Where is Wilmington, Illinois

Wilmington is a small city in northeastern Illinois and part of Will County. It is located about 50 miles southwest of Chicago and 25 miles south of Joliet. The city sits along the Kankakee River and is known for its historic downtown, Route 66 landmarks, nearby natural areas, and agricultural surroundings. Wilmington also provides convenient access to Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie and Kankakee River State Park.

Location Map of Wilmington, Will County, Illinois

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

Wilmington Map, Illinois

Where is Wilmington Located?

Wilmington is a city located in Will County, Illinois, the United States. It is in northeastern Illinois, about 50 miles southwest of Chicago, 25 miles south of Joliet, and approximately 25 miles north of Kankakee. Wilmington lies at approximately 41.307° North latitude and 88.145° West longitude. The city had 5,391 residents in the 2020 Census and covers about 4.76 square miles, or 12.33 square kilometers. Wilmington was incorporated in 1836 and developed along the Kankakee River and important transportation routes. The river supported early settlement, milling, and local commerce, while railroads later helped establish Wilmington as a regional transportation and agricultural center. Today, the city has a historic downtown surrounded by residential neighborhoods, farmland, and wooded areas. Wilmington is also located along the historic U.S. Route 66 corridor and is known for the Gemini Giant, a famous roadside landmark. Nearby outdoor attractions include Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, Kankakee River State Park, and Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area. Interstate 55, U.S. Route 52, Illinois Route 53, and Historic Route 66 provide major transportation connections to Chicago, Joliet, Kankakee, and other communities across northeastern Illinois.

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Wilmington City Facts

Distance from Wilmington, IL to Nearby Cities

• Braidwood, IL – 7 miles (11 km)
• Coal City, IL – 8 miles (13 km)
• Braceville, IL – 10 miles (16 km)
• Channahon, IL – 20 miles (32 km)
• Minooka, IL – 20 miles (32 km)
• Joliet, IL – 25 miles (40 km)
• Kankakee, IL – 25 miles (40 km)
• Dwight, IL – 25 miles (40 km)
• Plainfield, IL – 30 miles (48 km)
• Romeoville, IL – 30 miles (48 km)
• Ottawa, IL – 40 miles (64 km)
• Bolingbrook, IL – 35 miles (56 km)
• Naperville, IL – 40 miles (64 km)
• Aurora, IL – 45 miles (72 km)
• Chicago, IL – 50 miles (80 km)
• Bloomington, IL – 80 miles (129 km)
• Rockford, IL – 90 miles (145 km)
• Peoria, IL – 100 miles (161 km)

Top Attractions in Wilmington

• Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie – A large protected prairie landscape with hiking trails, restored grasslands, wildlife habitat, and historic military sites.
• Gemini Giant – A famous Route 66 roadside landmark in Wilmington featuring a large fiberglass figure and a classic connection to the historic highway.
• Historic Route 66 – Wilmington lies along the historic U.S. Route 66 corridor, with classic roadside landmarks and attractions throughout the community and nearby areas.
• Kankakee River – The river flows near Wilmington and provides opportunities for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and scenic recreation.
• Kankakee River State Park – A nearby state park featuring hiking trails, fishing, camping, picnicking, boating, and scenic river landscapes.
• Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area – A nearby natural area with wetlands, prairie, forests, trails, and opportunities for wildlife observation and outdoor recreation.
• Wilmington Historic District – The city's historic center contains older commercial buildings, local businesses, and landmarks connected to Wilmington's early development.
• Hickory Creek Preserve – A regional forest preserve with trails, wetlands, woodlands, and open spaces for hiking and nature observation.
• Rialto Square Theatre – A historic theater in nearby Joliet known for its distinctive architecture, concerts, performances, and cultural events.
• Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail – A regional trail corridor following the historic canal route and offering opportunities for walking, cycling, and exploring Illinois transportation history.

Airports Near Wilmington, IL

• Joliet Regional Airport (JOT) – 25 miles
• Kankakee David Airport (IKK) – 30 miles
• Lewis University Airport (LOT) – 30 miles
• Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) – 50 miles
• Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) – 65 miles

Sources:

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

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