s. Bring your camera and capture an outside shot of one of Kankakee County’s beautiful treasures. 450 E. Court Street, Kankakee, IL 815-937-2930 Riverview Historic District Take a ride, walk or drive through one of Kankakee County’s Historic neighborhoods. Historic Riverview sits along the banks of the Kankakee River. Enjoy custom built, carefully restored homes - some more than 100 years old - including two of Frank Lloyd Wright designs. Emory Cobb is credited for his efforts in establishing the Historic Riverview District. In his honor, Cobb Park is now located where the popular attraction, “The Riverview Hotel”, built by Cobb in 1887 once stood. Visit the district’s website for their annual holiday house walk. 312-961-7987 • www.riverviewhistoricdistrict.org
Learn additional information by visiting our website at www.visitkankakeecounty.com www.visitkankakeecounty.com 9 History Legends Visual and Performance Art
The Art Center Plan your next group activity at Kankakee County Community Arts Council’s Art Center. The Art Center is an interchangeable gallery that features local artist’s works and sells their master pieces. Located at the Northfield Square Mall, classes are offered in drawing, painting, jewelry making, interior design and other mediums. 1600 N. State Route 50, Suite 466 Bradley, IL
Arts & Culture 815-933-2787 • www.communityartscouncil.org The Kankakee County area offers a variety of music venues, galleries, theaters, and museums—each adding to the history of the area.
10 Group Planner Guide Indulge in Arts & Culture Bennett-Curtis House Mystery Dinner Theater Talk about creating fun for your next group gathering! Solving a mystery is like putting together a puzzle at the beautiful Bennett-Curtis House “Murder in the BC Mansion”. The cast are seated among the guests and dinner is served throughout the play. This Chateau is flanked by bubbling fountains, grape arbor and shaded by 100 year old maples. You don’t want to miss a unique and elegant setting at this 18 room mansion built in 1900. 302 W. Taylor Avenue, Grant Park, IL Popular 815-465-2288 • www.bennettcurtis.com with student Strickler Planetarium groups! Everyone can reach for the stars when you visit Strickler Planetarium at Olivet Nazarene University. Experience the history of the universe from its fiery birth to the formation of our solar system as audiences are immersed in a three- dimensional visualization of the night sky, the solar system, the galaxy and beyond. Your group can witness a tour of our own night sky to the edge of the solar system. One University Avenue, Bourbonnais, IL 815-939-5395 • www.strickler.olivet.edu
www.visitkankakeecounty.com 11 Indulge in Arts & Culture Vitreous Matter Glass Studio Gretchen Charlton Art Gallery Are you looking for a unique experience? In prehistoric Provena Heritage Village, provides a beautiful and quiet times, a natural glass formed by volcanic eruptions, was setting for artists, professionals, and amateurs alike. prized for its hardness by primitive man and was used Works by local and regional artist’s are displayed and can to make tools and arrowheads. Watch our local glass be purchased. Your group can tour exhibits or participate artist Richard Ryan demonstrate how blown glass can be in interactive workshops such as “Wine and Clay” pottery, sculpted and carved into pieces of art. watercolor and more. 1585 Commerce Drive, Bourbonnais, IL 901 N. Entrance Avenue, Kankakee, IL 815-592-4011 • www.vitreousmatter.com 815-939-4506 • www.provena.org/lifeconnections
Olivet Nazarene University The University’s Centennial Chapel seats more than 3,000, has one of the country’s largest Ruffatti pipe organs and is home to the Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra. Located on campus, Strickler Planetarium hosts public and private shows for astronomy lovers of all ages. Chicago Bears Training Camp welcomes thousands of families each summer. Beautiful campus grounds, including art and landscaping, make any tour special. One University Avenue, Bourbonnais, IL 815-939-5011 • www.olivet.edu
Learn additional information by visiting our website at www.visitkankakeecounty.com
12 Group Planner Guide Indulge in Arts & Culture Sunrise Greenhouse, Inc. This seven-acre greenhouse provides quality plants specializing in bedding plants, baskets, vegetable plants, herbs and perennials for the discerning shopper. Sunrise Greenhouse provides one-stop shopping convenience and no space is off-limits to the public. Tours and instructional classes are available. 10300 E. 9000 N. Road, Grant Park, IL 815-465-6310 • www.woldhuisfarms.com
Agritourism Barn Quilt Tour If you are a quilt lover, then the Barn Quilts of Kankakee County will surely delight! Barns are iconic reminders of our country’s proud agricultural heritage. See this history with colorful quilt patterns displayed on barns throughout the county. Each barn’s pattern reflects on the life of families. Request a self driving tour brochure and map to experience this phenomenom. Motor coach operators, please contact the Kankakee County CVB office for suitable coach routes. 800-747-4837 • www.visitkankakeecounty.com www.visitkankakeecounty.com 13 Indulge in Arts & Culture Farmers Markets Kankakee Farmers Market (May – October) Corner of Schuyler and Merchant Street, Kankakee, IL 815-933-0462 • www.downtownkankakee.com
Momence Farmers Market (July- October) 123 W. River Street, Momence, IL 815-472-2001 • www.cityofmomence.com
Interactive• Basu Natural Farms Farms • Cupola House Tree Farm • Dickman’s Farm Fresh Poultry • Family Tree Nursery • Mary’s Berries • Vana’s Pumpkin Land • Zanjabil Gardens
Learn additional information on any one of the Interactive Farms by visiting our website at www.visitkankakeecounty.com.
14 Group Planner Guide Indulge in Arts & Culture Discoveries in Kankakee
Illinois Central Depot This two-story red brick depot, a former Illinois Central Railroad station, was built in 1898 to replace the original 1853 wood structure. After years of disuse the city purchased it from the Illinois Central in 1990 and completed a full restoration in 1998. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000. Currently the building houses the Amtrak station, city offices, and the Kankakee Find & Explore Railroad Museum. Additionally it serves as a host for numerous festivals, music concerts, and community events. From water park fun, to skydiving, to distinct 199 S. East Avenue, Kankakee, IL area events or discovering the birthplace 815-922-1219 • www.downtownkankakee.com of Dairy Queen, some things are uniquely Kankakee.
www.visitkankakeecounty.com 15 Find & Explore Kankakee County Fair and Exposition Center The first county fair was held in 1856 in the current Riverview Historic District. The fair has been held every year since, except when a fire destroyed the grandstands in 1921, and in 1933 during Chicago’s Century of Progress fair. Today the fair sits in a newer location on south of Kankakee 100 acres and hosts a wide variety of events during the year in their 16,000 square foot Exposition Center. 213 W. 4000 S. Road, Kankakee, IL Adventures for the Young at 815-932-6714 • www.kankakeefair.org Heart Birthplace of Dairy Queen On August 4th, 1938, in Kankakee, a father and son Ice Valley Centre Ice Arena contacted Sherb Noble, a local businessman who owned a Have the coolest party ever! The Ice Arena is open for walk-in ice cream store, about a new frozen dairy dessert public skating and party packages. Offering unique options they had concocted. Noble, a good friend, agreed to run an for skating get-togethers, hockey to group skating parties, all-you-can eat trial sale at his store. 1,600 servings of the there are several skating packages to choose from. The new dessert were sold on that first day. Today Dairy Queen indoor sports complex features an NHL rink and state-of- can be found throughout the world. the-art fitness center. www.dq.com 1601 River Road, Kankakee, IL 815-939-1946 • www.icevalleycentre.com
16 Group Planner Guide Find & Explore Splash Valley Aquatic Park This outdoor water park is affordable fun for the whole family. Relax, play, snack, and cool down on a summer day. Enjoy the lazy river and waterslides. Swim in the lap pool or wade in zero-depth entry pools. Group specials are available. 1850 River Road, Kankakee, IL 815-939-1311 • www.splashvalley.com
Skydive Kankakee A tandem skydive with Skydive Greater is a fun, safe way for you to experience the thrill of skydiving while being securely attached to an instructor who has done thousands of jumps and has years of experience. 813A E. 4000S Road, Kankakee, IL 815-939-3334 • www.skydivegreater.com
Learn additional information by visiting our website at www.visitkankakeecounty.com
The information provided in this guide was compiled by the Kankakee County Convention & Visitors Bureau based on the information materials submitted directly from the organization or business entity. The Kankakee County Convention & Visitors Bureau assumes no liability for the accuracy of the information or representations / delivery of services contained herein. 2500, 1/14 www.visitkankakeecounty.com 17 Find & Explore Kankakee County Convention & Visitors Bureau 1 Dearborn Square, Suite 1 PRSRT STD Kankakee, IL 60901 U.S. Postage 800-747-4837 • 815-935-7390 PAID Convention & Visitors Bureau www.visitkankakeecounty. KANKAKEE, IL PERMIT #521 Just a few of the many events Kankakee County is famous for:
• Gotcha Outdoor Adventure Sports Show • Thee Olde Time Farm Show • OPC Powerboat Nationals • Pause for Patriotism • Merchant Street Music Fest • Fall Art Stroll • Klash on the Kankakee • Kankakee Valley Park District BBQ Fest • Manteno Octoberfest • Kankakee Fishing Derby • Chicago Bears Training Camp • Gallery of Trees
Kankakee County is located just 60 miles south of Chicago, off of Interstate 57. State routes 45/52, 50 and 17 also run through the area.