What makes Essex sights so special is the unique mix of rural charm and sublime history that surprises me every time I stroll through the dusty streets of Essex Township. I remember the first days when the railroad stopped here in 1859 and the small village suddenly became the hub for cereals and cattle – a bit like a Western film, only that the horses are more likely to be found in the stables of the local farmers. People here like to talk about the “old times” and I have to admit that their pride is contagious, even though I cannot fully understand the whole hype around the old barn museum; the true pearl is the weekly market talk at the main square, where everyone exchanges their opinion loudly at corn prices and the latest tractor model.
A short trip by car over the State Route 17 leads you past fields that look like an endless green sea in the summer – ideal if you are looking for a place where Wi-Fi is rather a myth. And yes, the County Court of Kankakee, which is only a stone's throw away, is an architectural relic from the 1890s, which you just have to see, because it is the only way to feel the venerable, slightly dusty aura of the Middle West. So, next time you drive over the road to Illinois, stop breathing in the fresh field air and let yourself be a little enchanted by the quiet but impressive Essex sights – no joke, that's my personal favorite place, and that's the same.
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The first stop I put to every new man's heart is that Kankakee River State Park. There, between trees and reeds, you can let the soul budge – without the usual tourist hearing. I remember a sunny afternoon when I drove the 5 miles loop along the river with my old mountain bike; the only obstacle was a curious raccoon that almost blocked my brakes. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem because then the families touch with grill accessories.
A few miles further, almost in nowhere, this is Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Those who don't understand the hype around Bisonherden should at least experience the endless grasses – this is like a set of films from the Wild West, only that the main actors here are rather shy. I made a picnic there, while a single bison was plucked over the wide; that was the only time I felt voluntarily watched by a huge animal. The entrance area has a small visitor center where you get free maps for the hiking trails – a real plus point if you don't want to wander around unplanned.
Back in the city, but not in the center, the Kankakee River Trail like a narrow belt around the river. The path is perfect for a relaxing walk after breakfast, and the best: Most sections are free to travel as long as you don't let your bike ring too loud. I once met an older gentleman who told me that he has been using the trail for over 20 years to cycle to work – a real proof that not all is intended for tourists.
If you have enough of nature and want to make a bit of history, the path leads to Kankakee County Historical Museum. The building itself is a converted court building from the 1900s, and the exhibitions give a pretty good overview of life in the region, from the beginnings of the railways to the local agricultural revolutions. I discovered an old photo of a horse car that reminded me of the stories of my grandparents who lived here in the 1930s. The entrance is free, and parking is right in front of the museum, where you usually find a place if you don't get to the main traffic time.
A little further north, almost on the edge of the city, this is Kankakee River Golf Club. This is not exactly a luxury resort, but a grounded 18-hole course, which is frequented by locals. I once played a game with a local baker who told me that the green will become faster after every rain – a hint that I will never forget because I missed almost the 9-hole pair. The clubhouse has a small commission stand where you get cheap sandwiches and cold lemonade, and parking is right at the entrance, which makes the whole simple.
For those who prefer to stay on the water, Kankakee River Marina an underestimated jewel. There you can rent boats, fishing or just sit on the ridge and watch the sunset. I once met an old angler who told me that he has been catching here every summer since his youth – and that the best places always lie a bit further upstream where the water is calmer. Creating is simple, and parking is usually free as long as you don't come at the weekend when the families move with their kayaks.
Those visiting Essex Township should not only be limited to the small town – the environment offers a colourful mix of nature, history and local lifestyle that surprises every traveller. From the vast grasses of the Midewin to the calm waters of the Marina there are enough reasons to discover the area again and again. And that's exactly what makes Essex sights to an experience you can't just strip.
Whether adventurers, connoisseurs or culture lovers – in Essex everyone finds a small piece of homeland, which he can enjoy with an eye-catcher and a sip of local lemonade. I have to admit that I don't understand the hype about the huge metropolises, but the charming St. Mary’s Catholic Church here in Essex is a real secret tip for me, and that without tourist crowds.
The church, built in 1905, stands like a venerable guard at the end of Main Street. Her red brick roof and the artistically carved wooden windows give her a rustic splendour, which almost seems romantic at sunset – no joke, the light game is really impressive. I tried the organ there once on a Sunday morning, and that was a sound that lets you beat the heart a little faster. Parking is usually a Klacks as long as you don't come on Saturday night, then the small car park in front of the nave becomes a coveted piece of gold.
Only a few destinations surprise their visitors with a park that is simultaneously a place for picnics, baseball and spontaneous open-air concerts. The Essex Community Park is just a few blocks away and is the heart of the village life. There is an old but well-preserved pavilion, which is played by local bands in the summer – I heard an improvised folk set there, which almost made me forget that I had actually been looking for a short walk. The playground is small, but the slide is stable enough to employ the children (and the inner children of us adults) for hours.
If you're looking for something that breathes a little more history, look at the old Essex Schoolhouse. The 1902 building has been lovingly transformed into a small museum that Essex sights in a corner of the village. I discovered an old classroom with chalkboards and a wooden teacher's desk that immediately reminded me of my own school days – only without the annoying homework. The museum is free, and parking is right in front of the building where an old wooden ridge invites you to get out.
Another highlight I do not want to conceal is the old grain silo on the railway line. The silver tower protrudes over the fields and is a popular photo motif for Instagram users who like to put the rural America in scene. I photographed a sunrise there, and the light that glides over the corn fields was almost too beautiful to be true. Access is free, but be careful when you approach the platform – the trains don't stop here anymore, but the old noise of a remote locomotive sometimes still echoes.
For those who prefer to relax on the water, the Iroquois River is an underestimated jewel. The river sounds just north of Essex and offers quiet areas for fishing and canoeing. I caught some pike there on a hot summer day, and that was a real adrenalinkick because the water was so clear that you could see to the bottom. Access to the river is via a small, inconspicuous path behind the park, and parking is usually easy – a few old trees donate shade if you want to rest after throwing out your fishing.
A short trip to the Essex Public Library is also worth it. The library is small, but it has a cozy reading room corner equipped with old wooden shelves and a steaming coffee machine – perfect to stroll through the village after a long day and find a good book. I once borrowed a local history book that traces the development of Essex from an agricultural settlement to the tranquil place I know today.
Lastly, I must not mention the Miller’s Farm Market, which opens its doors every Saturday morning at the edge of the village. Fresh vegetables, homemade jams and a few homemade cakes – that’s what I call “real” Essex experience. The sellers know you by name, and the conversation about the weather will quickly become a discussion about the best harvest times. Parking is a bit tight here, but this is part of the charm, when you go through between the stands.
So, next time you think about where you want to spend your next little break, think about Essex. Here is enough Essex sightsto deal with you, and enough heart to keep you – and all without the usual touristic constraints. If you know, you might find your own favorite place between church, park and Kornfeld during the next visit.
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