Top things to do in Bradley (Illinois)

Tour Guide of Bradley, Illinois

Welcome to Bradley, Illinois, a small town located south of Chicago and north of Kankakee. Despite its small size, Bradley has a variety of attractions and activities to offer visitors. From outdoor recreation to historic landmarks, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Parks and Outdoor Recreation

Bradley is home to several parks, each with its own unique features and activities. Here are a few of the top parks to visit:

  • Perry Farm Park: Located at 459 Kennedy Dr, Perry Farm Park offers visitors a chance to explore the great outdoors. The park has fields, trails, and riverside caves, as well as a children's museum and a historic farmhouse. The museum is a great place for families with young children, while the trails offer a peaceful escape for nature lovers. Visit their website for more information: www.btpd.org/parks/perry-fa...
  • Willowhaven Park & Nature Center: Another great outdoor destination in Bradley is Willowhaven Park & Nature Center. Located at 1451 N 4000 E Rd, the park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a nature center with exhibits and live animals. The park is particularly beautiful in the fall, when the leaves change color. Learn more here: btpd.org/willowhaven/
  • Lion's Park: For a more traditional park experience, check out Lion's Park on Kennedy Dr. The park has playgrounds, picnic areas, and a gazebo available for rent. It's a great place to bring the family for a picnic or a game of frisbee.
  • Rudy's Memorial Park: Another great spot for a picnic is Rudy's Memorial Park, located at 170 W Broadway St. The park has picnic tables and grills available, as well as a playground and a basketball court.

Historic Landmarks

In addition to its parks and outdoor recreation opportunities, Bradley also has a number of historic landmarks worth exploring. Here are a few of the top sites to visit:

  • B Harley Bradley House: Built in 1900, the B Harley Bradley House is one of Frank Lloyd Wright's first Prairie School homes. It offers tours that provide insight into the architect's early work. The house is located at 701 S Harrison Ave and also has a gift shop on site. Learn more here: www.wright1900.org/
  • French Heritage Museum: The French Heritage Museum, located at 165 N Indiana Ave, is a great place to learn about the history of the region. The museum has exhibits and artifacts related to the French and Native American cultures that once dominated the area. For more information, visit their website: www.kankakeecountymuseum.co...
  • Warren Hickox House: The Warren Hickox House, located at 687 S Harrison Ave, is another historic home worth visiting. It was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright's mentor, Louis Sullivan, and is an example of the Prairie School style of architecture. Though it is not currently open for tours, it is still an impressive site to behold. Learn more here: www.flwright.org/researchex...
  • Kankakee County Museum: The Kankakee County Museum, located at 801 S 8th Ave, is a must-see destination for history buffs. The museum has exhibits on the area's agricultural and industrial history, as well as displays on local artists and musicians. The museum complex also includes a historic schoolhouse and other buildings. Check out their website for more information: www.kankakeecountymuseum.com/
  • Bourbonnais Grove Historical: The Bourbonnais Grove Historical Society, located at 708-714 Stratford Dr E, is dedicated to preserving the history of the local area. They have exhibits on the region's early settlers, as well as artifacts related to local industries such as farming and coal mining. Visit their website for more information: bourbonnaishistory.org/

Family Fun

For families with young children, Bradley has several attractions that are sure to please. Here are a few recommended destinations:

  • Exploration Station: The Exploration Station, located at 1095 Perry St, is a children's museum that offers hands-on exhibits and activities for kids. The museum is designed to be both fun and educational, and is a great place to spend a rainy day. Learn more here: btpd.org/exploration-station/
  • Hero City Adventure Park: Hero City Adventure Park, located at 1190 N Kinzie Ave, is an indoor amusement park that offers laser tag, mini-golf, and other attractions. It's a great place to let kids burn off some energy on a hot summer day. Check out their website for more information: www.herocityadventurepark.com/
  • Quail Park: Quail Park, located at 1296 Quail Dr, is a small park with a playground and basketball court. It's a great place to let kids run around and play while adults relax on a nearby bench.

Natural Wonders

For those who love the great outdoors, Bradley has plenty of natural wonders to explore. Here are a few recommended destinations:

  • Indian Caves: Located within Perry Farm Park, the Indian Caves are a series of rock formations that were once used by Native Americans for shelter. The caves are a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. For more information, visit the Perry Farm Park website: www.btpd.org/parks/perry-fa...
  • Kankakee River State Park: Kankakee River State Park, located at 5314 IL-102, offers year-round outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and camping. The park is situated along 11 miles of river and has over 4,000 acres of wilderness to explore. Horse stables are also available for those interested in horseback riding.

Other Attractions

  • Cap Circle Park: Cap Circle Park, located at 1400 W Cap Cir, is a small park with a playground and picnic tables. It's a great place to take a break and enjoy the outdoors.
  • Ed Hayes Park: Ed Hayes Park is a small park located in Bradley. Though it doesn't have any specific attractions, it's a nice place to take a walk or sit and enjoy the scenery.
  • KCTC Forest: KCTC Forest, located at 320 S Forest Ave, is a small forested area that offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the town. It's a great place to spend a quiet afternoon.
  • Kankakee Valley Park District: The Kankakee Valley Park District, located at 893 W Station St, offers a variety of recreational activities such as swimming, tennis, and basketball. Check out their website for more information: www.kvpd.com/

Conclusion

Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a family looking for some fun, Bradley has something to offer. From its beautiful parks to its historic landmarks, this small town is full of surprises. Visit Bradley today and discover all that it has to offer!