About Us

Nature Programs

Birthday Party Information

Rentals Opportunities

Group Information

Exhibits

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Links...
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• Illinois Parks and Recreation Association
• Illinois Association of Park Districts
• Chicago Wilderness
• Forest Preserves of the
  Kankakee River Valley
• Bradley Bourbonnais Chamber of Commerce

Facility Rentals

This "Green" building is a reclaimed timber frame structure with large windows and high ceilings that complement the natural resources of the surrounding park. Willowhaven also features a Geothermal Pump heating and cooling system, low flow plumbing, concrete floors made with recycled aggregate and reclaimed wood siding making it an environmentally friendly place to host an event.

Willowhaven center can comfortably accommodate a sit-down event of 75 guests or a cocktail event of 95. The facility also has a small meeting/multi-purpose room that can accommodate up to 20 guests. For large rentals the Multipurpose room is often used for catered-in food.

Willowhaven is available for rentals when the facility is not open to the public as a nature center.

Rental Availability*:
Mondays-9:00 am- 10:00 pm
Tuesdays-9:00 am- 10:00 pm
Wednesdays-6:00 -10:00 pm
Thursdays-6:00 - 10:00 pm
Fridays- 6:00 pm - 12:00 am
Saturdays- 1:00 pm - 12:00 am
Sundays- 9:00 am- 10:00 pm**

*Willowhaven Interpretive Center has additional rental hours available during the winter months.
** Willowhaven offers facility rentals on select Sundays. Please call for availability.

Reservations are subject to availability. All reservations are based on a 2 hour minimum rental.
Rentals include 15 minute set-up and 15 minute clean-up before and after the reserved rental time. If more time is needed please include that in your rental time. If a reservation is booked within two weeks of the event date, payment can only be made with cash or credit card. Willowhaven staff will set-up tables and chairs before the rental. Decorating the facility is the responsibility of the renter. If more time is needed for decorating please take that into consideration when booking your rental. Select Friday evenings are open to rent for decorating for large Saturday events. Appointments must be made to reserve the facility.

Tables & Chairs
Tables and chairs are provided for all rentals. The facility has twelve 5' round tables and seventy-five off white folding chairs for guest seating, one 6' long and three 8' long rectangular tables for use during rentals. For table arrangements, check out our Willowhaven Floor Plan for Large Rentals. Floor plan can be changed to fit your party needs. Please use the printable blank floor plan template below for special table requests. Renters may bring in their own tables and chairs, however, Willowhaven staff are not responsible for setting up outside tables and chairs.

Decorating
Renters are welcome to decorate the facility for events and electrical access is available at no additional cost. Rentees are responsible for bringing extension cords and power strips for events using electricity. Any decorations must be set-up and taken down during scheduled rental times. Table covers, seat covers and other decorations are not provided by the park district. Renters may contact local caterers or rental organizations for table and/or seat covers. Plastic table covers can also be found at local party/event stores that will fit the 5' round and 8' rectangle tables. Due to the historic nature of the building, please check with event coordinator for decorating restrictions.

Food
Events may be catered-in or food may be brought in from home. The kitchenette at Willowhaven does not have a stove or refrigerator space, however, so other arrangements must be made to keep food warm or cold. Rentee is responsible for preparing and serving food. A microwave is available to renters in the multipurpose room.

Exhibits
Some nature center exhibits are permanent and cannot be moved for rentals. These exhibits include large display cases near the front desk, log reading table, wall mounted animal displays and fish and turtle aquariums. Please see the lay-out example for exhibit locations.

Outdoor Events
The lawns and gardens overlooking the Whispering Willows Pond provide a wonderful backdrop for wedding ceremonies.

Weddings can be planned outdoors under a tent or the facility can be used as a back-up location for a wedding in the event of inclement weather. The outside gardens are not rented separately. Garden access is only available with the facility rental as a package deal.

Additional fees apply for tent rentals and they are subject to availability. Available tents include a 20'x40', 30'x60' or 30'x90' tent. Due to uneven ground surrounding the building, tents can only be placed on the north lawn next to the pond. Tents can not be placed over the gardens or sidewalks.

If you are interested in an outdoor event, please contact us at (815) 933-9905 ext 473 or email to ask about availability.

Please remember that all decorations must be taken down after your rental. This includes real flower petals. Artificial flower petals are not permitted at outdoor events.

Payment & Deposits
Payment must be made in full for a rental reservation permit to be issued. There is a security deposit due at the time of the reservation in addition to the rental fees. The deposit will not hold a date. Payment has to be made in full to reserve a date. Security deposit are 50% of your total rental ($75 minimum). The deposit is held until after the rental and is refunded within 3 weeks of your event. Security deposits will not be refunded if the building or exhibits are damaged, the facility or areas around the building are not cleaned after a rental or if a rental extends past scheduled time.

Insurance
For rentals with 75 guests or more, proof of insurance is required. The Bourbonnais Township Park District requires a copy of a General Liability Insurance. Liability Insurance can be added as a rider to your general/ homeowners insurance policy or it can be purchased as a standalone policy.

On the certificate of insurance the Bourbonnais Township Park District at 459 N. Kennedy Drive in Bourbonnais, Illinois must be listed as an additional insured for the date of the rental and a copy of the insurance certificate must be provided to the facility before the rental permit can be issued.

Alcohol
Alcohol is allowed during rentals provided that an alcohol request permit is issued by the Park District, an additional deposit is required and Host Liquor Liability Insurance is obtained by the rentee.

Liquor Liability Insurance can be added as a rider to your general/ homeowners insurance policy or it can be purchased as a standalone policy. The rate varies depending on the insurance company; the average is around $150.00.

On the certificate of insurance the Bourbonnais Township Park District at 459 N. Kennedy Drive in Bourbonnais, Illinois must be listed as an additional insured for the date of the rental and a copy of the insurance certificate must be provided to the facility before the alcohol permit can be issued.

Alcohol permits are available below or at the Willowhaven Interpretive Center and must be completed with a copy of the insurance at least 14 business days prior to the rental for approval by the executive director.

There is a $200.00 refundable deposit required for all rentals serving alcohol. The $200.00 security deposit is due at the time the alcohol permit and proof and insurance is submitted. Alcohol will not be allowed if renter does not show proof of insurance, pay the security deposit and/or does not have an approved alcohol permit. For details on alcohol requirements and restrictions please contact the Bourbonnais Township Park District.

A Willowhaven employee will be present at the facility during rentals.

Full Facility Rental-
Max Capacity: 95; 75 for sit-down event
Includes: Main Exhibit Hall, Multipurpose Room, tables, chairs, and electrical access
Residents* $120 for first two hours; $45 each additional hour/ Non-Residents $160 for the first two hours; $65 each additional hour. A refundable security deposit is due at the time of reservation. Security deposit are 50% of your total rental ($75 minimum)

Main Exhibit Hall-
Max Capacity: 95; 75 for sit-down event
Includes: Main Exhibit Hall, tables, chairs, and electrical access
Residents $80 for first two hours; $30 each additional hour/Non-Residents $100 for first two hours; $44 each additional hour. A refundable security deposit is due at the time of reservation.

Multi-Purpose Room -
Max Capacity: 20
Includes: Tables, chairs, and electrical access
Residents $40 for first two hours; $15 each additional hour/Non-Residents $55 for first two hours; $25 each additional hour. A refundable security deposit is due at the time of reservation.

Rental rates are subject to change. Non-for-profit organizations don't forget to ask about your non-for-profit discount. To receive the discount groups must provide proof of non-for-profit status.

For a printable version of the Willowhaven Interpretive Center rental application and rules click here:

Please contact us at (815) 933-9905 ext 473 or e-mail for details or to schedule an appointment for a tour the facility or to review rental opportunities.

Nature Birthday Parties
Plan your child's next birthday party at the Willowhaven Interpretive Center!
We offer a variety of party packages and activities to fit your child's interests.
Information is subject to change.

No Frills Party -we provide the tables and chairs and you do the rest.
Parties are set-up in the main hall of the interpretive center and include use of the interpretive exhibits.
Max Capacity: 60
Facility/Party Fees: Residents $80 for first two hours; $30 each additional hour/
Non-Residents $100 for the first two hours; $44 each additional hour.
A refundable security deposit is due at the time of reservation. Security deposit are 50% of your total rental ($75 minimum)

Optional Add-Ons:

Ultimate Nature Party- we set up tables, chairs, paper plates, cups, plastic ware, streamers, balloons and plastic table covers (you choose the colors).
Parties are set-up in the main hall of the interpretive center and include use of the interpretive exhibits.
Max Capacity: 60-
Because all guests receive juice or pop, a cupcake, paper products and plastic ware there is an additional charge for groups over 20 people. Any additional guests over 20 would be $2 per person for residents and $4 per person for non-residents.

Facility/Party Fees: Residents $130 for first two hours; $30 each additional hour/
Non-Residents $150 for the first two hours; $40 each additional hour.
A refundable security deposit is due at the time of reservation. Security deposit are 50% of your total rental ($75 minimum)

Optional Add-Ons:

All parities must be paid in full at the time of reservation. There is a security deposit due at the time of the reservation in addition to the party fees. The deposit is kept until after the rental and is usually refunded within 10-12 business days. Security deposits will not be refunded if the building or exhibits are damaged, the facility is not cleaned after a rental or a group goes over the scheduled time.

Overnight Rentals-

Overnight rentals are available on select Friday and Saturdays depending on availability. Exhibits remain set-up in the main hall for use during overnight rentals. The multipurpose room can be set up as a program or dining area. Programs and AV equipment can be added on to an overnight for additional fees.

Overnight Fees:

Max Capacity: 60 for overnight
Includes: Main Exhibit Hall, Multipurpose Room, tables, chairs, and electrical access
Residents* $250 for twelve hours; $45 each additional hour/ Non-Residents $300 for the first twelve hours; $65 each additional hour. A refundable security deposit is due at the time of reservation. Security deposit are 50% of your total rental ($75 minimum)

Please contact the Willowhaven Interpretive Center for availability at (815) 933-9905 ext 473 or email.

*Residents who live in Bourbonnais Township, including those who live in the villages of Bradley, Bourbonnais, St. George and areas of Kankakee along Skyline Road receive the resident rates for all rentals, parties and programs. Proof of residency is required and can include a state issued ID with current address or a current utility bill.

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