Kankakee County Museum

Kankakee County Museum The Kankakee County Museum exists to share the exciting historical experiences of our County. We hope that you will soon be among our visitors!

The Kankakee County Historical Society is one of the oldest historical societies in the State of Illinois. Since 1906, we have been fulfilling our mission to collect, exhibit, and interpret the material culture of Kankakee County. Each year, we welcome thousands of visitors to our Museum Campus to view our exhibits and historic buildings, and to experience our many special events. We also provide

research services, have unique books and other items related to Kankakee County in our Museum Store, and make available both indoor and outdoor venues for meetings, weddings, showers, and more. For more information, visit www.kankakeecountymuseum.com.

This weather has been pretty extreme lately... especially this week. This week's photo captures a view of storm clouds ...
08/14/2026


This weather has been pretty extreme lately... especially this week. This week's photo captures a view of storm clouds rolling over Illinois Central Railroad Bridge in Kankakee in May 1948. It was taken by Jack Betourne a few minutes before a tornado crossed the northern section of Kankakee county. Stay safe out there!

🌧️ CRUISE NIGHT CANCELLED 🌧️Unfortunately, due to the weather, tonight’s Second Annual Cruise Night at the Kankakee Coun...
08/13/2026

🌧️ CRUISE NIGHT CANCELLED 🌧️

Unfortunately, due to the weather, tonight’s Second Annual Cruise Night at the Kankakee County Museum has been cancelled.

We were looking forward to seeing everyone, checking out some amazing cars, and enjoying the evening together, but safety comes first. We know this is disappointing, and we truly appreciate everyone’s understanding.

Please stay safe, stay dry, and take care while traveling today! ❤️

We hope to see you all at the museum again soon! 🚗

These photos were taken at the 1948 Kankakee County Fair, 78 years ago. The fair was held August 9-13 on the new fairgr...
08/13/2026


These photos were taken at the 1948 Kankakee County Fair, 78 years ago. The fair was held August 9-13 on the new fairgrounds along Illinois 49 (south of the city). Unfortunately, the young ladies and the horse pictured are unidenitifed.

This is an example of a paddlewheel that possibly propelled a steamboat on the Kankakee River. It appears to be half th...
08/12/2026


This is an example of a paddlewheel that possibly propelled a steamboat on the Kankakee River. It appears to be half the sizeof the paddlewheel used on the Margaret.

🥩 Recipe Spotlight: Fillet of Beef with Mustard Herb CrustWith National Filet Mignon Day coming up on August 13, we’re s...
08/11/2026

🥩 Recipe Spotlight: Fillet of Beef with Mustard Herb Crust

With National Filet Mignon Day coming up on August 13, we’re sharing Fillet of Beef with Mustard Herb Crust from great WOMEN, great FOOD, presented by the Junior League of Kankakee County. A flavorful recipe that’s perfect for celebrating! 💛

Take a look at the recipe and give it a try.

🚗 Looking for something cool to do this Thursday? Well, you found it! 😎Our Second Annual Cruise Night is happening THIS ...
08/10/2026

🚗 Looking for something cool to do this Thursday? Well, you found it! 😎

Our Second Annual Cruise Night is happening THIS THURSDAY, August 13, from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM at the Kankakee County Museum!

Come spend the evening checking out an awesome lineup of classic, antique, and unique vehicles while enjoying a summer evening on the museum grounds. Bring your friends, bring the family, grab something to eat from our food vendor, and see what rolls in!

Best of all, admission is FREE!

So if your Thursday evening plans are still looking a little empty, consider this your sign to cruise on over. 🚘✨

📅 Thursday, August 13
⏰ 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM
📍 Kankakee County Museum, 801 S. 8th Ave., Kankakee

🧡🌼 Chrysanthemum Color Spotlight: ORANGE! 🌼🧡Chrysanthemums have a history stretching back more than 2,500 years, with th...
08/09/2026

🧡🌼 Chrysanthemum Color Spotlight: ORANGE! 🌼🧡
Chrysanthemums have a history stretching back more than 2,500 years, with their origins tracing to ancient China. Over the centuries, these beautiful and resilient flowers spread around the world and eventually became one of the most recognizable flowers of the fall season. But did you know the color of a chrysanthemum can carry a message of its own?

🧡 Orange Chrysanthemums
In the language of flowers, orange chrysanthemums symbolize enthusiasm, excitement, and energy. Their warm, vibrant blooms bring a cheerful touch to any space while celebrating the joy and optimism of the season.

Our mums come in 9-inch pots and are available for:
🌼 $10 for one pot
🌼 $9 each when you purchase two or more!
And that deal applies across ALL colors, so mix and match! Get one in orange and another in purple, or create your own colorful combination.

🎨 Available Colors:
❤️ Red
🧡 Orange
💛 Yellow
🤍 White
🩷 Pink
💜 Purple

📅 Last day to order: August 30
🌼 Pickup: September 17, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Ready to pick your favorites? Shop online through our website below, or stop by the museum anytime we're open to place your order in person, add a little color and history to your fall while supporting the Kankakee County Museum!

https://www.kankakeecountymuseum.com/product-page/fall-mum-fundraiser-2026

🚗 Join us for the Second Annual Cruise Night at the Kankakee County Museum on Thursday, August 13, from 4:00 PM to 6:30 ...
08/08/2026

🚗 Join us for the Second Annual Cruise Night at the Kankakee County Museum on Thursday, August 13, from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM!

Spend the evening exploring a wide variety of classic, antique, and unique vehicles displayed throughout the museum grounds by local car enthusiasts. Stroll through the cars, visit the museum, and enjoy a fun summer evening filled with history, community, and great conversations.

Come hungry because Que It Up will be on site serving up delicious food throughout the event!

Whether you're a lifelong car enthusiast or just looking for a family-friendly outing, Cruise Night is the perfect way to experience local history and some incredible automobiles all in one place.

Admission is free, and everyone is welcome. We can't wait to see you at the museum for another memorable Cruise Night!

Did you know that the late Rev. Jesse Jackson visited and spoke at Lorenzo Smith School in Hopkins Park on January 25th...
08/07/2026


Did you know that the late Rev. Jesse Jackson visited and spoke at Lorenzo Smith School in Hopkins Park on January 25th 1976? Jackson worked for several Civil Rights organizations throughout his lifetime. According to research, 1976 was the year of Operation PUSH-Excel which focused on outreach to schools in predominantly Black communities. To learn more about Rev. Jesse Jackson and his work, check out the link below.

The photos in this post are two of several taken during his visit and are from original Daily Journal negatives in the museum's collection. Many of those negatives have not yet been individually digitized into our museum's database. We hope to continue this process, so stay tuned for more historic photos we have not posted yet!

https://artsandculture.google.com/story/jesse-jackson-39-s-operation-push-chicago-history-museum/zQVRbo2RdayVbQ?hl=en

Check out this view of the Momence State and Savings Bank building, from Front Street, Momence, taken in the early 1900...
08/06/2026


Check out this view of the Momence State and Savings Bank building, from Front Street, Momence, taken in the early 1900s.

Address

801 South 8th Avenue
Kankakee, IL
60901

Opening Hours

Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

(815) 932-5279

Website

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