History
The Pottawatomi Indians called this area
"Te-yar-ac-ke", meaning "wonderful land". Some years later, the word "Ky-an-ke-ke" evolved and eventually became Kankakee. Other names applied to the scenic river included "Te-ok-e-kee", an Indian word meaning wolf. While visiting the area in 1679, the French explorer Cavalier de LaSalle befriended and traded with the Native Americans. Click to Read More
Vibe
The Friendship Festival is an annual celebration of community in the heart of the Village of Bourbonnais. This five-day, fun-filled event is the unofficial kickoff to summer on the Municipal Center grounds and includes a carnival, concerts, contests, a community 5k, local eats, sweet treats and more, all capped off by a grand parade.
The Friendship Festival Committee organizes and executes the event with an army of local volunteers who dedicate countless hours to the festival’s success.
The Bourbonnais Friendship Festival is further committed to supporting the community. Since its origination, the Friendship Festival has provided over half a million dollars to organizations and individuals who strive to make a difference in Kankakee County.
Click to Learn more about the Friendship Festival, how it gives back to our community and how you can get involved.
Parks and Recreation
The Village of Bourbonnais boasts beautiful landscapes and natural resources which offer local residents and visitors an array of outdoor recreational activities throughout the year.
The Village of Bourbonnais welcomes you to virtually explore local tourist attractions at the Kankakee River State Park, enrich your quality of life with the Bourbonnais Township Park District via Perry Farm Park, splash your way to Diamond Point Park and the Splash Pad, and put your bike pedal to the metal with the county-wide Bike609 bikeshare program.
A village where recreation runs abundant. Come for a visit. Explore the outdoors in a community who cares....Click to read more outdoor recreation
