Where is Braidwood, Illinois

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: August 5, 2026

Braidwood is a city in northeastern Illinois and part of Will County. It is about 50 miles southwest of Chicago and 20 miles south of Joliet. The community has a long coal-mining history and is located near the Kankakee River, with access to historic Route 66 and several parks and natural areas.

Location Map of Braidwood, Will County, Illinois

Where is Braidwood Located in Will County, Illinois

About Map: The map shows the location of Braidwood in Will County, in the U.S. state of Illinois.

Braidwood Map, Illinois

About Braidwood Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Braidwood in Will County, Illinois. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.

Where is Braidwood Located?

Braidwood is a city located in Will County, Illinois, the United States. It lies in northeastern Illinois, southwest of the Chicago metropolitan area. Braidwood is approximately 50 miles southwest of Chicago, 20 miles south of Joliet, and about 25 miles northeast of Morris. The city is located at approximately 41.2653° North latitude and 88.2123° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 6,191 residents. Braidwood covers about 4.74 square miles, or 12.28 square kilometers, including approximately 4.70 square miles of land and 0.04 square miles of water. The city is known for its connection to Illinois coal mining and its location along the historic U.S. Route 66 corridor. The nearby Kankakee River provides an important geographic and recreational feature. Braidwood developed as a mining community in the 19th century and remains part of the growing suburban and rural transition zone southwest of Chicago.

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Braidwood City Facts

FactDetails
CityBraidwood
StateIllinois
CountyWill County
CountryUnited States
RegionNortheastern Illinois
Incorporated1872
Founded1860s
Total Area4.74 sq mi (12.28 sq km)
Land Area4.70 sq mi (12.17 sq km)
Water Area0.04 sq mi (0.10 sq km)
ElevationAbout 587 ft (179 m)
Population (2023 estimate)6,080
Population (2020 Census)6,191
Population Density1,317.2 people per sq mi
Time ZoneCentral Standard Time (CST); Central Daylight Time (CDT)
ZIP Codes60408
Area Code815, 779
Major HighwaysInterstate 55, Illinois Route 53, Historic U.S. Route 66
Public TransitLocal and regional transportation services
Major AttractionsBraidwood Area Historical Society Museum, Historic Route 66, Kankakee River, Braidwood Dunes and Savanna Nature Preserve
Official Websitehttps://www.braidwood.us/

Distance from Braidwood, IL to Nearby Cities

  • Coal City, IL – 4 miles (6 km)
  • Godley, IL – 6 miles (10 km)
  • Braceville, IL – 8 miles (13 km)
  • Wilmington, IL – 9 miles (14 km)
  • Joliet, IL – 20 miles (32 km)
  • Morris, IL – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Channahon, IL – 24 miles (39 km)
  • Plainfield, IL – 29 miles (47 km)
  • Kankakee, IL – 30 miles (48 km)
  • Ottawa, IL – 36 miles (58 km)
  • Naperville, IL – 38 miles (61 km)
  • Bolingbrook, IL – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Aurora, IL – 43 miles (69 km)
  • Chicago, IL – 50 miles (80 km)
  • Bloomington, IL – 75 miles (121 km)
  • Rockford, IL – 90 miles (145 km)

Top Attractions in Braidwood

  • Braidwood Area Historical Society Museum – Local museum preserving the area's coal-mining and community history.
  • Historic Route 66 – Historic highway corridor passing through the Braidwood area.
  • Braidwood Dunes and Savanna Nature Preserve – Natural area with dunes, wetlands, grasslands, and native vegetation.
  • Kankakee River – Nearby river offering fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and outdoor recreation.
  • Braidwood City Park – Community park with recreation areas and open space.
  • Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway – Regional route highlighting historic sites and roadside attractions.
  • Braidwood Coal Mine History Sites – Local landmarks connected to the city's 19th-century mining heritage.
  • Des Plaines River – Regional waterway located west of Braidwood and associated with recreation and wildlife.

Airports Near Braidwood

  • Joliet Regional Airport (JOT) – 18 miles
  • Kankakee Municipal Airport (IKK) – 31 miles
  • Aurora Municipal Airport (ARR) – 45 miles
  • Lewis University Airport (LOT) – 34 miles
  • Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) – 54 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official City of Braidwood website and local government records.

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