Kankakee, IL

Even though Kankakee County is less than an hour's drive from the bright lights of its big-city neighbor, local residents are quick to point out the area's arts and cultural offerings as one of its most attractive amenities. “I’m in love with this place. It’s everything we wanted it to be and more‚” says Susan Crisp‚ who moved to Kankakee County from Chattanooga‚ Tenn. Many others echo Crisp's sentiment. Here are a few reasons why newcomers can't say enough about Kankakee County.

Classic Appeal

Meadowview Theatre in Kankakee has been airing movies since 1967, and its interior was designed by Hans Teichert of Chicago, a renowned artist known for his unusual creations. The Paramount Theatre, which first debuted in Kankakee in 1931 has premiered such classics as Gone With the Wind and Wizard of Oz, as well as current hits such as the like Twilight saga: New Moon and Avatar. The theater has proudly kept its original art deco motif that includes a cobalt blue ceiling and intricate geometric designs in green, red, gold and silver. The Paramount is graced with five screens, and two are equipped with digital 3D capabilities.

Strings Attached

Johann Sebastian Bach and Pyotr Tchaikovsky would be proud of the Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra, which debuted in 1967 and is now under the direction of conductor Allan Dennis. The full orchestra of 60 players performs eight annual concerts during a season that runs from October through July 4.

Their shows offer tributes to the greatest of composers, and the orchestra also schedules a number of chamber music concerts that feature 40 players or less, depending on the demands of the music.

The Sugar Creek Symphony & Song, performed at the gorgeous art deco Watseka Theater at 136 E. Walnut in nearby Watseka, brings world class opera to Kankakee County. Founded by John Whitman and Helen Todd a few years ago, the series has become a highly anticipated summer event. Sugar Creek has performed such operas as La Boheme and The Elixir of Love by Donizetti. In addition to being enormously popular with attendees, the festival quickly became a favorite for opera performers from the Metropolitan Opera and other famous houses. Performers come from all over the country to participate in the series and are often hosted by local residents.

Stage Presence

Charlotte's Web has spun its magic in Kankakee, thanks to the Kankakee Valley Theater Association. The troupe showcases five plays during their annual season that stretches from October to April, choosing to present big-name plays -- as evidenced by its 2009-10 season lineup of Charlotte’s Web, Miracle on 34th Street, A Few Good Men, Seussical Jr. and Cats.

Compelling History

Located at 801 South Eighth Avenue in Kankakee, the Kankakee County Museum currently presents rotating exhibits that chronicle Kankakee County's experiences during some of the greatest events of the twentieth century. Exhibits contain significant artifacts and archival materials, which are supported with large numbers of period photographic images, all depicting Kankakee natives. The Museum complex also contains the historic Dr. A.L. Small House, built in 1855 and the boyhood home of Lennington Small, Governor of Illinois from 1921 to 1929, as well as the one-room Taylor School House built in 1904. In addition, the Kankakee County Museum hosts a monthly lecture series and many special programs, such as the Rhubarb Festival in May, the Gallery of Trees Exhibit in December and several musical events.

So Far Sew Good

When the Kankakee Quiltmakers hosted its biennial guild show in September 2008, the quilting enthusiasts who gathered for the event were greeted by some unconventional exhibits of their art--and those exhibits were scattered all over the county. From nine vintage barns and one corn crib hung brightly colored quilt patterns, painted by volunteers on 10-by-10-foot plywood sheets and completed just in time for the guild show. Today, the Barn Quilts of Kankakee County self-guided tour is an award-winning and popular tourist attraction, with brochures directing visitors to the drive-by artwork. Dedicated to raising awareness of the art of quilting, the tour also highlights Illinois' rich farming tradition and draws attention to the area's beautiful, historic buildings.

The Gretchen Charlton Art Gallery at Provena Heritage Village

Named an essential tourism destination by the Kankakee County Convention and Visitors Bureau in 2009, The Gretchen Charlton Art Gallery is a not-for-profit organization whose purpose also benefits the needs of residents and patients of Provena Heritage Village. Created in 2000 in tribute to his late wife Gretchen, Jack Charlton founded the gallery to benefit the patients and residents of Provena Heritage Village. The Gretchen Charlton Art Gallery is committed to developing and promoting the awareness of the arts in the Kankakee River Valley for people of all ages. The gallery features the work of local and regional artists and acts as an advocate for local and visiting artists from a variety of genres.