Where is Kankakee, Illinois

Kankakee is a city in northeastern Illinois and the county seat of Kankakee County. It is about 60 miles south of Chicago and sits along the Kankakee River. The city is known for its historic architecture, B. Harley Bradley House, Kankakee River State Park, and its location within the agricultural and natural landscapes of the Illinois River region.

Location Map of Kankakee, Kankakee County, Illinois

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

Kankakee Map, Illinois

Where is Kankakee Located?

Kankakee is a city located in Kankakee County, Illinois, the United States. It lies in northeastern Illinois, about 60 miles south of Chicago and roughly 25 miles east of Morris. Kankakee serves as the county seat of Kankakee County and sits along the Kankakee River, which is one of the city's defining natural features. The city is located at approximately 41.120° North latitude and 87.861° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 24,052 residents. Kankakee covers about 15.51 square miles, or 40.17 square kilometers. The city developed in the 19th century around river transportation, railroads, manufacturing, and agriculture. Its historic architecture includes several important buildings associated with the Prairie School movement. The B. Harley Bradley House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is one of the area's best-known landmarks and is an important example of early modern American architecture. Nearby Kankakee River State Park offers hiking, fishing, boating, camping, and wildlife viewing. A unique feature of Kankakee is its combination of industrial and architectural history with access to a major river corridor and nearby natural areas. Interstate 57 and U.S. Route 45 provide major transportation connections to Chicago, Champaign, and other communities in Illinois.

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Kankakee City Facts

Distance from Kankakee, IL to Nearby Cities

• Bourbonnais, IL – 3 miles (5 km)
• Bradley, IL – 4 miles (6 km)
• Manteno, IL – 10 miles (16 km)
• Momence, IL – 15 miles (24 km)
• Wilmington, IL – 20 miles (32 km)
• Dwight, IL – 25 miles (40 km)
• Watseka, IL – 30 miles (48 km)
• Joliet, IL – 35 miles (56 km)
• Ottawa, IL – 45 miles (72 km)
• Pontiac, IL – 45 miles (72 km)
• Chicago, IL – 60 miles (97 km)
• Champaign, IL – 65 miles (105 km)
• Naperville, IL – 60 miles (97 km)
• Aurora, IL – 65 miles (105 km)
• Bloomington, IL – 80 miles (129 km)

Top Attractions in Kankakee

• B. Harley Bradley House – A historic Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home and an important early example of Prairie School architecture.
• Kankakee River State Park – A large state park along the Kankakee River offering hiking, fishing, boating, camping, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.
• Kankakee County Museum – A local museum preserving artifacts, photographs, and stories from the history of Kankakee County.
• Bourbonnais Grove Historical Site – A nearby historic site reflecting the early settlement and development of the Kankakee area.
• Riverside Medical Center Historic District – A local area featuring historic architecture and landmarks connected with Kankakee's development.
• Kankakee Railroad Museum – A regional attraction focused on railroad history and the role rail transportation played in the growth of the community.
• Haigh Quarry – A nearby former limestone quarry used for scuba diving, swimming, and outdoor recreation.
• Hidden Cove Sportsplex – A local recreation facility serving the Kankakee area with sports and community activities.

Airports Near Kankakee

• Kankakee David Airport (IKK) – 5 miles
• Joliet Regional Airport (JOT) – 35 miles
• Lewis University Airport (LOT) – 45 miles
• Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) – 55 miles
• Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) – 75 miles

Sources:

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

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