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!