What makes Reddick sights so special is the silent story that pulsates between the old rails and the wide fields of Norton Township. I remember the first time I came to the small town, just when the sun rose above the corn fields of Kankakee County and the old depot station, built in 1872, glistened in the morning light. The city was named after the railroad manager John Reddick, and this is still felt today – everywhere the wood crawls, as if it wanted to whisper every visitor a quiet “welcome”.
A short trip by car from Chicago via the I‐57 leads you directly to the center where you almost feel the time has stopped. The people here are proud, but not overwhelming; they like to tell you about the Grain Elevator, which in the early 20th The century formed the backbone of the local economy, and of the annual harvest festivals that offer more than just a bit of corn cake.
When you stroll through the main street, you will notice the charming mix of historical shop fronts and modern cafes – a little retro, a little “well thank you, I stay here”. And yes, I don't quite understand the hype about the “small town vibes”, but the honest hospitality and the quiet noise of the nearby Kankakee River make Reddick a place you can't just drive over without a bit of lingering.
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Advantage:
You can assess light, perspective and location before visiting the site – ideal for photography, sunrises and sunsets.
To find the exact point where the sun disappears behind the skyline, use the azimuth display on poi-travel.de. In Reddick, the sun travels further northwest below the horizon in summer, while in winter it takes a more southwesterly angle. With the embedded line on the map, you can determine your tripod position down to the metre.
The first stop of my little Odyssey was the Kankakee River State Park, a piece of nature that feels like a forgotten chapter from an outdoor romantic. I spent a few hours there with my folding bike, the paths swell between trees that are so old that they probably survived the first railways. The water of the Kankakee River glitters in the sunlight, and if you are lucky, you can see a few ducks that can be driven like small, clumsy boats. Parking is usually easy, except for the weekend, when the families with picnic baskets flood the field – then it becomes a real patience game.
A short detour to the south leads directly to the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, a huge piece of revived prairie that almost looks like a living museum. I have to admit, I was skeptical whether this is really “nature” because everything works so neatly, but the wide fields and the occasional razing of bison-like sounds (well, there were only a few deer) convinced me. The visitor center is a bit like an overambited classroom, but the guided hikes give you the feeling of being a real pioneer – at least for a few hours.
Back to the city of Kankakee, the heart of the region, lies the Kankakee County Historical Museum. I have learned more about local history than I have ever thought necessary – from the early settlers to the industrial revivals that dominated the area. The exhibition about the old railway is particularly fascinating because it shows how a few rails can change the whole life of a community. The museum is small, but charming, and the staff is so friendly that you almost forget that you just wanted to look past.
A little further east, in Momence, is waiting for the Momence Historical Museum, which is hidden in a renovated old bank building. There are not only dusty artefacts here, but also a surprisingly lively collection of photographs that document the cityscape from the 1900s to today. I discovered an old photo of a steam ship on the Kankakee River that reminded me that this waterway was once the backbone of the trade. Admission is free, and parking is a children's game – a small bonus for those who don't like looking for a free place in the circle.
For those who prefer cycling, the Kankakee River Trail is an absolute must. The path stretches over several miles along the river and offers always small viewpoints where you can let the soul bangle. I tried the trail on a windy afternoon and was surprised how well the signs work – a rare pleasure in rural areas. The trail is mostly flat, so also suitable for beginners, and most sections are well maintained, apart from the occasional potholes that make the heart of each cyclist beat higher.
Another highlight that I cannot conceal is Kankakee County Fairgrounds. Yes, it sounds like a place where you can only push a cattle every year, but the fairgrounds are hosting various events all year round – from old-timer cars to local craft markets. I once saw a small concert from a local folk band that sounded surprisingly good when you think the stage was in the middle of a field. Parking is a bit chaotic here, especially during the annual Kankakee County Fair, but this is part of the charm.
Last but not least a short trip to the Kankakee River Marina, where you can rent boats to slide a bit over the water. I borrowed a small kayak there and spent a few quiet hours on the river – this is what I understand under “deceleration”. The marina is not overrun, and the staff is loose on what makes the whole a relaxed experience. A little hint: the weather can change quickly here, so always have an umbrella in the backpack.
When you explore the area around Reddick, you quickly realize that the environment has more to offer than just a few field paths. From prehistoric to historical museums to relaxed river excursions – the Reddick Attractions show that the heart of Illinois has a pulse that has something to offer for everyone.
This guide invites you to discover the hidden corners of Reddick while I introduce you to my favorite places, and yes, I know that the word “hidden” sounds almost exaggerated here, because you hardly have tourist flows here.
For me, the Reddick Historical Museuma tiny brick building that houses more stories than you could hear in Chicago all day. I've seen an old tractor that still had the scent of diesel from the 50s – a real highlight when you stand on nostalgia. Parking is usually a Klacks as long as you don't come on Saturday night, then the small car park in front of the museum suddenly becomes the most desirable piece of asphalt of the city.
A short walk further (about three blocks, so perfect for those who don't like jogging) leads to Reddick Train Depot. The old railway track is today a photo motif for Instagrammers who believe they have found the “authentic” land life. I discovered a sign there that explains that the line was set in 1913 – a small indication that there was more going on here earlier than one would suspect today.
If you are looking for a place where locals really depend, then that is Reddick Community Park That's right. The baseball fields are not of major league quality, but the atmosphere is real – I once made a picnic with a local baker who sold me the best cinnamon chicks in the area. The playground is clean, the swimming pool (if it has opened) is small, but the water is surprisingly clear for a village that is not just famous for its water treatment.
A bit off the hustle and bustle Reddick Public Library. I have to admit I was skeptical because I thought it was just a small room with a few shelves. Instead, I found an amazing collection of local newspapers from the 1900s that helped me understand the history of the city better. The staff is friendly, and Wi-Fi works – a real bonus for digital nomads who want to work a bit between the fields.
Another jewel I can't conceal is that Reddick Fire Department Museum. There are old fire trucks that look like they're coming directly from a Western movie, and some yellowed photos of brave firefighters who saved the village from burning barns. I even tried an old helmet model there – that was a real fun until I realized that I would no longer fit through the door.
For those who like a bit of “crazy” history, a detour to Reddick Cemetery. Not because I want to find my rest there, but because the tombstones form an amazing chronicle of the families who built the village. I found an old tombstone that only carries the initials “J.B.” and asked me if it was a famous citizen or just a bookkeeper who never left more than a “J.” and a “B.”
Last but not least, Reddick Grain Elevator Forget about the skyline of the village as a silent guard. I once met a farmer who told me that the grain is still coming from local farmers – not an industrial mass grave, but real, hand-kept harvest. The noise of the falling grains is almost meditative, and parking right next to the silos is practical as long as you do not come to the harvest time, then the whole field becomes a labyrinth from tractors.
If you now think that all this is too little to describe Reddick, then you probably don't have the Reddick Attractions experienced in its entirety – and this is the real problem: you just have to be on site to understand why I like to stay here, despite (or just because) the small macks that make the village so charming.
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