Reflections of Kankakee County: History Bus tour

Saturday, July 18, 2026
9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Departs from the Kankakee County Museum
$25 per person

History lovers, curious explorers, and anyone who enjoys discovering the stories behind our communities are invited to join the Reflections of Kankakee County: History Bus Tour on Saturday, July 18.

Participants will meet at the Kankakee County Museum, where they will board the bus for a guided journey through the history of Herscher and Essex.

The first stop will be the Essex Historical Society Museum, located on Parls Street. Guests will explore artifacts and exhibits that share the story of Essex’s past.

The tour will then continue to the Herscher Historical Society, whose collection highlights the area’s agricultural and cultural history through exhibits about farming, coal and railroads. Additional stops may include local murals and barn quilts that showcase the region’s growing public-art scene.

Following the museum visit, participants will enjoy lunch at the Herscher Pub on Main Street.

The group will then visit the Anderson House, the former home of Herscher’s first mayor, Andrew Anderson. The house contains historical artifacts dating from the early twentieth century.

The bus will return to the Kankakee County Museum at approximately 2:00 p.m. Participants will then be welcome to browse the museum’s open exhibits, including:

• The George Grey Barnard Exhibit 
• The Civil War: Soldier’s Exhibit 
• The new America 250! exhibit 

Tickets are $25 per person and include transportation, guided tours and lunch.

Space is limited, and advance registration is required.

Register at btpd.org/bustrips or call 815-933-9905.