10 Best Things To Do In Bourbonnais, Illinois

things to do in bourbonnais illinois
Susanna
Susanna 
Updated
| 4 min read

Bourbonnais, Illinois is named after a fur trapper who married a Native American woman and settled in the area. Now, Bourbonnais is a welcoming community known as “The Village of Friendship.” Bourbonnais has been home to the summer training camp of the Chicago Bears for the past sixteen years, but It also has great access to beautiful parks and interesting museums. Bourbonnais is truly, “The Village of Friendship” that welcomes all visitors. If you’re planning to visit, there are several Airbnb vacation rentals in Bourbonnais to choose from. As for activities, read on to learn about the best things to do in Bourbonnais, Illinois!

1. Indian Caves

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Thinking of what to do in Bourbonnais, IL, while visiting? Check this out. The Indian Caves is also known as The Bourbonnais Geologic Area and is located within the Perry Farm Park along the scenic Kankakee River. As the name suggests, this hidden gem features several caves along the narrow ravine and beautiful rock formations. Yes, you can go ahead and explore these caves but a word of caution—the paths here have slippery rocks due to the moisture from the stream that runs through the ravine, which means it is only recommended for experienced hikers.

Aside from the fascinating caves, you can also enjoy exploring the surrounding woods and other scenic areas.

Indian Caves

Address: 459 Kennedy Dr, Bourbonnais, IL 60914, United States

Website: Indian Caves

Opening hours: 7am - 8pm (daily)

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2. Legends Sportsplex

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Legends Sportsplex on Sunday, January 18, 2015

If you’re a sports fan and you want to engage in or watch sports, then Legends Sportsplex is the best spot for you in Bourbonnais, Illinois. This huge sports complex features multipurpose courts, which can be used for various sports such as basketball, volleyball, and other fun activities.

There’s also an indoor arena with turf that can be used for soccer and football. The whole family can enjoy a round of golf via the two mini-golf courses or maybe spend some time in the arcade. If these aren’t enough, you can check out the outdoor go-kart track.

Legends Sportsplex

Address: 70 Ken Hayes Dr, Bourbonnais, IL 60914

Website: Legends Sportsplex

Opening hours: 11am - 9pm (daily)

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3. Strickler Planetarium

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Strickler Planetarium is on the campus of Olivet Nazarene University and is dedicated to educating people about the natural world. Strickler Planetarium provides programming for all ages. Check their website for a list of current programs. During the school year, shows are put on regularly, and often by students who have studied at least six semesters of astronomy. The planetarium seats up to sixty people.

Strickler Planetarium

Address: 1 University Ave, Bourbonnais, IL 60914

Website: Strickler Planetarium

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4. Exploration Station, a children's museum

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If you’re vacationing in Bourbonnais with your kids and you’re asking yourself what activities are near me, you should check this out. Exploration Station is best suited for children ages 2 to 8. Children are allowed to explore the museum while guided by an adult as they examine different activities to help them learn about the world. Exhibits at Exploration Station include a castle, toddler area, a market, a kid sized car, and more.

The museum can be rented for birthday parties. Children under twelve months are free, children and adults are 7 USD, seniors ages 55+ and military veterans are 6 USD. Adults must show a valid photo ID upon entrance. Opening hours are vary depending on the day of the week and the season, so do be sure to check online before planning your visit.

Exploration Station, a children's museum

Address: 1095 Perry St, Bourbonnais, IL 60914

Website: Exploration Station, a children’s museum

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5. George Letourneau Home Museum

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

George R. Letourneau Home Museum was purchased by George and his wife, Elodie, in 1852. The home was renovated in 1986 due to a tremendous undertaking from the Bourbonnais Grove Historical Society. The museum is now home to artifacts from Bourbonnais’ history, and aims to educate visitors about its French/Canadian roots. The home is on property owned by the village of Bourbonnais. This property was named for Adrien Richard, one of the founding members of the Bourbonnais Grove Historical Society. The grounds are now known as the Adrien Richard Heritage Preserve. The museum is open the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month from March to December or by appointment. The home is on the State Historic Landmark Registry.

George Letourneau Home Museum

Address: 698 Stratford Drive East, Bourbonnais, IL

Website: George Letourneau Home Museum

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6. Kankakee River State Park

Kankakee River SP (old Bridge Piers)
Source: Photo by user Chris Light used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Are you in Bourbonnais for vacation you’re asking yourself which attractions are near me, you might want to consider this. The Kankakee River State Park has excellent camping, fishing, hiking, bicycling, canoeing, and other outdoor activities. The park surrounds the Kankakee River, which is well-known for its populations of smallmouth bass, channel catfish, walleye, and northern pike.

Rock Creek also is a nice spot for angling. Seasonal hunting includes archery deer, waterfowl, and upland game hunting. Check the Kankakee River State Park website for more information on activities.

Kankakee River State Park

Address: 5314 IL-102, Bourbonnais, IL 60914

Website: Kankakee River State Park

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7. Kankakee River State Park Riding Stables

Riding Stables
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user AshleyLiz231 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

One of the best ways to see the park and get up close to nature is on horseback. The Kankakee River State Park riding stables have many gentle people-loving horses ready to take you for a ride along the gorgeous scenery. The riding stables offer guided trail rides, hand-led pony rides, lessons, and more. Reservations are strongly recommended. There are seasonal events as well.

Kankakee River State Park Riding Stables

Address: 6500 N 5000W Rd. Bourbonnais, IL 60914

Facebook: Kankakee River State Park Riding Stables

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8. Brickstone Brewery

Brewery
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Lucag used under CC BY-SA 2.5

Brickstone Brewery is a restaurant/brewery that serves hand crafted beers in a welcoming atmosphere. Brickstone has a brewery close by making beers that you can find in cans in stores. Brickstone serves American food, like a juicy hamburger, tasty BBQ pulled pork, meatloaf, and a gooey dessert for a finishing touch. Food prices start at under 10 USD and the highest are 25.99 USD for a ribeye steak. Liquor and beer prices vary. Brickstone Brewery is open Monday to Thursday from 10:30 am to 11:30 pm, Friday and Saturday from 10:30 am to 12:30pm, and Sunday from 10:30 am to 11:30 pm.

Brickstone Brewery

Address: 557 William R Latham Senior Dr, Bourbonnais, IL 60914

Website: Brickstone Brewery

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9. Northfield Square Mall

Northfield Square Mall
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Marcusmax used under CC BY 3.0

If you want to go shopping in Bourbonnais, IL, this is the place to be. Northfield Square Mall has over seventy-five stores and services, including a 10 screen movie theatre. Northfield Square Mall includes a JCPenney, Sears, and more. The mall is open 10 am to 9 pm on Monday through Saturday and 11 am to 6 pm on Sunday. Go to its website for updated information on sales and events.

Northfield Square Mall

Address: 1600 N State Route 50, Bourbonnais, IL 60914

Website: Northfield Square Mall

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10. Chicago Bears Summer Training Camp

Chicago Bears Summer Camp
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jim Larrison used under CC BY 2.0

Ready? Set? Hike! Football and Chicago Bears fans can come and watch the Bears Summer Training Camp. From July 27th to August 13th, spectators can get free tickets to watch some of the NFL greats practice football at Olivet Nazarene University. The Bears will have special event days throughout the summer and fans have the opportunity to watch the players practice with full pads on. This is a seasonal event, and tickets to watch training camp can be ordered for free online.

Chicago Bears Summer Training Camp

Address: 1 University Ave, Bourbonnais, IL 60914

Website: Chicago Bears Summer Training Camp

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Bourbonnais, a village of more

Bourbonnais, Illinois’ claim to fame is more than just the home of the Chicago Bears Summer Training Camp. It can boast of stunning parks, engaging museums, great all-American food, and so much more. If you’re ready to explore Bourbonnais, this “Village of Friendship,” is ready to welcome you.

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Frequently asked questions about the best things to do in Bourbonnais, Illinois


  • Which are the best attractions to visit in Bourbonnais?

    If you’re looking for the best attractions in Bourbonnais, Illinois, you’re in luck as there are several to choose from including Strickler Planetarium, Exploration Station, the George Letourneau Home Museum, and the Chicago Bears Summer Training Camp.

  • What are the best activities in Bourbonnais?

    As mentioned in this article, Bourbonnais is a great destination for many outdoor recreational activities, which include hiking and exploring at the Indian Caves, angling and hunting at Kankakee River State Park, and horseback riding at Kankakee River State Park Riding Stables, to name a few.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Susanna Carlson is a freelance writer from Wisconsin. She enjoys traveling, art, reading, and outdoor activities in her free time.

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