Just six miles north of Kankakee in rural Bourbonnais, Illinois, 4,000-acre Kankakee River State Park sits astride 11 pristine miles of the cleanest-flowing stream in Illinois: the Kankakee River. A rare National Water Trail river, the Kankakee is easily accessible from Illinois Rt. 102 and Rt. 113 as well as I-55 and I-57.
Once home to iconic Native American tribes and American pioneers and an indispensable part of the 19th Century inland canoe route that connected the Great Lakes to the Illinois and Mississippi rivers, the pure-flowing Kankakee River will connect you to something lovely and ancient inside yourself.
Don't forget to pack your golf clubs - and bring a few extra balls when you visit hilly Minne Monesse Golf Course in Grant Park. It's a delightful par 72 track with water on 11 of 18 holes and many interesting blind shots. Minne Monesse boasts dramatic elevation changes, a delightful variety of open and wooded holes and a true "no-two-holes-alike" flavor.
If you're the sort of person who loves to spend your outdoor time in the water, Haigh Quarry is our local hotspot for scuba diving and a, "Top-Ten Underwater Attraction," according to Reader's Digest Magazine. Or, enjoy Splash Valley Aquatic Park, a family-friendly water park with body and tube slides, a water playground and sand volleyball.
Love racing and Americana? Visit Kankakee County Speedway on a summer Friday night and thrill to the roar of the engine and smiles flashing in the stands like lightbulbs. If you love authentic local flavors enjoyed in the friendly confines of unique local restaurants, go sit and unwind in Kankakee County! Grab a seat at Stefari West Avenue, crack open a book and enjoy a hand-crafted sandwich and a cappuccino. Experience the charm of downtown Manteno at Sammy's Pizza and let the kids burn off energy at The Square on Second. Cool off with fine hand-crafted ice cream at PJ's Ice Cream - or grab silky soft serve at Dairy Queen. Did you know Kankakee is known as the birthplace of Dairy Queen?
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Relax out on the patio (or indoors if you prefer) at The Lush Vine in Kankakee, we bet you'll love indulging in a signature wine cocktail or mocktail, a tasty panini or a fudge flight. Or, try Flight 102 Winebar for perfectly curated chef pairings featuring flavors that start in Italy, travel through France and finish in California's wine country with their famous flights.
Downtown Manteno's Square on Second is the perfect safe, intimate destination to take the whole family, with restaurants, ice cream and shops nearby. The kids will love the famous zip line, jump pillow and always-popular splash pad and other playground delights. Visit on a summertime Saturday morning and shop for hand-crafted foods and fresh produce at one of the best Farmers' Markets in the Midwest in downtown Kankakee. And marvel at Locavore Farm's world-famous farm-to-farm-table meals served as the sun begins its daily decline on a lovely pasture at a hand-hewn table seating 100.
If locally crafted beer is your thing, you'll be right at home at Knack Brewing & Fermentations, a charming nano-brewery specializing in pale ale, lager, saison and hop bombs. Another local favorite includes award-winning BrickStone Brewery, an official Illinois Made Maker. Pair a cold one with a burger or their candied bacon (seriously, try it!) at this family owned brewpup.
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Locavore Farm Experience & Hotel Package
Embrace the opportunity to unplug and restore the connection with others as you savor a four-hour outdoor dining retreat. Save 10% on your signature Dine on the Land tickets when booking a hotel.
Coffee Class Workshop & Hotel Package
Spend the night in Kankakee County and receive 2 for 1 pricing for one of Connect Roasters classes, such as Exploring Espresso or Coffee 101. Our team is standing by to help you plan your overnight adventure.
Golf Date & Hotel Package
From Minne Monesse's challenging 18 holes of elevation changes, blind shots and water hazards (and a conventional par of 72) to Kankakee Community College Golf Courses unique, super-short three hole layout (with an unheard-of par 12), visiting golfers will find respite, character and fun on Kankakee County's verdant fairways and greens- as well as an attractive Stay and Play deal!
