Strickler Planetarium is located close to many local activities that you can check out to complement your planetarium visit. Here is a few local activities that we recommend, including links to find out more:
On Campus Local Activities
Reed Hall of Science
Olivet’s science building has many interesting display cases and exhibits to visit. Reed Hall is open to the public without appointment during regular business hours; however, visitors should please remain mindful of lectures taking place in the classrooms.
Shine.FM Studio Tours
Come and visit Shine.FM 89.7, the radio ministry of Olivet Nazarene University. Students will receive a short tour of the station which includes a brief interactive recording session and production demonstration. Tours are by appointment only and limited to a maximum of 25 people per visit per day. Groups must be scheduled at least 48 hours prior to visit. Contact 815.939.5330 for information and scheduling.
Off Campus Local Activities
Exploration Station
Strickler Planetarium and Exploration Station Children’s Learning Center have partnered to offer a discounted rate to any group wishing to visit both destinations. Any group that books a field trip to both the planetarium and the learning center will receive $1 off admission per student from each institution. Exploration Station is located just blocks from the planetarium on the grounds of Perry Farms. The learning center offers multiple groups programs, interactive exhibits, and lunch facilities. For more information visit www.btpd.org/exploration-station. To schedule a visit to the Learning Center, contact explorationstation@btpd.org or 815.933.9905 ext. 356. Be sure to mention that you are visiting the planetarium as well in order to qualify for your group discount!
To schedule a visit to the Planetarium in tandem with Exploration Station, please fill out the Reservation Request Form and be sure to mention that you are visiting Exploration Station under the Notes section of the form. If you have any further questions Contact Us.
Perry Farm
The Bourbonnais Township Park District maintains the Perry Farm Park, a dynamic 170 acre recreation area carefully carved in one of the most beautiful natural settings in the state. The park offers 4-miles of fully accessible paved paths that wind through natural prairie, woods, and riverfront. To preserve its natural setting, no motorized vehicles other than Park District maintenance equipment are allowed on the trails. The park also includes picnic facilities and a playground.
Kankakee River State Park
The Kankakee River State Park straddles the Kankakee River for 11 miles, covering 4,000 acres and included hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing trails. A three-mile route along Rock Creek leads hikers to limestone canyons and a frothy waterfall. A bicycle trail beginning at the Davis Creek Area travels 10.5 miles along the river and into the western end of the park. The park also contains multiple picnic areas and playgrounds. To reach the state park from Bourbonnais, take Highway 113 northwest for 5 miles and follow the signs to the park.
Other Local Activities: Kankakee County Visitor’s Guide
Kankakee County is located just 45 miles south of Chicago off Interstate 57. Routes 45/52, 50, and 17 also run through the beautiful Kankakee County area. O’Hare International Airport is only 75 miles and Midway Airport only 50 miles north of the Kankakee area. Visit site of Visit Kankakee County linked above to find more ideas of places to visit, curated by locals.