Kankakee County offers scenic views and hospitality options
An interview with Executive Director Staci Wilken and Vicki Layhew, sales & marketing manager of the Kankakee County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Q: Tell us about the history of Kankakee County and the Kankakee River Valley?
A: The historic Kankakee River Valley was first home to the Pottawatomi Indians after 1700 and they continued to inhabit this land for more than 100 years. By the 1820's and 30's, western expansion saw the migration of white settlers to the area, namely a group of fur traders, Gurdon Hubburd, Noel LeVasseur, François Bourbonnais, and Chabre.
In 1832, the federal government signed the Treaty of Camp Tippecanoe. As word spread of this land acquisition, many immigrants located to the area now known as Kankakee County. An act of the State of Illinois Legislature created Kankakee County out of the northern part of Iroquois County and the southern part of Will County on Feb. 11, 1853.
The six original townships were: Yellowhead, Rockville, Bourbonnais, Momence, Aroma and Limestone. The population of the new county was close to 8,000. It wasn't until 1855 that the two western townships of Norton and Essex were acquired from Vermilion County and added to Kankakee County.
Kankakee County continued to thrive as the Illinois Central Railroad arrived in 1853 and brought business, lumber, transportation, trade and a means for farmers to sell and ship larger crops. By the 1880's, Kankakee County was home to several schools, businesses and elegant new developments. The Arcade Building was built to house a library and opera house. Hotel Riverview and The European became a destination for travelers seeking finer accommodations. Frank Lloyd Wright built two homes in the historic Kankakee River District and featured the B. Harley Bradley House, the first Prairie School style home.
With these new developments, tourism began to thrive in Kankakee County. Increased tourism meant increased attention to one of our natural resources, the Kankakee River. This beautiful river flows through our eastern border town, Momence, and runs 57 miles throughout the county. The river is one of our most precious resources and not only did it provide water enthusiasts with an opportunity to enjoy a variety of water sports and excellent fishing, it was also an important means of power and transportation for industries. Clean-up efforts by local conservation enthusiasts continue to be a top priority and the river just recently received a designation on the National Water Trail.
Today, Kankakee County continues to develop, welcoming visitors and residents to discover a variety of attractions, rich history and natural beauty.
Q: What is the role of the Kankakee CVB?
A: The Kankakee County Convention & Visitors Bureau's mission is to market and develop branded Kankakee destination experiences to enhance community economic growth and quality of life. So what does that mean? We are here to help meeting planners, business travelers and leisure tourists find exactly what they're looking for! Kankakee County boasts unique venues, affordable accommodations and awesome community attractions sure to please any visitor.
Q: When it comes to meeting spaces, what are a few highlights?
Kankakee County provides a variety of venue options for all your meeting needs. When hosting a larger event, consider Chalfant Hall or Centennial Chapel on the campus of Olivet Nazarene University. From classroom to auditorium, ONU provides flexible space for groups from eight to 3,000. Looking to host your meeting at an environmentally sustainable location? The Advanced Technology Education Center at Kankakee Community College boasts a range of alternative energy sources to power learning on-site, including wind-generated power, photovoltaic "green" roofs, unique ice storage HVAC systems and geothermal and solar thermal energy. Located on the Kankakee River, the college can provide a beautiful backdrop for 10 to 400 guests.
Need a one stop shop for accommodations and meeting space, the Hilton Garden Inn & Riverstone Conference Center of Kankakee offers 9,000 square feet of flexible meeting and banquet space in
addition to 110 newly-renovated guest rooms, jacuzzi suites, pool, fitness center and a full service restaurant.
Q: Tell us one unusual fact about the area that most do not know.
A: Did you know that 'Man of Steel' leading men Russell Crowe and Henry Cavill were guests at the Haigh Quarry dive center in Kankakee to participate in two open water dive tests? And did also you know that Kankakee County has been the backdrop to 16 feature films? A few of them include, Sinister 2 (2014), D.I.N.K.S. (2010), Knight and Day (2010), Demon Joe (2009), Public Enemies (2009), The Unborn (2009), Road to Perdition (2002), Chain Reaction (1996), Child's Play (1989) and Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987.)
Q: What about corporate events? What do you suggest?
A: The culture of corporate events has evolved over the years. Meeting planners now look to create an experience out of their professional events. Kankakee County can offer a variety of activities to provide the WOW factor in your itinerary. From golf courses and adventure sports to historic tours and shopping to the beautiful Kankakee River, your corporate event can be more than just meetings.
Q: Tell us about the barn quilts?
A: Kankakee County is home to the famed Barn Quilt Tour featuring 50 locations that each showcase an 8-foot by 8-foot hand-painted wooden block display. These colorful quilt patterns are mounted on historic barns and corn cribs throughout Kankakee County. Like a traditional fabric quilt, each Barn Quilt shares a unique story of growth, celebration, toil and tradition. These vibrant designs and well-preserved homesteads invite visitors to venture off the beaten path while exploring Kankakee County's scenic countryside. While you're here, stop by one of the local eateries or antique shops along this self-guided tour.
Kankakee County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Address: 100 Marquette Place S., Manteno IL 60950
Web Address: visitkankakeecounty.com
Twitter: @KankakeeCVB
Facebook: www.facebook.com/KankakeeCountyVisitorsBureau
Instagram: kankakeecountycvb