KANKAKEE COUNTY, IL — History lovers, curious explorers, and anyone who enjoys discovering
the stories behind our communities are invited to hop aboard the Reflections of Kankakee
County: History Bus Tour, happening Saturday, July 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Participants
will meet at Kankakee County Museum, where they’ll board the bus for a guided journey through
local history.

The half-day guided tour will depart at 9:00 a.m. and will take participants on a curated journey
through Herscher and Essex, highlighting museums, murals, and meaningful local landmarks.

The first stop will be the Essex Historical Society Museum on Parls Street, where guests will
explore artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Essex’s rich past. From there, the group will
travel to the Herscher Historical Society, a delightful collection showcasing decades of agriculture
and cultural history through farming, coal, and rail. Along the way, tour organizers hope to
include additional mural and barn quilt stops to highlight the area’s growing public art scene.

After a visit to the Herscher Historical Society, participants will enjoy lunch at Herscher Pub on
Main Street, then continue their tour at the Anderson House, former home of Herscher’s first
mayor, Andrew Anderson, full of historical artifacts from the early 20th century.

Upon returning to the Kankakee County Museum around 2:00 p.m., the tour group will be free to
browse open exhibits, including their George Grey Barnard Exhibit, The Civil War: Soldier’s
Exhibit, and their newest exhibit: America 250!

“This tour is about more than just visiting buildings,” organizers said. “It’s about connecting with
the stories, people, and creative spirit that make our communities unique.”

Tickets are $25 per person and include transportation, guided tours, and lunch. The July 18
History Bus Tour runs from 9:00 a.m. to approximately 2:00 p.m. Space is limited, and advance
registration is required.

For registration details and additional information, please visit btpd.org/bustrips.