Danforth IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Danforth, Illinois.
1. Watseka Theatre
HISTORIC PERFORMANCE VENUE
The Watseka Theatre is a beautifully restored historic venue offering live performances and events near Danforth. Visitors can enjoy concerts, plays, and special screenings in this charming theater that maintains its vintage appeal. The theater serves as a cultural hub for the region, bringing entertainment options to locals and tourists alike.
2. Kankakee County Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Kankakee County Museum preserves and showcases the rich history of the Kankakee region through diverse exhibits and artifacts. Visitors can explore collections that highlight local heritage, notable residents, and significant historical events that shaped the area. The museum offers an educational and engaging experience for history enthusiasts of all ages.
3. B. Harley Bradley House
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT DESIGN
The B. Harley Bradley House is an architectural masterpiece designed by the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright in his Prairie style. This historic residence, built in 1900, features Wright's distinctive horizontal lines, natural materials, and harmonious integration with the surrounding landscape. Tours of the property offer visitors insight into Wright's revolutionary design principles and the early development of his influential Prairie School of architecture.
4. Kankakee Railroad Museum
RAIL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Kankakee Railroad Museum celebrates the region's important railroad heritage through engaging exhibits and impressive model train displays. Visitors can view historical artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia documenting the significant impact of railroads on the development of Kankakee and surrounding communities. The museum's detailed model train layouts delight train enthusiasts of all ages while educating about this crucial aspect of American transportation history.
5. Grapes & Hops
LOCAL WINE EXPERIENCE
Grapes & Hops offers a sophisticated wine and craft beer tasting experience in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Visitors can sample a diverse selection of wines and brews while enjoying light fare in this popular local establishment. The knowledgeable staff provides information about each beverage, creating an educational and enjoyable experience for connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike.
6. Perry Farm Park
NATURAL RECREATION AREA
Perry Farm Park encompasses 170 acres of natural beauty featuring walking trails, prairie landscapes, and woodland areas perfect for outdoor recreation. Visitors can explore the historic farmstead, enjoy picnicking facilities, or participate in seasonal events and educational programs hosted throughout the year. The park connects to the Kankakee River State Park trail system, offering extended hiking and biking opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
7. French Heritage Museum at The Stone Barn
CULTURAL HISTORY PRESERVATION
The French Heritage Museum at The Stone Barn celebrates the significant French-Canadian influence on the Kankakee area's development and culture. Housed in a historic limestone structure dating back to 1865, the museum features exhibits highlighting the lives, traditions, and contributions of these early settlers. Visitors gain insight into this important aspect of regional history through artifacts, photographs, and engaging storytelling about the French-Canadian community.
8. Kennekuk County Park
NATURAL WILDLIFE HAVEN
Kennekuk County Park spans over 3,000 acres of diverse habitats including forests, prairies, and wetlands that support abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Nature enthusiasts can explore numerous hiking trails, fishing areas, and educational facilities including the Vermilion County Conservation District headquarters. The park hosts special events throughout the year, such as the popular 'Nature at Night' program focusing on nocturnal animals and their habitats.
9. Field Museum
PREMIER NATURAL HISTORY
The Field Museum stands as one of America's largest and most respected institutions dedicated to natural history, anthropology, and scientific research. Visitors can marvel at Sue, the most complete T. Rex fossil ever discovered, explore extensive exhibits on ancient cultures, or examine precious gems and minerals in the Grainger Hall of Gems. The museum's vast collections and engaging presentations offer educational experiences for visitors of all ages interested in our planet's natural and cultural heritage.
10. The Art Institute of Chicago
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
The Art Institute of Chicago houses one of the world's most impressive and comprehensive art collections spanning 5,000 years of human creativity. Visitors can admire iconic masterpieces including Grant Wood's 'American Gothic,' Georges Seurat's 'A Sunday on La Grande Jatte,' and Edward Hopper's 'Nighthawks' among thousands of extraordinary works. The museum's diverse galleries showcase everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary installations, providing an unparalleled artistic journey for culture enthusiasts.
11. Shedd Aquarium
AQUATIC LIFE SHOWCASE
The Shedd Aquarium invites visitors to explore the fascinating underwater world with exhibits featuring over 32,000 aquatic animals from around the globe. Guests can observe beluga whales, dolphins, and sea otters in the Abbott Oceanarium, marvel at colorful coral reef ecosystems, or touch stingrays in interactive exhibits. The aquarium combines entertainment with conservation education, inspiring appreciation for marine biodiversity and the importance of protecting aquatic environments.
12. Route 66 Association of Illinois
HISTORIC HIGHWAY HERITAGE
The Route 66 Association of Illinois preserves and celebrates the legendary 'Mother Road' that played a crucial role in American transportation history. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring vintage memorabilia, historic photographs, and artifacts documenting the heyday of this iconic highway. The association works to maintain the cultural significance of Route 66 through education, preservation efforts, and special events that attract road trip enthusiasts from around the world.
13. Harley-Davidson Museum
MOTORCYCLE HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Harley-Davidson Museum celebrates America's most iconic motorcycle brand through an extensive collection of historic bikes and memorabilia. Visitors can trace the evolution of these legendary machines from early prototypes to modern marvels while learning about the company's profound impact on American culture and transportation. Interactive exhibits, including a virtual riding experience, offer enthusiasts and casual visitors alike an engaging exploration of this enduring symbol of freedom and adventure.
14. Milwaukee Art Museum
ARCHITECTURAL ART WONDER
The Milwaukee Art Museum features not only an impressive collection of over 30,000 works but also stuns visitors with its breathtaking Santiago Calatrava-designed Quadracci Pavilion with its movable sunscreen 'wings.' Art enthusiasts can explore galleries housing everything from Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary installations, including significant collections of German Expressionism, American decorative arts, and modern works. The museum's dramatic location on Lake Michigan's shoreline enhances the visitor experience, combining natural beauty with architectural innovation and artistic excellence.
15. Classen HomeStay Bed & Breakfast
CHARMING RURAL RETREAT
The Classen HomeStay Bed & Breakfast offers visitors a genuine small-town Illinois experience in the heart of Danforth. Guests can enjoy comfortable accommodations in a charming setting that showcases local hospitality and provides a peaceful respite from urban environments. The establishment serves as an ideal base for exploring Danforth and nearby attractions throughout Iroquois County.