The Bourbonnais center point is around 3 miles north of Kankakee Amtrak Station and 13 miles west of Grant Park.
Average temperatures can vary greatly in Bourbonnais. The area experiences cold weather for about six months a year. During the warmer months, the weather is pleasant with little precipitation. It ranks in the 45th percentile for weather pleasantness compared to other travel destinations around the world. If weather is your main consideration, the best time to visit Bourbonnais is between April 30 and September 30. The warmest temperatures generally occur in mid-July, with highs regularly reaching around 87 degrees.
If budget is a concern, summer may not be the ideal time to visit Bourbonnais. The village attracts many tourists from Chicago and other parts of Illinois during this time of the year. Due to the great influx of holidaymakers, many hotels will be fully booked, leaving you with fewer options for accommodations. Also, you have to be prepared to pay more as most hotels will raise their rates during the busy summer months. If you want better value and less hassle, you should plan your trip during the off-peak months of March to May or September to October.
Looking for an affordable hotel is not the only way to save money on your Bourbonnais trip. There are some hotels in the area that offer discounts to guests who stay longer or travel in groups, as well as members of certain clubs, senior citizens, military personnel, and others. One of them is the Country Inn & Suites in Manteno. Located just 10 miles from Bourbonnais, this hotel gives out 15-percent discounts to guests who stay two or more nights. Attractions such as Kankakee River State Park and Haigh Quarry are just a short drive away.
When it comes to discounts, Howard Johnson is one of the most generous hotel chains. It offers discounts to group travelers, government employees, seniors, business account holders, and members of AARP and auto clubs. The Howard Johnson Inn in Manteno has clean and comfortable rooms, and a host of modern amenities. It is also conveniently located close to golf courses, state parks, fishing spots, restaurants, and shopping areas.
If you want better value for your money, it is a good idea to stay at the Holiday Inn & Suites Bourbonnais. Situated in the beautiful Kankakee River Valley, it is within a short distance from popular attractions such as Frank Lloyd Wright's B. Harley Bradley House, along with Perry Farm, Exploration Station, River Road Park, and Kankakee River State Park. You will also enjoy great amenities in this hotel, including free internet, in-room movies, fitness center, and others.
Right in the middle of Bourbonnais, you will find the value-packed Comfort Inn. This simple, affordable hotel has all the amenities available in pricier hotels, including free Wi-Fi, flat-screen television, microwave, and mini-fridge. It also offers suites with whirlpool tubs and pull-out sofas. One of the most appealing aspects of the hotel is its excellent location. It is within walking distance to the Northfield Square Mall, and only a few miles from the Exploration Station and Legends Sportsflex. If you plan to go hiking, fishing, or canoeing, the Kankakee River State Park is only 8 miles away.
Most of the hotels in Bourbonnais are located close to I-57, making it easy for you to travel from one attraction to another. Whether you are looking for family fun or outdoor opportunities, you have a lot of options to choose from.
One of the most visited places around Bourbonnais is the Kankakee River State Park. Encompassing an area of 4,000 acres, this state park consists of lush forests, many hiking and biking trails, and the beautiful 11-mile Kankakee River. It provides excellent opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, canoeing, and other activities. It can be easily reached via I-57.
If you are traveling with your kids and want to learn more about rural life in Illinois, you should pay a visit to the Perry Farm Park. This park is a 170-acre recreation area that offers a wide range of activities, from picnicking to hiking. It has 4 miles of paved paths that run through woods, prairies, and the riverfront. There are also oak meadows, memorial rose gardens, flower gardens, and a fruit orchard that provide excellent photo opportunities. Make sure you check out the park's Exploration Station, an award-winning hands-on discovery museum for children and families.
Another attraction that is worth visiting is the Strickler Planetarium. Located in the Olivet Nazarene University, this planetarium was constructed in 1967 and renovated in 2008. It is one of the few planetaria in Illinois that have digital projection capabilities. Its dome size is the fourth largest in the state, while its projector system is one of the most advanced in terms of digital capabilities. Besides astronomy classes for university students, this 50-seat facility also holds sky shows and private shows and tours.
The George Letourneau Home Museum served as the residence of George Letourneau, the first mayor of Bourbonnais. He raised five sons, six daughters, and one grandson in this home. The former mayor was the only person to become the president of the village and the mayor of Kankakee. He was also the Kankakee sheriff and coroner, and a state senator. Today, his home serves as a museum with many artifacts that pertain to the history of Bourbonnais.
Despite being a small village, Bourbonnais has a lot to offer. Whether you wish to explore the area thoroughly or just enjoy its laid-back lifestyle, it is recommended that you spend at least a few days there. In order to have a hassle-free and enjoyable vacation, you need to spend some time choosing the right hotel. Staying in one of the aforementioned hotels will give you convenient access to attractions and all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay.
Below are reviews of the city of Bourbonnais, IL from an actual visitor's perspective.
We came for a gymnastics meet.
Good location for shopping and eating.
The dining options were good nearby.
We live in Bourbonnais. We needed a place for the night due to our air conditioning unit breaking down. Bourbonnais is a great community all around!
Many good restaurants and locals did not appear rushed. Relaxing.
Nice
Shopping, easy access to Interstate 57.
A lot of food and ice cream options near by.
Stayed in a good neighborhood. There is a Walmart, Target and places to shop. Not a good mall though, it was very empty. There are good restaurants and enough places to eat, but not much else to do.