Kankakee River State Park
| Company type | State park |
|---|---|
| Industry | Recreation, Conservation |
| Founded | 1938 |
| Headquarters | Kankakee and Will Counties , United States |
Area served | Illinois |
| Products | Camping, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, concessions |
Kankakee River State Park is an Illinois state park situated mainly within Kankakee and Will Counties. Its origins trace back to a land gift from Ethel Sturges Dummer in 1938. Further substantial land additions were made by Commonwealth Edison, which contributed acreage in 1956 and again in 1989. The park encompasses Smith, Hoffman, Langham, and Willow Islands located along the Kankakee River.
History
Prior to European arrival, the valley of the Kankakee River was home to various Native American tribes such as the Illini, Miami, Kickapoo, and Mascouten, followed later by the Council of Three Fires nations: Chippewa, Ottawa, and Potawatomi. Notably, the region contained important settlements like "Little Rock Village" near Rock Creek, known as the site of the final major Indian Council held in 1830. After the Potawatomi ceded land in 1832, most indigenous inhabitants departed by the late 1830s.
During the 1820s, fur traders including Noel Le Vasseur, Hubbard Chabare, and Francois Bourbonnais were active in this territory. Le Vasseur played a key role in promoting French Canadian settlement in Bourbonnais Township, earning him the title "the father of Kankakee."
The Kankakee & Iroquois Navigation Company was established in 1847 with the goal of developing water power and navigation routes between the Illinois & Michigan Canal and Warner's Landing. However, it ceased operations following competition from railroads in the 1880s. Physical remnants of this endeavor include limestone pillars at Chippewa Campground intended for a Decatur and State Line Railroad bridge that was never completed.
In the 1890s, the Custer Bowery Amusement Park drew visitors from Chicago until it closed during the 1920s. The surrounding river area also became a favored spot for summer cottages. The foundation of the current park began with Dummer’s initial land donation in 1938 and expanded through subsequent grants from Commonwealth Edison, resulting in its present size of roughly .
Camping
Camping amenities at the park include Potawatomi Campground, which offers 110 Class A sites alongside two Rent-a-Cabins nestled within a forested environment. Chippewa Campground provides 105 sites featuring Class B electric hookups and Class C facilities. Reservations are accepted for all Kankakee River campgrounds classified as A, B, or C. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and camp grill. Camping is permitted exclusively within designated campground areas. The Equestrian Campground, located off Illinois Route 113, operates seasonally from April 1 through October 31.
Hiking
A network of hiking trails extends through diverse habitats along both the Kankakee River and its tributary Rock Creek, showcasing limestone canyons and a waterfall. Trails on the north bank accommodate hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing activities, while those on the south side are designated for horseback riding and snowmobiling. One notable trail along Rock Creek features dramatic cliff views. The Davis Creek Area includes a bicycle trail that combines a linear path along the river with a western loop segment. When snow accumulates to depths of or more, snowmobiling is allowed daily from sunrise until sunset. Visitors can obtain trail maps and directional signs at the park office.
Horseback Riding
An equestrian trail located within the wildlife management area along Route 113 is accessible from April 1 through October 31, providing designated horseback riding opportunities throughout the park.
Fishing
Anglers can access the Kankakee River and its freestone tributary, Rock Creek, year-round for fishing. Target species include bass and bluegill, with popular techniques such as bait fishing, spin casting, and fly fishing commonly used. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources conducts trout stocking twice annually each spring and fall in several lakes and ponds, accompanied by an early catch-and-release period prior to the official trout fishing season.
Concessions
The seasonal concession stand at Rock Creek, housed in a log cabin near the park’s main entrance, provides refreshments, ice, camping essentials, firewood, and bait. Additionally, it offers hunting and fishing licenses for purchase.