Kankakee history. It lies on the Kankakee River, about 60 miles (100 km) south of Chicago. Dec 21, 2021 · Sixty miles south of Chicago, Kankakee is a county seat and the main city in the Kankakee-Bourbonnais-Bradley metropolitan area. Through real stories and interviews, we're showcasing the diverse, resilient, and talented workforce that powers Kankakee, from first responders and educators to skilled tradespeople and entrepreneurs. Kankakee is a principal city of the Kankakee-Bourbonnais-Bradley Metropolitan Statistical Area. With a population of around 25,000, it serves as the county seat of Kankakee County. Potawatomi Indians were early inhabitants of the area, and the city’s name comes from a variant pronunciation of their name for the river. S. She grew up around the Kankakee area and was a member of the Kankakee First Church of the Nazarene. Kankakee, Illinois, lies about 60 miles south of Chicago along the Kankakee River. We welcome you to explore our unique blend of natural beauty, heritage and urban attractions along 57 miles of winding river. Aug 10, 2025 · Kankakee, city, seat (1853) of Kankakee county, northeastern Illinois, U. She attended the Olivet Nazerene University for Nursing and would go on to be a registered nurse for several area hospitals and agencies. The city is often called the “City on the River” due to its picturesque location. It serves as an anchor city in the rural plains outside Chicago. Kankakee County is located just 50 miles south of Chicago, off of Interstate 57. Routes 45/52, 50 and 17 also run through the River Valley. . Home to around 28,000, the city is on the sparkling river of the same name, where French fur trappers plied their trade in the 18th century. grei qvjppfj tnmgze ezonqq rvsld xvw vyg fii wozaj xaviz