What makes Bonfield sights so special is the silent story that takes place between the fields of Salina Township and the gentle hills of Kankakee County. The first time I lost myself here, because I thought that was a lost stop on the way to Chicago, and was immediately greeted by a small plaque that tells of the village founded in 1850 – a place that was once an important hub for the railroad before the trains went south.
If you arrive by car, take the I‐57 south, then turn right on County Road 20; the ride is almost too nice to hurry. I have to admit that I do not fully understand the hype about the “small cities”, but there is something authentic here: the old barns that are still operated by families who have been ordering the country for generations. The air smells like corn and a bit of history, and that's the real highlight for me.
A walk through the village centre lets you stroll past the old post, which is a café today – a perfect place to sneak a coffee and inhale the local charm. And yes, the Bonfield sights are not packed in a shiny guide, but hidden in the conversations of the residents who like to tell you about the annual harvest festivals and the distinctive sound of the windmills.
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The first stop I took after leaving Bonfield's dusty road was that Kankakee River State Park, a piece of nature that spreads like a green lobe between the fields and surprisingly looks well maintained. The park is only about 12 miles south, i.e. a short trip where parking on the main entrance is almost always a Klack – except on sunny Saturday afternoons, then spontaneous “camping places” are formed for campers. I spent a few hours there with a rented kayak; the water is not crystal clear, but the rapids are just strong enough to let the heart beat a little faster without needing a rescue ring.
A few miles further, towards the west, the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie a huge piece of restored prairie extending over more than 20,000 hectares. I must admit, I was skeptical if the “big grass” really has something to offer, but the wide horizons and the occasional bison sightings (which actually live in a demarcated enclosure) have convinced me. The entrance is free, and the visitor center offers maps that you can easily hold in your hand while strolling along the trail. Practical: The toilets are clean, and parking is always sufficient at the main parking lot as long as you don't come at lunchtime with a school class.
Back to the city of Kankakee, just about 15 miles away, lies the Kankakee County Historical Museum. I visited the museum in a rainy afternoon because I thought that was a safe place to escape the bad weather – and I was not disappointed. The exhibition on the railway history of the region is particularly well done, and the old photographs of Bonfield give you the feeling as if you were to browse through a family album. A small note: the parking lot behind the museum is often empty, but the sign “Only for visitors to the museum” is rarely observed, so you can park there without any problems.
A short trip to Momence leads to Momence Canal, part of the historic Illinois & Michigan Canal. The canal is not only a relic from the founding period, but today a popular place for anglers and walkers. I made a picnic there, while an older gentleman told me that he caught fish here as a child with his father – a detail that perfectly rounded off the image of a quiet, almost forgotten corner of the region. Access is free, and parking is usually easy at the small car park at the end of the main road, as long as you don't come at the weekend when the local families leave their bikes there.
For those who prefer to travel on two wheels, Kankakee River Trail A must. The 22-mile-long cycle path follows the river course and offers flat sections for cozy rides as well as a few slight climbs that make the heart beat faster. I tried the route from Bonfield to the south; the trail sign is clearly visible, and parking on the trail head is usually an open field that is easy to use. A small disadvantage: On hot summer days it can become quite dusty, so don't forget a water bottle.
Another highlight I didn't want to overlook is that Kankakee River Golf Club, an 18-hole course located directly on the river. I played a few rounds there because I thought a bit of golf was a nice change to hiking. The place is well maintained, the clubhouse has a small pro shop, and parking is free directly at the clubhouse – a rare luxury in this area. The view of the river between the Fairways is actually a real plus point, and the local golfers are friendly, though a little holding back.
If you are looking for a mix of nature, history and a bit of sporting activity, you will find enough around Bonfield Bonfield Attractionsthat satisfy both the curious explorer and the easy cynical traveller.
This guide invites you to explore with me a small but surprisingly charming spot Illinois – Bonfield, Salina Township. I have to admit, I came here because a friend told me about a “authentic” village shop, and what I found was a collection of history, rustic hospitality and a portion of dry humor, which is otherwise only found in small communities.
For me, the Bonfield Community Center. The building is not just an architectural miracle, but the walls have heard more stories than some large city library. I experienced a local karaoke event there on a Friday night – the singers were so enthusiastic that I almost thought the microphone was a megaphone. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem because then the entire village comes together as a “beer-and-cheer festival”.
A short walk leads you to Bonfield Park. The small playground looks as if it had been imported from the 80s, but that's just something. I made a picnic there with a local who told me that the benches of recycled wood originate from the old barn – a real sustainability fuck when you combine the smell of fresh grass and barbecue sauce. For families, this is a perfect place to let the children run while adults enjoy a cool beer from the nearby Mixed Shop.
If you're looking for a little more soul, then the St. Mary’s Catholic Church That's right. The nave is simple, but the stained glass windows tell of a time when craftsmanship was still a profession and not just a hobby. I remember how I almost slept during a Sunday Mass until a choir of teenagers suddenly “Amazing Grace” in a mixture of Gospel and Indie-Pop – a moment that reminded me that tradition and modernity go hand in hand here.
Another highlight I don't want to conceal is the Bonfield Grain Elevator. This solid wooden structure projects over the fields like a silent guard. I visited a photography course there, because the owner – a real character with a mustache that reminds of an old Western hero – explained how the grain is transported from the surrounding farmers to him. It's not exactly a museum, but the ratter of the conveyor belts has something calming, almost hypnotic.
For those looking for a little history in stone and gravestones, there is Bonfield Cemetery. I found an old veteran whose tombstone is decorated with a hand-carved oak – an artwork that you don't see every day. The cemetery is off the main road, so no stress with parking spaces, and the silence there is almost meditative when you hear the whipping of birds above the field.
A short detour leads you to Kankakee Riverwhich flows only a few kilometers away. I rented a kayak there and paddled down the quiet waterway while I thought why I even traveled to such a small village. The answer? The tranquility that surrounds you when you get away from the loud cities – and this is an unbeatable bonus that only a few Bonfield sights offer.
Finally, a small secret tip: the Bonfield Public Library. She's tiny, but the shelves are filled with local chronicles that you can't find anywhere else. I discovered an old photo album that documented the founding of the village in 1901 – a must for anyone interested in the roots of this municipality.
So, if you ask about Illinois the next time and ask yourself if you should make a detour, remember: Bonfield may be small, but the mix of cordial community, a bit of nostalgia and a pinch of dry humor makes it a place you can't just cross without leaving a smile.
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