kankakee county taco trail

The Kankakee County Taco Trail is a celebration of culinary creativity, featuring six handpicked taco stops (and the hopes of adding more), each adding their own unique twist to this beloved dish. From traditional street-style tacos bursting with flavor to innovative BBQ and plant-based options, this trail offers a delectable exploration of the county's cultural richness.
In order to complete this adventure, you must dine at each stop on the trail and complete each stop by submitting a photo! Once all six stops are complete, you can mark the adventure as complete, take a screenshot of the finished stops and send them to info@kccvb.com along with you mailing address.  From there, you will be entered into a drawing for a special prize!

Happy eating on this delicious trail!

Dos Amigos

Jimmy Jo's BBQ

La Cocina Macias

Martinez Tacos

Rigo's Tacos #2

Ana's Restaurant

La Michoancana

Stefari West Ave

Cuatro Gallos

Introducing the Kankakee County Taco Trail, where every bite is a flavorful journey through authentic Mexican cuisines, sizzling barbecue tacos, inventive Americanized twists, and even delicious vegan options. Embark on a culinary adventure at our six handpicked restaurants (with more joining soon)! Whether you're a local or visiting, this trail promises to tantalize your taste buds and showcase the diverse flavors of our community. Just like our Craft Beverage Trail, simply scan the QR code to download the eAtlas app and let the taco tasting begin. Gather your amigos, your family, or your foodie squad, and get ready to discover the best tacos in town while immersing yourself in our vibrant culinary scene. ¡Buen provecho!" 

Kankakee County Taco Trail

downtown manteno scavenger hunt

Ready to embark on a thrilling journey right in your backyard? Dive into the heart of Manteno, IL, and uncover the hidden gems of this quant town! Explore the magic nestled within downtown.

Get ready to unravel the mysteries of downtown Manteno as you join our exciting scavenger hunt! Wind through quaint streets and charming corners, where each step holds the promise of discovery. From popular landmarks to quirky local spots, there's something for everyone to uncover.

But wait, there's more! Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for clues that will lead you to your next adventure. Who knows what secrets lie behind each corner or down every alley? It's a journey of surprises, laughter, and unforgettable moments.

So, gather your friends, grab your golf cart keys, and prepare for an unforgettable exploration of Manteno's hidden treasures. 

Grab a drink at The Well or Uplifted Bistro and snap a selfie!

Get your caffeine fix before completing this adventure!

Take your lock, write your name on it and install it onto the Love Lock installation! 

Once you get your lock installed, take a selfie!

(Ace Hardware has lots of locks, you pick!)

"Lock" in your love for Manteno!

Zip on over to the park!

That's a really rad ride!

Take a picture under the big "Manteno" sign downtown. 

All "signs" point to downtown!

What a "peaceful" day!

Take a photo of skipping rocks on Lake Manteno.

"Skipping" out on work?!?!

Pop into twisted cupcake and pick up a sweet treat! Show them some love by taking a selfie with your treat!

It's been a "sweet" ride!

Stop into PJ's ice cream for a tasty treat. Take a selfie with your frozen confection.

You scream, I scream, we all scream for ICE CREAM!

Discover something new in your own back yard! Follow this fun scavenger hunt to uncover hidden treasures in downtown Manteno!

Downtown Manteno Scavenger Hunt

iccvb fall adventure

Welcome to the eATLAS app! We’re happy to have you here and to host you at Adventure Commons with the ICCVB and KCCVB. CVBs are the force behind economic & tourism growth in hundreds of cities across Illinois, so we’re grateful to have such wonderful people running the CVBs that keep our cities running. 

Let's take some time to network and collaborate. It's possible others in the room have some of the same hurdles you do and also have ideas to share. 

To begin, we'll organize into groups of five. Once in your group, select a Leader. The leader should hit the ‘Start To Play’ button and select the ‘Join as a team’ option before hitting the ‘Continue’ button. Next, name your team and add all team members to the Adventure by hitting the ‘Add Team Member’ button. Then, choose a member of your team to serve as an alternate team leader - you can make them an alternate leader by hitting the three dots next to their name and selecting the ‘Make Alternate Leader’ button. Team members should check their email to find the team invite. 

When everyone is added to the team and ready to move on, hit the ‘Next’ button and then the ‘Done’ button to confirm your team. A screen will pop up with your Adventure - tap on your Adventure and then hit the ‘Start To Play’ button to begin the game. Good luck!

Each member of the winning team will receive a gift basket loaded with local goodies:
*Candy from Sweet Street in Bourbonnais
*Coffee pack & a sticker or magnet from Connect Roasters in Bradley
*Beer glass from Knack Brewing in Kankakee
*Popcorn from Cranky Mike’s Popcorn in Momence
* Kankakee County T-shirt from our storefront KaCo | The Local Exchange
*BBQ Rub from Jimmy Jo’s BBQ in Bourbonnais
*A Custom Visit Kankakee County Coffee Blend

Dropping Dimes and Granny Shots

Kickstarting in the Field

Batter up!

Putt Putt on Noah's Ark

There's no "I" intTeam, but there is an I in the ICCVB!

Final Challenge - Let's Connect!

Let's have fun and network at Adventure Commons!

ICCVB Fall Adventure

kankakee county craft beverage trail

Sip your way through Kankakee County as you take on this new adventure! Each stop on the Kankakee County Craft Beverage Trail offers a wide variety of specialty drinks for you to try. Some offer coffee, some have beer and wine, some have creative cocktails and mocktails and some even have all of the above! There is something delicious for everyone to try! 

There is no time limit to this trail. You can dare to finish it in a day, a weekend even a whole year! You can skip any stop and come back to it later. Use the map icon in the upper right corner to get directions to each location. Once you have completed it (in order to be considered "complete", you must go to AT THE LEAST 8 of the 13 current locations), click "Mark Adventure as Complete", take a screenshot that shows the list of completed stops, and email it to info@kccvb.com along with a mailing address so we can mail you a special prize for participating and supporting our local businesses!


Cheers & happy drinking!



**
Please monitor your alcohol intake and drink responsibly.  We encourage all participants consuming alcohol to use designated drivers, cab services, or Lyft/Uber.


Knack Brewing & Fermentations

The Dam Tap

Stefari West Avenue

8 One Five

The Lush Vine

Connect Roasters

BrickStone Brewery

Copeland's Bar and Grill

Uplifted Bistro

The Well

The Mill: 
**10% off  specialty drink**
DIRECTIONS TO REDEEM:
1. Take a fun selfie of you/your friends and your drinks!
2. Do NOT hit submit yet!
3. Show your server/bartender/cashier the photo that you took and let THEM hit submit
4. Once they have submitted your photo, you will receive your discount!
**This coupon is a one-time offer only**


The MILL Co.

Steep & Spice Tea Lounge + Crêperie

Delight your taste buds with the delicious craft drinks that Kankakee County creatives have to offer!

Kankakee County Craft Beverage Trail

kankakee county barn quilt tour

Welcome to Kankakee County where 57 miles of riverfront, rich history, culture, and natural beauty greet visitors to our area. We invite you to join in the excitement! Explore our blend of rural and urban lifestyles on a scenic, self-guided tour of our Barn Quilts. This tour is designed to be enjoyed on your bicycle during daylight hours. The total loop is approximately 30 miles. Please obey all traffic laws while road cycling. This route has blind curves and short stretches of heavy traffic. Please respect the property owners and refrain from trespassing. These 15 Barn Quilts were chosen because of their location near the picturesque Kankakee River. Kankakee County has 50 barn quilts in total. For a complete Barn Quilt Guide, email info@kccvb.com.

The idea for barn quilts originally came from Adams County, Ohio in 2001, as a way to pull travelers away from busy four lane highways to less traveled rural areas. Supported by the Ohio Arts Council, local artists were encouraged to paint traditional squares on the barns, much like they were once painted with logos. The very first tour event was in Grundy County, Iowa in 2003 and featured 20 barn displays.

The concept was brought back to Kankakee County by a couple that had traveled to Ohio and seen the originals. With the help of our local University of Illinois Extension office, Kankakee Quiltmakers and Kankakee County Convention & Visitors Bureau, in 2008 Kankakee County became the first county in Illinois to host a county-wide barn quilt tour. Our Barn Quilt Tour has been featured in Mary Janes Farm Magazine, WGN News feature “Cruisin’ Illinois”, The Herald’s Country Market, Farm Week, The Daily Journal and more. Many hands and months of volunteer time continue to make this project a growing success.

Whether you're cycling or driving, the Kankakee County Barn Quilt tour is a must see! 

Take a step back in time at the Kankakee County Museum. The museum is open Thursday-Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Enjoy the column garden and adjacent Gov. Small Memorial Park. The historic Dr. A.L. Small home was built in 1855. The Barn Quilt Square is displayed adjacent to the Small home on the stone smoke house which was built in the 1800’s out of limestone. The out building was originally used as a milk house, smoke house, and also provided storage and shelter for chickens. Dr. Small was more than a doctor, his hobby was horticulture. Small’s favorite crop was Rhubarb which he grew for its medicinal value. The Small’s claimed to have the largest privately owned Rhubarb Farm in the United States and this is reflected in the pattern chosen. Come back in May for the annual Rhubarb Festival hosted by the Kankakee County Museum. 

**To complete this stop, use the photo icon below to take a selfie with the quilt.**

If you are following along with the complete barn quilt guide, this is stop #2.


Rhubarb Pie

The barn was built in the late 1800’s for cattle and horses and is currently being used for nursery equipment and offices. Snider’s purchased the farm from Vernon Butz and they now operate a nursery on the property that is open to the public. This pattern is a variation of the “Pine Tree” pattern and represents nature and the outdoors with a red cardinal nesting in the center.

**To complete this stop, use the photo icon below to take a selfie with the quilt.**

If you are following along with the complete barn quilt guide, this is stop #1.

Forest Friend

The Lemuel Milk Carriage House, also known as the Stone Barn, is one of the oldest historical structures in Kankakee County. Built by pioneer farmer Lemuel Milk in 1860, he was responsible for draining the “wet prairies” and creating acreage for livestock and tillable land for crops. Originally used as a livery stable, the barn was later used to house the Kankakee Fire Department horses. Currently owned by the Kankakee County Museum, it is home to the French Heritage Museum. The pattern is an original design comprised of several patterns to reflect Kankakee County history. The French Heritage Museum is open from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturdays from April-December. Stop in to learn about the French involvement in the history of the Kankakee River Valley - the first explorers and missionaries, the coureurs de bois and fur traders, and the pioneer settlers from France, French Canada, and Belgium. 

**To complete this stop, use the photo icon below to take a selfie with the quilt.**

If you are following along with the complete barn quilt guide, this is stop #46.

The Stone Barn Quilt

This barn is located on the property of the Kankakee Nursery, one of the premier nursery stock growers in Illinois. What started as two high school buddies trying to support themselves through the Great Depression is now a 150 employee business and in the fifth generation of the Worth family’s care. The pine tree is from an original pattern and represents the nature and outdoors. Summer, spring, fall and winter are all represented. 

While in Aroma Park, stop for lunch at Ryan's Pier, the Aroma Park Legion, or The Office. Your taste buds won't be disappointed!

**To complete this stop, use the photo icon below to take a selfie with the quilt.**

If you are following along with the complete barn quilt guide, this is stop #32.

Trees of All Seasons

The house was built in 1844 by James and Mary Dillie Byrns. James Byrns was an early settler who was elected Sheriff and also was the first Supervisor of Aroma Township. William Byrns succeeded his father James in the farm home and built the barn in 1912. Clarence & Deborah Clement purchased the farm on May 22, 1936. They currently use the barn for horses and cattle. This barn quilt is from an original quilt made by Deb Clement. The quilt block represents the farming and agricultural history of the Clement Farm. The house was the first Post Office in Kankakee County.

While in Aroma Park, stop for lunch at Ryan's Pier, the Aroma Park Legion, or The Office. Your taste buds won't be disappointed!

**To complete this stop, use the photo icon below to take a selfie with the quilt.**

If you are following along with the complete barn quilt guide, this is stop #31.

Make Hay While the Sun Shines

Letters found under the attic stairs dating from the 1850’s and 1860’s reveal that the original owners (Smith) wanted to “go west” and start a new dairy farm. They settled in Momence and this barn was built (1880-1890) for their dairy herd. The farm remained in the Smith family until around 1980 then changed hands three times in close succession until the present owners, purchased it in 1984. The “Ohio Star” pattern which is an 8 point star with a 4 patch which has been used in quilts since quilts began in America. It represents our country’s colors, patriotism and love of freedom.

**To complete this stop, use the photo icon below to take a selfie with the quilt.**

If you are following along with the complete barn quilt guide, this is stop #33.

Freedom Star

Purchased in 1980 by Harold Schriefer; this barn was once owned and used by the township for storage and maintenance of township equipment; today is used for storage. The Railroad Crossing pattern which is a variation of the many railroad track patterns to represent the history of railroads and their use in the Midwest for transportation and the hauling of goods.

This barn quilt is on the corner of Franklin & 3rd.

Downtown Momence is bustling with a rich history. Stop into the Earl D. Schoeffner Farm Museum featuring the William and Phyllis Munyon Memorial Train Depot, the Military Tribute Museum, and the Mt. Airy Little Red Schoolhouse. The museum is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.

**To complete this stop, use the photo icon below to take a selfie with the quilt.**

If you are following along with the complete barn quilt guide, this is stop #34.

Railroad Crossing

The purchase agreement for this barn originally built in 1919, is actually painted inside the barn. The outside of the barn is clad in bricks made by the internationally famous Tiffany Enameled Brick Company, which was located in Momence. The quilt pattern came from a book at the Momence Library. The fish represent the Kankakee River which runs behind the barn and the fur trappers that used to call this area home. The bright yellow design was inspired by a pattern on a necktie belonging to the father of Mrs. Doud.

Downtown Momence is bustling with a rich history. Stop into the Earl D. Schoeffner Farm Museum featuring the William and Phyllis Munyon Memorial Train Depot, the Military Tribute Museum, and the Mt. Airy Little Red Schoolhouse. The museum is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.

**To complete this stop, use the photo icon below to take a selfie with the quilt.**

If you are following along with the complete barn quilt guide, this is stop #36.

Fish Block

The pony barn was built in the 1950’s, by the original owner Jack Darsey. Purchased by Frank and Nancy Simpson in April 1970, it is currently being used for horses and hay storage. The upstairs of the house, which was moved to this location in the 1950’s, can be seen from the road, and a lower level is actually built into the hill. The barn with its rustic look has been used several times as a backdrop for annual family Christmas pictures. The quilt block was designed from a stained glass window pattern.

Downtown Momence is bustling with a rich history. Stop into the Earl D. Schoeffner Farm Museum featuring the William and Phyllis Munyon Memorial Train Depot, the Military Tribute Museum, and the Mt. Airy Little Red Schoolhouse. The museum is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.

**To complete this stop, use the photo icon below to take a selfie with the quilt.**

If you are following along with the complete barn quilt guide, this is stop #35.

Stained Glass Tulip

The farm was built in the 1950’s by Wesley and Jeanette Schilling, grandparents to Keith Yohnka, and purchased by him in the spring of 2010. The hog house, constructed of concrete and wood, was built specifically for raising hogs. The hog confinement operation was one of the first operations in this area. This barn quilt is dedicated to Wesley and Jeanette Schilling, for all their contributions to the community and farming. The pattern represents the beautiful grove of trees that surround the homestead.

**To complete this stop, use the photo icon below to take a selfie with the quilt.**

If you are following along with the complete barn quilt guide, this is stop #40.

Autumn Praise

This farm was purchased in 1921 by the Lagacy family and has been in the family for three generations. The barn was on the residence when it was bought, and is thought to have been built in 1890. It was first used as a dairy barn for Brown Swiss cows. The Harvest Star pattern dates back to the 1890’s and was published by the Ladies Art Company, credited to be the first mail order quilt pattern company.

**To complete this stop, use the photo icon below to take a selfie with the quilt.**

If you are following along with the complete barn quilt guide, this is stop #41.

Harvest Star Block

Constructed of wood surrounding the rough hewn beams, the barn was built in 1900, and was used as a cattle barn and for storage. Purchased by Jim and Carolyn Waters in 1985, it contains a large hay loft with pulleys and rail system to originally store loose hay. It eventually baled hay. The barn quilt pattern comes from a quilt made in 1976 by Inez Craig; Carolyn’s grandmother. In her honor this barn quilt pattern is being placed on the Waters barn. The star pattern has always been popular and has been used in patriotic quilts since before the Civil War.

**To complete this stop, use the photo icon below to take a selfie with the quilt.**

If you are following along with the complete barn quilt guide, this is stop #42.

Patriotic Star

Built in 1903, the barn was located in Jones County, Iowa on a farm owned by five generations of the Folkers family. Used for winter feed storage and animal shelter, the barn was constructed of old growth yellow pine without the use of nails. Donated to the Bourbonnais Township Park District by the Folkers family, it was dismantled timber by timber,
transported across state lines, and reassembled at Willowhaven Park. Often called Goose Tracks, this pattern can have many variations depending on the color placement.

The Willowhaven Park includes trails, ponds, playground, dog park, disc golf, and a rental venue (inside and outside). Come and enjoy the great outdoors from sunrise to sunset! Contact the Bourbonnais Township Park District about hosting your next event at Willowhaven.

**To complete this stop, use the photo icon below to take a selfie with the quilt.**

If you are following along with the complete barn quilt guide, this is stop #43.

Duck Paddle

Influenced by German design, the barn was built in 1912 by Joseph and Charles Schilling for their livestock. The Salzman’s farmed the land from 1972 until Mr. Salzman retired in 1999 when Helen Salzman purchased the land. Over the years, the barn has housed work horses, beef cattle, dairy cattle and a chicken egg laying operation. The Double Wedding Ring pattern did not exist until after the American Civil War. However, the Double Irish Chain pattern did and is believed to have symbolized the chains of slavery.

**To complete this stop, use the photo icon below to take a selfie with the quilt.**

If you are following along with the complete barn quilt guide, this is stop #44.

Double Wedding Ring

The original builders of this 1880’s livestock barn are unknown, but the garage and carriage house were built between 1912 and 1915. It is reported to be the first electrified farmstead in Kankakee County. The unique architecture between barn, house, garage and carriage house was created by the University of Illinois Architectural Department. The Flower Basket pattern, also known as the Confederate Basket, was made by women of the Raus community near Shelbyville, Tennessee to raise funds for Confederates.

**To complete this stop, use the photo icon below to take a selfie with the quilt.**

If you are following along with the complete barn quilt guide, this is stop #45.

Flower Basket

Discover the rich history and culture of Barn Quilts in Kankakee County.

Kankakee County Barn Quilt Tour

walk the vision

The Currents of Kankakee is a multiyear effort to reposition Kankakee as a premier Illinois riverfront community. When complete, the riverfront improvements will be the centerpiece of a transformed live/work/play city that attracts regional visitors, skilled workers and families with a package of exceptional river-centered natural, cultural and recreational attractions, complimentary residential and commercial development, a more sustainable economy and a significantly improved ideology.

Walk the vision and become part of this extraordinary project that would not be possible without community support. 

Upon completion of this educational adventure, you will be able to envision the future of the Kankakee Riverfront. You will become a Currents of Kankakee Ambassador, and receive a t-shirt for your efforts! Take a screenshot showing you have walked the vision, email it to bill@thecurrentsofkankakee.com. Please include your t-shirt size and contact information for pick up. 

The East Riverwalk is the first phase of the Currents of Kankakee. Construction on this site is set to start in the Summer of 2024. The East Riverwalk will include a small parking lot, an ADA accessible walkway to the riverfront boardwalk, a pavilion and a raised lookout. 

Plans include preserving historic boathouse on the property. Substantial completion of the East Riverwalk is expected in 2024. Preliminary work for the East Riverwalk has been underway. Site plans have been developed, permits have been applied for and soil borings have been done all in advance of construction to start later this Summer.

This project is being funded by a combination of local philanthropy, as well as federal, state and local grants.

The East Riverwalk

The East Riverwalk is just the first portion of a larger Riverfront Master Plan adopted by the City of Kankakee in 2018. Following the lead of dozens of other successful riverfront communities, the City of Kankakee is committed to making its majestic river and improved riverfront the centerpiece for moving forward. 
Standards For The Currents of Kankakee 
• Sustainable (environment, economy, and culture)
 • Multi-dimensional (appeal to residents & visitors, flexible, and high return on investment) 
• Healthy (active, comfortable, clean, and safe
 • Attractive (engaging, stimulating, and clean)
 • Distinctive (differentiated from other riverfronts)
 • Respectful (resources and diverse stakeholders)
 • Barrier-free (accessible by all)

The long-term vision is for the  centerpiece of the public-sector projects will be a whitewater paddling course for kayakers and canoers. A series of rock terraces will provide an exciting passage from above the dam to below while allowing fish and other aquatic life to migrate upstream.  Similar projects in the region have been completed in Yorkville, Il and South Bend, IN.



Railroad Overpass

The “Mill Race” will be a catalytic series of features developed by both public and private investors. Taking its name from the old McGrew grist mill, this section of the Riverwalk will be alive with day- and nighttime activities.

Fisherman's Perch (overlooking the dam)

The site will feature serene open park space, walking trails, amphitheater style seating overlooking the river, accessible riverbanks for fishing, space for small informal performances and gatherings, and potential commercial redevelopment at the corner of Washington Avenue.

Corner of Washington Ave. 

Corner of River St. and South 4th Ave. 

Legion Park

Legion Park will be the region’s destination for nature-based play, designed to engage children and adults in local ecosystems. This unique play area will incorporate natural materials (logs, boulders, sand, rock, water, and vegetation) as well as nature themed play structures that mimic a woodland, prairie, wetland, and meandering stream.

Legion Park continued

The River Station Senior Residences (developed by Mercy Housing Lakefront) was constructed on 6th Avenue between Merchant and Station Streets.  It offers affordable housing for low to moderate income seniors and features a health and wellness clinic. The apartments are backed by a vacant riverfront parcel that is owned by the City. No connection currently exists from the apartments into Alpiner Park for the adjacent residents. 

Station Street

Details in this design will change as engineering for this site is underway in preparation of construction for this stretch of riverwalk and the walkway under Court St.

Fisherman’s Park is situated farther from the main center of activities and offers visitors a place to pause and enjoy a few minutes of relaxation. Fisherman’s Park is also a great place to kick off your morning long run or weekend bike ride with the family. Park your car and take a trip on the regional Riverfront Trailways all the way to the State Park and back.

Fisherman's Park

Walk the vision of the Currents of Kankakee's East Riverwalk project

Visit Kankakee County

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