If you and your family enjoy hiking, biking, fishing and camping, you should visit Kankakee River State Park (dnr.state.il.us). The park runs along both sides of the Kankakee River for 11 miles, which offers canoeing on its shallow waters. Within the park are several documented historic sites, including the site of the last great Indian Council and the commemorative grave of Chief Shaw-waw-nas-see. The park also offers visitors additional activities, including horseback riding, snowmobiling and hunting. The concession stand is open on a seasonal basis. No swimming is allowed at the park.
To learn about the history of Bourbonnais area, visit the Letourneau Museum (bourbonnaishistory.org). The building in which it is housed was slated for demolition but was preserved by members of the Bourbonnais Grove Historical Society, who uncovered a variety of cultural artifacts inside. It is one of the only buildings in the area that still exists from 1837, the time of its original construction. In addition to tours, the Historical Society hosts different events throughout the year, such as a Christmas open house, dinner meetings and craft shows.
Olivet Nazarene University is a private liberal arts college located in Bourbonnais (olivet.edu). The university is tied to the history of Bourbonnais, as it was incorporated when the number of students enrolling in the local Notre Dame Academy increased rapidly during the 1860s (villageofbourbonnais.com/history). During your visit, you can hike its park-like, 225-acre campus; catch the Tigers playing a football, basketball or soccer game; or watch student plays and musicals.
During your trip, you should also visit downtown Bourbonnais, where one-of-a-kind stores and boutiques offer handmade jewelery, wood art and antiques. The downtown area features traditional architectural style and historic buildings, which provide another opportunity to learn about the region's history. Olivet Nazarene University, which holds events in downtown Bourbonnais, has also been the location of the Chicago Bears preseason camp for at least a decade. The Bears' training camp (chicagobears.com/events/TrainingCampActivities) allows fans the opportunity to watch the team practice for no charge. In addition, the camp includes family-friendly activities such as an inflatable kids' zone, kids'-only autograph opportunities and a junior training camp.
