DISCOVER DOWNTOWN KANKAKEE
Where art, community, and local business meet
Harold & Jean Miner Festival Square
HAROLD & JEAN MINER FESTIVAL SQUARE
TLDR: Festival Square is basically the centerpiece of Downtown Kankakee and the general location for many of its events.
At the heart of Downtown is the Harold & Jean Miner Festival Square, framed by Kankakee’s 120+ year-old Depot behind it. Festival Square has become the stage for many of the community’s biggest moments. Each summer, Merchant Street MusicFest fills the district with live music and art that draws thousands of people downtown. From concerts and festivals to everyday gatherings, this is where Kankakee’s history and its future come together, always in motion just like the trains that continue to pass through.
MURALS OF DOWNTOWN KANKAKEE
TLDR: We have amazing muralists and local artists here in Kankakee. You should check them alllllll out. Event the ones not "officially" in the KDC District.
Downtown Kankakee is alive with color, thanks to the incredible talent of artists who have transformed blank walls into vibrant works of art. From bold geometric patterns inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright to the bright blossoms of our native flowers, each mural tells a story about the people, the history, and the creativity that define our community. These works are not hidden away in galleries. They are right here on the streets, waiting to be admired on a casual walk or captured in a photo.
Local artists and community partners have come together to create pieces that celebrate Kankakee’s past while reflecting the spirit of today. Whether you are discovering them for the first time or revisiting old favorites, the murals of Downtown Kankakee make the district itself a living, evolving canvas.
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The Depot - Kankakee IL (1910) Postcard from A.C. Bosselman & Co.
THE DEPOT - ILLINOIS CENTRAL LINE
TLDR: Kankakee literally wouldn't even be on the map without this railroad station right here.
Kankakee owes its very existence to the railroad. When the Illinois Central line reached the banks of the Kankakee River in 1853, the first wood-framed Depot was built on July 11th, 1853 as a stop along the route. That single decision put Kankakee on the map, drawing settlers, businesses, and industry to what was once open prairie. The town quickly grew around the station, and by 1854 it was officially incorporated as a city. The building was upgraded from wood to brick in 1898 and more than 120 years later, the brick Depot is still in operation and stands as a reminder that without the trains, there would be no Kankakee. From The Depot, you can head north to Chicago’s Union Station or south toward cities like Champaign and Carbondale. It also houses the Kankakee Railroad Museum!
We're sorry, The Depot is currently no longer available to rent for private events. Allow us to suggest a nearby Downtown Kankakee venues below:
Explore Downtown Kankakee by Category
Just click a category below to discover spots in Downtown Kankakee! From Local Shops to Late-Night Eats
JS Medical Services
Home Sweet Home
Palace Studio
La Rosita
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The Hideout
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Beaupre Towing & Repair
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Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
HISTORY BEHIND DOWNTOWN KANKAKEE
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Downtown Kankakee is a place where history and community walk side by side. Founded in 1853 along the Illinois Central Railroad, the city quickly grew into a hub of industry, culture, and community life. The grand Depot, rebuilt in 1898, once welcomed countless travelers and goods, shaping Kankakee into a thriving destination. Just steps away, the Kankakee River has long been the city’s natural heartbeat, drawing people together for commerce, recreation, and celebration.
Today, echoes of the past remain etched into the brickwork and storefronts, even as fresh murals, modern businesses, and community festivals breathe new life into every corner. From the historic streets around Festival Square to the vibrant colors of our public art, Downtown Kankakee continues to hold onto its legacy while inspiring a new chapter of growth, creativity, and connection.