Bradley Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more in Bradley, Illinois.


Bradley is a small town in Kankakee County, located in the Chicagoland area of Illinois, in the Midwest region of the United States of America. It is known for its rich culture, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. In this comprehensive travel guide, you will discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more in Bradley, Illinois.

Introduction to Bradley

Bradley is a picturesque suburb located just 50 miles south of Chicago. It is well-known for its welcoming people, lively downtown, and thriving arts and culture scene. Visitors can expect to find a wide range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and fishing, as well as indoor attractions like museums and historical landmarks. The town is also home to a variety of local shops and restaurants, which offer a unique taste of Illinois hospitality.

List of Places to Visit in Bradley

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. The Kankakee County Museum: This museum houses exhibits that highlight the history and culture of Kankakee. Visitors can explore the various exhibits and learn about the area’s Native American, pioneer, and industrial past.
  2. The Kankakee County Courthouse: Designed in the Beaux-Arts style, this courthouse is a stunning example of early 20th-century architecture. Visitors can tour the building and learn about its history and importance to the area.
  3. The Riverview Historic District: This district features several historic homes and buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour of the area and learn about the history of each building.

Natural Attractions of Bradley: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Riverfront Park: This beautiful park runs alongside the Kankakee River and offers a range of recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking. Visitors can also enjoy picnics and live music events during the summer months.
  2. Perry Farm Park: This park features a nature preserve that includes woodlands, wetlands, and prairies. Visitors can enjoy hiking and biking trails, as well as birdwatching and fishing opportunities.
  3. Bourbonnais Grove Historical Park: This park features a nature trail, a Victorian garden, and a pioneer farmstead. Visitors can learn about the history of the area and enjoy some outdoor recreation.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bradley

  1. Kankakee River State Park: This park offers miles of scenic trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the river and the park’s diverse wildlife.
  2. Kankakee River Trail: This trail runs along the Kankakee River and offers stunning views of the water and surrounding landscape. It is a popular destination for cyclists and hikers of all skill levels.
  3. Bourbonnais Parkway Nature Trail: This trail runs through the heart of Bourbonnais and features a variety of natural habitats, including forests, wetlands, and prairies.

Best Things to Do in Bradley: Activities and Tours

  1. Manteno Golf Club: This 18-hole golf course is perfect for golf enthusiasts of all skill levels. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape while playing a round of golf.
  2. BrickStone Brewery: This local brewery offers a wide range of craft beers and delicious food. Visitors can take a tour of the brewery and sample some of their latest creations.
  3. K3 Axes & Timber: Visitors can enjoy some outdoor recreation by trying axe-throwing, playing giant Jenga, or competing in other fun games.

Week-Long Itinerary for Bradley

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5
visit the museum hike Kankakee River Trail visit the courthouse explore Perry Farm Park try axe-throwing
enjoy lunch at BrickStone Brewery have a picnic in Riverfront Park visit the Riverview Historic District golf at Manteno Golf Club visit Bourbonnais Grove Historical Park
visit the Kankakee County Courthouse explore Bourbonnais Parkway Nature Trail have dinner at a local restaurant visit a local farmers market attend a live music event at Riverfront Park

Food and Drink Scene of Bradley

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Deep-Dish Pizza: This is an Illinois classic. Visitors can grab a slice of deep-dish pizza at one of the many local pizzerias in the area.
  2. Chicago Hot Dog: A true Chicago hot dog is served on a poppyseed bun with mustard, onions, relish, tomato slices, a dill pickle spear, and celery salt. Visitors can grab a hot dog at any of the local hot dog stands in the area.
  3. Italian Beef Sandwich: Another Illinois favorite is the Italian beef sandwich. This sandwich is made with thinly sliced roast beef, peppers, and onions, and is served on a hoagie roll.

Local Beverages

  1. Craft Beer at BrickStone Brewery: This local brewery offers a wide range of craft beers, including IPAs, stouts, and porters.
  2. Wine from Kankakee County Wineries: Visitors can try some of the local wines from the nearby Kankakee County wineries, including Kite Hill Vineyards and Willett’s Winery.
  3. Local Spirits from Perry Farm Distillery: Perry Farm Distillery offers a range of handcrafted spirits, including gin, vodka, and whiskey.

Where to Stay in Bradley: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott: This hotel is located near Riverfront Park and offers comfortable rooms and amenities such as free breakfast and free WiFi.
  2. Cobblestone Hotel & Suites: This hotel is located near the Kankakee River State Park and offers spacious rooms and a range of amenities, including an indoor pool and fitness center.
  3. Harrah’s Joliet Casino & Hotel: This hotel is located just 30 miles from Bradley and offers elegant rooms and suites, a range of dining options, and a casino with table games and slot machines.

What to Buy in Bradley: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Craft Beer from BrickStone Brewery: Visitors can take home some craft beer from BrickStone Brewery as a tasty souvenir.
  2. Kankakee County Wine: Visitors can also bring home some local wine from Kite Hill Vineyards or Willett’s Winery.
  3. Prairie Fire BBQ Sauce: This locally-made BBQ sauce is a delicious souvenir that visitors can take home and enjoy.

Local Culture and Customs of Bradley

Bradley is known for its warm hospitality and friendly people. Visitors should expect to be greeted with a smile and treated with kindness and respect. It is customary to tip service workers such as restaurant servers and bartenders.

Best Time to Visit Bradley

The best time to visit Bradley is during the spring and summer months when the weather is mild and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Fall is also a good time to visit, as the foliage in the area is beautiful.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bradley

Do:

  • Do try some local craft beer or wine.
  • Do visit the Kankakee County Museum.
  • Do explore the outdoors by hiking or biking on one of the many scenic trails in the area.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or damage natural areas.
  • Don’t park in restricted areas.
  • Don’t ignore local customs or traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Bradley

Bradley is a safe town with a low crime rate. Visitors should exercise the same precautions they would in any other area and remain aware of their surroundings.

Health in Bradley

Visitors should stay hydrated during their stay in Bradley, especially during the summer months. The area is prone to allergies during the spring and fall, so visitors with allergies should take appropriate measures to protect themselves.

Getting to Bradley: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Bradley

  1. Chicago Midway International Airport: This airport is located about 60 miles north of Bradley and offers worldwide connections.
  2. Chicago O’Hare International Airport: This airport is located about 80 miles north of Bradley and offers worldwide connections.

Bus Stations Near Bradley

  1. Greyhound Bus Station: This bus station is located in Kankakee, just a few miles west of Bradley.
  2. Illinois Central Bus Service: This bus service operates several routes throughout Kankakee County.

Other Options

Visitors can also drive to Bradley or take a train to nearby Kankakee.

How to Get Around in Bradley

Visitors can get around Bradley by car, by bike, or on foot. There are also several local taxi and ride-sharing services available.

Where to Go Next from Bradley: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Chicago: Just 50 miles north of Bradley, Chicago is a world-renowned city with a vibrant arts and culture scene, fine dining, and plenty of entertainment options.
  2. Starved Rock State Park: This park is located about 60 miles southwest of Bradley and features stunning cliffs, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
  3. Joliet: This city is located about 30 miles north of Bradley and features a variety of historical attractions, such as the Joliet Iron Works Historic Site and the Silver Cross Field.

Conclusion

Bradley, Illinois is a charming town that offers a unique mix of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and warm hospitality. Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, explore local museums, or simply relax and soak in the town’s friendly atmosphere. Whatever visitors choose to do, they are sure to have an unforgettable experience in Bradley.