Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Kankakee, Illinois

Sixty miles south of Chicago, Kankakee serves as the county seat and the principal city within the Kankakee-Bourbonnais-Bradley metropolitan area.

With a population of approximately 28,000, the city is situated along the picturesque river of the same name, which was historically frequented by French fur traders in the 18th century.

Kankakee boasts a rich heritage, featuring notable architecture downtown and a pair of Prairie School residences designed by Frank Lloyd Wright at the turn of the 20th century.

Upon departing the city, the Kankakee River meanders through lush woodlands and bluffs, passing by a dolomite cave and ravine system available for exploration at Perry Farm Park.

1. B. Harley Bradley House

Managed by a non-profit entity, this structure designed by Frank Lloyd Wright is accessible to the public for guided tours.

The B. Harley Bradley House exemplifies Wright’s early Prairie School style, reflecting the nearby tallgrass prairie and expansive, horizontal landscapes.

Over the past 120 years, this property has served various purposes, including a residence, office, and a highly-regarded restaurant before undergoing restoration in the 2000s and opening to visitors in 2010.

The house encompasses numerous features that later became Wright’s signature elements, such as a low-pitched roof, overhanging eaves, and copious stained glass. Notably, the art glass is particularly acclaimed here, with 82 of the original 90 windows still intact.

2. Downtown Kankakee

Having undergone significant enhancements in recent years, Kankakee’s walkable central commercial district seamlessly integrates appealing shops, prominent landmarks, engaging museums, a variety of dining options, and more than a dozen entertainment venues within just a few blocks.

At the time of this writing, the county had also commissioned the Finding Frank murals, which are stylish street art creations that evoke the Prairie School aesthetic of Frank Lloyd Wright.

The focal point of downtown is the Harold & Jean Miner Festival Square, an events plaza encircling the city’s historic railroad depot, serving as a centerpiece for the Merchant Street MusicFest in summer.

3. Kankakee County Museum

Established in 1906, Kankakee County is recognized as home to the oldest incorporated historical society in the state.

This society’s museum is located along the west bank of the Kankakee River at Small Memorial Park, where visitors can explore a pair of living history buildings: the Dr. A. L. Small Memorial Home (1855) and a one-room schoolhouse dating back to approximately 1904.

The main, modern structure hosts intriguing permanent exhibits as well as frequently updated temporary displays.

Visitors can learn about three Illinois governors from Kankakee County, the sculptor George Grey Barnard (1863-1938) who was raised in Kankakee, the county’s athletic achievements, narratives from the Civil War, and aspects of its African American heritage.

The largest area is dedicated to a comprehensive and interactive timeline detailing the history of Kankakee County from the Ice Age to the 1980s.

4. Perry Farm Park

The Bourbonnais Township Park District manages this serene park, which was formerly agricultural land.

It features a reminder of its agricultural past with a functioning historic farmstead, complete with a farmhouse, barns, outbuildings, and a variety of domestic animals for children to engage with and feed.

The park also includes a mosaic of formal gardens, orchards, recreational fields, and four miles of paved trails winding through woodlands, prairie, and riverside habitats suitable for walking and biking.

Notably, situated just inland from the Kankakee Riverbank is a ravine and cave system, which will be discussed later.

5. Riverview Historic District

On a sunny day, one can enjoy a leisurely stroll in this charming area just a few blocks south of downtown Kankakee.

Notably, the Riverview Historic District, home to the B. Harley Bradley House, represents the oldest preserved neighborhood in the city, spanning nearly 80 acres and featuring numerous exquisite houses, many exceeding a century in age.

Wright also designed the Warren Hickox House (1900), located adjacent to the Bradley House, while there are an additional 116 properties that enhance the district.

These structures are situated along broad, leafy streets and boulevards adorned with mature elms, oaks, and maples. The district’s website provides a downloadable brochure for a self-guided tour that commences at the Bradley House and makes 13 designated stops along South Harrison Ave, South Chicago Ave, and Cobb Blvd.

6. Exploration Station

This children’s museum at Perry Farm Park is designed for children aged 2 to 8 and is filled with enjoyable and interactive exhibits.

Packed with engaging hands-on experiences and a diverse array of daily activities, Exploration Station promises an enriching and educational experience for young visitors.

Among the prominent features are the interactive Exploralot Castle, the science and mathematics-focused Illumination, and Up, Up and Away, where children can construct and test their own aircraft, along with the Shop-A-Lot Market, which allows for everyday roleplay.

At the STEAM Learning Lab, children can apply concepts through open-ended exploration, while aspiring veterinarians can learn about fundamental principles of animal care at the Pet Clinic.

7. Indian Caves

Located to the west of Perry Farm Park, Bourbonnais Creek flows through an impressive dolomite cliff and cave system as it moves toward the Kankakee River.

This 30-acre site, designated as an Illinois Nature Preserve, is a delightful area for exploration, particularly during the summer months when visitors seek respite from the heat.

Within the area, one can find a narrow ravine, several caverns, and a charming little waterfall, all framed by rugged dolomite cliffs and encircled by woodlands.

A sturdy pair of walking shoes is recommended due to potentially slippery rocks, and it is advisable to adhere to the designated trails.

8. French Heritage Museum

Managed by the Kankakee County Museum, this attraction in downtown Kankakee is open on Saturdays from April through December.

Significantly, the French Heritage Museum resides within a historic limestone structure, which was originally a carriage house constructed in the 1860s by businessman Lemuel Milk, whose expansive mansion previously existed nearby.

This building is the third-oldest in Kankakee and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

Inside, visitors can discover the significant role of French explorers, traders, and missionaries in the history of the Kankakee River Valley, along with fascinating insights into how this French heritage continues to shape Kankakee’s identity.

9. Kankakee Railroad Museum

This charming museum is located at the northern end of the restored historic Illinois Central Depot, which continues to operate as a functioning Amtrak station.

The Kankakee Railroad Museum, established by the local model railroad club in 1999, features an array of railroad artifacts.

Prominently displayed outside is a Pullman Coach, constructed in 1947, which contains a fully equipped dining car, furnished with various interesting fixtures.

Adjacent to this is a Union Pacific cupola caboose, along with a trolley barn housing a vintage trolley that is currently undergoing restoration.

Inside the depot, one can discover an abundance of intriguing objects related to both real and model railroads, in addition to three operational model railroads on N, HO, and O scales.

10. Splash Valley Aquatic Center

During the summer months, Kankakee’s outdoor pool complex becomes a vital aspect of leisure activities, situated within a campus that also encompasses the Centrue Bank Sports Complex and the Ice Valley Centre skating rink.

Splash Valley underwent a comprehensive renovation during the late 2010s and features a large swimming pool, complete with a deeper section for serious swimmers and a shallow area for families.

The facility includes three waterslides, two of which are enclosed while one remains open, alongside water troughs, a play area, a concession stand, and two sand volleyball courts.

11. Kankakee River State Park

Commencing just downstream from Kankakee lies a 4,000-acre state park that encompasses wooded areas and scenic bluffs along both banks of the Kankakee River, extending for approximately 11 miles.

Explorers can navigate this wilderness through an extensive network of trails, including the paved Kankakee River Trail, which serves as a biking path nearly paralleling the entire length of the park.

The river has long been an attraction, drawing the Illini and Miami Native Americans in the 17th century, as well as renowned French fur traders such as Noel Le Vasseur in the 18th century.

The park offers two campgrounds, each featuring more than 100 sites, a 12-mile equestrian trail, numerous fishing possibilities, boat launches, picnic areas, and seasonal concession options.

12. Reeds Canoe Trips

The Kankakee River is renowned as one of the cleanest in the nation, making it an excellent choice for paddling, particularly when combined with stunning natural scenery and gentle currents.

Located in Kankakee, Reeds Canoe Trips offers a selection of three excursions, ranging from two to a maximum of six hours, accommodating paddlers of various experience levels.

The most sought-after journey covers 12 miles toward Kankakee River State Park, with a stop at Perry Farm Park to disembark and explore the Indian Caves.

All trips include the necessary basic equipment, alongside transportation to the starting point and return service to Kankakee upon conclusion.

13. Kankakee Farmers’ Market

From May through October, the Kankakee Farmers’ Market takes place in downtown Kankakee on Saturday mornings.

As the only Saturday market in the region, it attracts shoppers from surrounding towns, and even from across the state line in Indiana.

In summary, the market offers a diverse selection, ranging from fresh produce and vegetables to cheeses, meat, poultry, spices, flowers, a variety of baked goods, kettle corn, arts and crafts, and more.

Furthermore, there is an excellent assortment of food and beverages available, including freshly roasted coffee, pizza, tacos, and Filipino street food, accompanied by live music on most weekends.

14. Haigh Quarry

A submerged limestone quarry on the outskirts of Kankakee has been transformed into a premier scuba diving facility.

Haigh Quarry provides remarkable visibility, partly due to the spring-fed nature of the 12-acre pool, which is also home to a variety of Midwest freshwater fish species.

The quarry descends over 50 feet, featuring a diverse array of intriguing items sunk into its depths, including a 33-foot cabin cruiser, a truck, and an amphibious vehicle.

Haigh Quarry operates from May through October, offering PADI courses for all skill levels, including professionals, as well as rental equipment.

15. Merchant Street MusicFest

A vibrant arts and music festival takes place in Kankakee at the end of July. The Merchant Street MusicFest is hosted in the heart of the town at Harold & Jean Miner Festival Square, set against the backdrop of the historic railroad depot.

The event features three stages of live music, showcasing local, regional, and national artists, combined with a variety of art vendors along Artist Alley, and a delightful selection of local cuisine and beverages.

Food options include BBQ, fried chicken, tacos, wood-fired pizza, Philly steak sandwiches, Filipino cuisine, and much more.