bourbonnais

Nestled in the heart of Kankakee County, Bourbonnais, Illinois is a charming village with a rich history, a vibrant community, and a prime location that offers residents the perfect blend of suburban tranquility and access to the amenities of larger cities. Located about 60 miles south of Chicago, Bourbonnais is part of the Kankakee-Bradley metropolitan area and is strategically positioned between Interstate 57 and the Kankakee River, making it a convenient spot for those seeking a peaceful yet accessible place to live.

A Rich History Rooted in French Influence

The origins of Bourbonnais can be traced back to the early 19th century when it was first settled by French Canadians in the early 1830s. The settlement was established along the Kankakee River, a crucial waterway for transportation and trade at the time. The village’s name, Bourbonnais, is believed to be derived from Bourbonnais, a historical region in France, reflecting the French heritage of its early settlers.

In the mid-1800s, Bourbonnais began to develop as a small agricultural community. The fertile land surrounding the river supported a variety of crops, and farming became the backbone of the local economy. The presence of the river also made the area an attractive location for trade, leading to the establishment of several businesses that served the surrounding agricultural community.

Bourbonnais was officially incorporated as a village in 1871, and over the years, it grew steadily. Like many other rural communities in the region, it remained a small town for much of the 20th century, with slow but consistent growth in population and infrastructure. It wasn’t until the late 20th century and early 2000s that Bourbonnais began to experience significant suburban development, primarily due to its proximity to Chicago and the expanding Kankakee-Bradley metropolitan area.

Bourbonnais Today: A Growing Suburb with a Strong Community Focus

Today, Bourbonnais is a vibrant and growing village with a population of approximately 20,000 (based on the 2020 U.S. Census). The community retains its rural charm, with tree-lined streets, well-maintained parks, and a downtown area that highlights the village's history. However, it also offers all the modern amenities and infrastructure needed to support a suburban lifestyle.

The village has embraced its role as a suburban community, offering a range of housing options, recreational opportunities, and a robust local economy. It serves as a family-friendly community with an excellent quality of life, attracting both young professionals and retirees.

Economy and Business Landscape

Bourbonnais benefits from its strategic location near the intersection of Interstate 57 and U.S. Route 45, providing easy access to nearby cities like Kankakee, Bradley, and Chicago. The village has experienced significant commercial and residential growth in recent years, driven by its proximity to these larger urban areas.

The village has a diverse economy with key industries in retail, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Some notable sectors include:

Retail: Bourbonnais has several shopping centers, including the Bourbonnais Town Center and Riverstone Plaza, offering a variety of retail stores, restaurants, and services. As the village continues to grow, more retail development is expected to meet the demands of its expanding population.
Healthcare: Healthcare is an important sector for Bourbonnais, with several healthcare providers and clinics located in the area. The Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee is a major regional healthcare hub, providing a wide range of services, including emergency care, diagnostics, and specialized treatments. Additionally, local healthcare facilities serve the community, ensuring that residents have access to quality care close to home.
Education: Bourbonnais is home to Bourbonnais Elementary School District 53, Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School District 307, and Olivet Nazarene University, a private Christian university located just on the outskirts of the village. Olivet Nazarene University is a major educational and cultural asset to the area, providing undergraduate and graduate programs, cultural events, and sports activities.
Manufacturing and Logistics: Like many growing suburban areas, Bourbonnais has seen an increase in light manufacturing and logistics businesses. Its proximity to Interstate 57 makes it an attractive location for distribution centers, manufacturing plants, and warehouse operations. These businesses provide jobs to residents and contribute to the local economy.

Education in Bourbonnais

Education is a priority in Bourbonnais, with well-regarded public schools and a private university offering diverse educational opportunities.

Bourbonnais Elementary School District 53 serves children in kindergarten through eighth grade, offering high-quality education and various extracurricular activities. The district includes schools like Bourbonnais Elementary School, Hickory Creek Elementary, and Liberty Junior High School.
For high school education, students in Bourbonnais attend Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School District 307, which operates Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School. The school is known for its academic excellence, extracurricular programs, and sports teams.
Olivet Nazarene University is one of the most notable educational institutions in the area. With a campus located just a few miles north of Bourbonnais, Olivet offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, with a strong emphasis on liberal arts, business, and theology. The university is a key driver of the local economy and culture, attracting students from across the country and beyond.

Parks and Recreation: Outdoor Activities for All Ages

Bourbonnais is committed to offering its residents a variety of recreational opportunities. The Bourbonnais Township Park District operates several parks and recreational facilities throughout the village, providing spaces for everything from youth sports to community events. Some of the most popular parks and recreational spaces include:

Olivet Park: A large park with sports fields, playgrounds, and a walking trail, popular for family outings, picnics, and sports activities.
Veterans Memorial Park: This park features a memorial to local veterans, as well as walking paths, picnic areas, and sports facilities. It’s a popular spot for community gatherings and special events.
Bourbonnais Community Center: Located within the park district, the community center offers fitness programs, meeting spaces, and recreational activities for all ages.
Kankakee River State Park: Just a short drive away, this state park offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, camping, and boating along the scenic Kankakee River, making it a favorite destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Additionally, the Old Plank Road Trail, a 22-mile long rail-trail, passes through Bourbonnais and connects several towns in the region, offering a scenic route for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Transportation and Accessibility

Bourbonnais is well-connected to the greater Chicago metropolitan area via Interstate 57, which runs directly through the village. The proximity to the highway makes it easy for residents to commute to nearby cities such as Kankakee, Bradley, and even Chicago, which is about an hour's drive to the north.

Public Transportation: Although Bourbonnais itself does not have a Metra train station, the nearby city of Kankakee is served by the Metra Rock Island Line, offering rail service to Chicago for commuters. Additionally, Pace Bus services provide transportation options within the region, making it convenient for those without a car.
Proximity to Chicago: Bourbonnais benefits from its location along Interstate 57, which provides easy access to Chicago’s South Side and further north. The village is also a short drive from I-80, another major highway connecting the region to both Chicago and destinations to the west.

Community and Cultural Life

Bourbonnais prides itself on its community spirit, offering a variety of local events and activities throughout the year. From seasonal festivals to sporting events, the village fosters a strong sense of community among its residents.

Some notable events and activities include:

Bourbonnais Friendship Festival: Held annually, this popular festival includes carnival rides, food vendors, live entertainment, and a parade. It’s a fun, family-friendly event that brings residents together to celebrate the summer.
Farmers Market: The Bourbonnais Farmers Market offers fresh, local produce and handmade goods, creating a great way for residents to connect with local farmers and artisans.
Community Sports: The village offers a variety of recreational leagues for both children and adults, including baseball, soccer, and basketball. These sports programs are run by the Bourbonnais Township Park District.

Looking Ahead: Growth and Development

Bourbonnais is positioned for continued growth, driven by its central location, proximity to Chicago, and strong community amenities. The village has experienced a surge in both residential and commercial development, particularly as people move to the area seeking a suburban lifestyle with easy access to urban conveniences.

Future growth is likely to continue, with additional retail and residential developments planned for the coming years. The village government has placed a strong emphasis on maintaining a high quality of life as it expands, focusing on sustainable development and maintaining its community-oriented atmosphere.