Wilmington-Kankakee River Loop - By Andrew ONeal

Ok, some of the reviews for this route are bonkers. This is a very enjoyable ride along the Kankakee River. These roads are NOT straight. No, there aren't any switchbacks or hairpin corners but it's a nice ride with frequent variation and some sweeping turns as you follow the river. And since you're close to the river, you do have to watch for deer and other critters as well as road kill. Personally, I think Hwy 113 is better than Hwy 102 for turns & scenery but they're both good. NE Illinois does not have many great tree-lined roads with lots of turns that follow a river. This is one of the few. Most of Illinois is flat, straight roads through farmland. This is a very enjoyable ride and I highly recommend it. Monical's is a nice pizza place right off Hwy 113 as you come into Kankakee (they also have another location just a little ways off Hwy 102 in Bourbannais). Brickstone Brewery is also just a little ways of 102 in Bourbannais and it's a nice sit-down place to eat if you're wanting to stop somewhere a little nicer for a break. If you just want a snack, get some Potato Ole's at one of the Taco John's in the Bourbannais / Kankakee area. For Chicago Bear football enthusiasts, they always hold their training camp each year at Oliver Nazarene University in Bourbannais.