Bonfield IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Bonfield, Illinois.
1. Kankakee River State Park
NATURAL RIVERSIDE RECREATION
Kankakee River State Park offers visitors a scenic outdoor experience along the picturesque Kankakee River with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and camping. The park spans 4,000 acres of natural landscape featuring limestone canyons, lush woodlands, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can enjoy seasonal activities including canoeing, kayaking, picnicking, and wildlife observation throughout the year.
2. Big River Fly Fishing
PREMIER ANGLING EXPERIENCE
Big River Fly Fishing provides guided fishing experiences on the Kankakee River with expert instructors and quality equipment. Anglers of all skill levels can enjoy personalized trips targeting smallmouth bass, northern pike, and other local species. The highly-rated service (5.0 rating) offers a memorable outdoor adventure in the beautiful natural setting of the Kankakee waterways.
3. Perry Farm Park
HISTORIC FARMLAND RECREATION
Perry Farm Park preserves a historic 170-acre farmstead with walking trails, natural areas, and recreational facilities for visitors to enjoy. The park features an interactive children's museum, a visitor center highlighting local history, and paved paths perfect for walking, jogging, or biking. Throughout the year, Perry Farm hosts community events, nature programs, and seasonal celebrations that showcase the cultural heritage of the region.
4. T.J. Donlins Ltd.
LOCAL DINING FAVORITE
T.J. Donlins Ltd. offers visitors a welcoming dining experience with a menu featuring classic American fare and local specialties. The establishment provides a comfortable atmosphere where guests can enjoy quality food, refreshing beverages, and friendly service. With its 4.0 rating, this restaurant serves as both a gathering place for locals and a recommended stop for travelers exploring the Bonfield area.
5. Jailhouse Rock
HISTORIC ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
Jailhouse Rock presents a unique entertainment venue housed in a converted historic building with distinctive architecture and character. Visitors can enjoy live music performances, special events, and a lively atmosphere in this well-rated (4.5) establishment. The venue combines local history with contemporary entertainment, making it a popular destination for both residents and tourists in the Kankakee County area.
6. McQueen's Payphone Film Location
ICONIC MOVIE LANDMARK
The historic payphone location featured in Steve McQueen's final film 'The Hunter' stands as a piece of cinema history in the small village of Bonfield. Located near the corner outside what was once the town's only gas station, this site was captured in the opening scenes of the 1979 movie. Film enthusiasts and McQueen fans visit this modest yet significant landmark to connect with a piece of Hollywood history that brought brief fame to this small Illinois community.
7. Bonfield Village Historic District
SMALL TOWN AMERICANA
The Bonfield Village Historic District showcases the architectural heritage and small-town charm of this Illinois community established in the 19th century. Visitors can stroll through the village center to observe historic buildings, traditional storefronts, and the quintessential character of rural Midwestern life. The district offers a glimpse into the authentic small-town atmosphere that has remained largely unchanged throughout Bonfield's development as part of Kankakee County.
8. Kankakee County Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Kankakee County Museum houses extensive collections that chronicle the rich history of the entire region, including smaller communities like Bonfield. Exhibits feature artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the area's development from Native American settlements through agricultural growth and industrialization. Visitors can explore multiple gallery spaces, historic structures on the museum grounds, and special exhibitions that highlight various aspects of local heritage and culture.
9. Kankakee County Speedway
HIGH-SPEED RACING ENTERTAINMENT
Kankakee County Speedway delivers heart-pounding racing action with regular events featuring stock cars, modifieds, and other racing classes on its dirt oval track. The speedway draws motorsports enthusiasts from throughout the region, including smaller communities like Bonfield, for evening and weekend racing programs throughout the season. Visitors can experience the thrill of live racing, enjoy concessions, and feel the excitement of this popular local entertainment venue that has been a county tradition for generations.
10. Exploration Station Children's Museum
INTERACTIVE LEARNING FUN
Exploration Station Children's Museum offers hands-on learning experiences designed to spark curiosity and creativity in young visitors from throughout Kankakee County. Interactive exhibits cover science, art, technology, and culture with activities that encourage play-based discovery and experiential learning. The museum provides a welcoming environment where families from Bonfield and surrounding communities can enjoy educational entertainment regardless of weather conditions.
11. Indian Caves
NATURAL GEOLOGICAL FORMATION
Indian Caves features fascinating limestone formations carved by natural erosion along the Kankakee River, creating a unique geological attraction. Visitors can explore these shallow caves while enjoying scenic river views and learning about the area's natural history and native heritage. The site offers opportunities for photography, nature appreciation, and understanding the geological processes that shaped the landscape of Kankakee County.
12. Kankakee River Fishing
PREMIER ANGLING DESTINATION
The Kankakee River provides exceptional fishing opportunities with its diverse aquatic habitats supporting smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, and numerous other species. Anglers from Bonfield and beyond enjoy access to multiple fishing spots along the river's course through Kankakee County, including dedicated fishing areas within state parks and public access points. The river's clean water, natural beauty, and healthy fish populations make it one of the most valued recreational resources in the region.
13. Manteno State Hospital Ruins
HAUNTING HISTORICAL SITE
The remaining structures of the former Manteno State Hospital stand as haunting reminders of the area's psychiatric treatment history, drawing visitors interested in both historical and paranormal aspects. The abandoned facility, which operated from 1930 to 1985, features deteriorating buildings and grounds that tell the story of evolving mental health care practices throughout the 20th century. History enthusiasts and ghost hunters from Bonfield and surrounding communities visit the site to explore its complex legacy and reported supernatural occurrences.
14. Kankakee Farmers' Market
LOCAL PRODUCE SHOWCASE
Kankakee Farmers' Market brings together local growers, artisans, and food producers from throughout the county, including small communities like Bonfield. Visitors can browse fresh produce, handcrafted items, baked goods, and specialty foods while enjoying the vibrant community atmosphere of this seasonal outdoor market. The market celebrates the agricultural heritage of the region and provides an authentic connection to the farming traditions that remain important to Kankakee County's identity and economy.
15. Momence Historic District
PRESERVED RIVERSIDE ARCHITECTURE
The Momence Historic District showcases beautifully preserved 19th and early 20th century architecture along the picturesque banks of the Kankakee River. Visitors can stroll through the charming downtown area to admire historic commercial buildings, residences, and churches that reflect the community's development as a river town. The district hosts regular community events, specialty shops, and dining options that make it a delightful destination for residents of nearby communities like Bonfield seeking a day trip experience.