Kewanee is rich with historical tidbits. The word “kewanee” comes from the Winnebago word for “prairie chicken,” referring to the birds that inhabited the land in the mid-eighteenth century. The town is home to Louis Thomas Reynolds, a local baseball legend, and for many years, the USDA dubbed Kewanee “The Hog Capital of the World.” From its historic downtown area to its vibrant local events, Kewanee is an epicenter of activity and character. Mark Mikenas, executive director of the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce and local resident for 63 years, speaks to the town’s unique character. “We have a good small-town flavor but we’re also close to much larger communities like Peoria and the Quad Cities," he says. "We’re too big to be a small town but we’re not big enough to be a city. Kewanee is right in that sweet spot. We’re our own little community."
A smorgasboard of style in Kewanee
Home styles can vary widely from suburban styles to more historical fashions. Red-brick Craftsmans and bungalows can be found near Italianate and Victorians. Many come with open or enclosed porches and lawn spaces. “We have a mix of residential areas, from newer sub-divisions to houses that are 10-15 years old," Mikenas says. "There are sections of town with 100-year-old homes with big porches, three stories and attics. There are sections with ranch-styles. Kewanee has basically everything from A to Z when it comes to housing.” Houses in this area can cost $42,000 for a two-bedroom with one-bath and go as high as $169,900 for a three-bedroom with two baths.
Kewanee homes usually feature front porches, both enclosed and open.
Kewanee features a number of classic brick bungalow homes.
Kewanee features a number of historic red brick homes with unique design features.
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Kewanee High School offers CTE courses
Students in the area can attend Irving Elementary, which earned a C-plus grade from Niche. Wethersfield Junior/ Senior High School earned an A-minus rating and was named the number one public high school in Henry County. Kewanee High School earned a B-minus rating and offers courses in Career and Technical Education (CTE) like business, agriculture, and family and consumer sciences.
Irving Elementary School is located in Kewanee.
Kewanee High School is located in Kewanee, Illinois.
Kewanee High School features a full size football field and track.
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Kewanee parks and putts
At Windmont Park, residents can enjoy the fishing pond and inclusive playground. Northeast Park has many amenities for playing sports including softball fields and tennis courts. At Baker Park Golf Course, golfers can practice their drives and enjoy a pre- or post-game meal at the course’s 19th Hole Restaurant.
Windmont Park offers a number of outdoor activities.
Veterans Park is located next to the Kewanee City Hall.
Northeast Park features a number of outdoor activities for Kewanee residents.
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Kewanee restaurants serve variety of food
Fernando’s Place serves authentic Mexican cuisine along with house-made sangria and an enormous margarita selection. Rony’s Restaurant offers a hybrid American-Mexican menu and all-day breakfast. Scooter’s Coffee has a convenient drive-thru for residents on the go. Cerno’s Bar and Grill boasts ornately historical décor, with a bar that was built in 1898 by Pabst Blue Ribbon and imported from Belgium. Karaoke lovers will enjoy belting out tunes at Misty’s Bar. Kewanee residents can shop for groceries at major retailers in the area like Walmart and Aldi and visit the local farmer’s market that runs from October to May. Board game enthusiasts can sample the many offerings at The Gaming Goat. Baysinger’s Antiques offers antiques and all kinds of used furniture from “shabby chic” styles to repurposed pieces.
Kewanee has a great downtown with historic buildings and shopping options.
Kewanee residents can get great Mexican food and drinks at Fernandos.
Kewanee is home to Fernandos Mexican Restaurant.
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Kewanee residents attend community events
Kewanee hosts several events throughout the year. During the summer, the city celebrates its pig prestige with Hog Day Festival, complete with a carnival, food pits and a flea market. There is also the Francis Park Fourth of July celebration and the Veterans Park summer concert series. In the winter Kewanee holds Run Your Ice Off, an annual 5K and the Chamber of Commerce sponsors many holiday events in the downtown area. “We light some of our parks up for the holidays and the event is run by all volunteers. Most of the lighting is handmade by people right here in town,” Mikenas says.
Kewanee has a local Amtrak Train Station.
Taking the train to Chicago
Kewanee has access to several routes and interstates. Interstates 74 and 80, and Routes 34 78. The town has also been known as a railroad community for many years. Kewanee sees passengers coming to and from Chicago every day, thanks to its popular Amtrak station.
Written By
Tina Davis
Photography Contributed By
Evan Brightfield
Video By
Mallory Nolte
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On average, homes in Kewanee, IL sell after 25 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Kewanee, IL over the last 12 months is $85,025, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Commercial Lot for Sale Key Features: Zoning: Located in an Enterprise Zone and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District Utilities: Power and Water readily available on-site Development-Ready: Ideal for commercial, industrial, or mixed-use development Incentives: Potential tax abatements, grants, or infrastructure support due to EZ and TIF status
This 3 bedroom on the West edge of Kewanee is move in ready with a new roof, furnace, water heater, a detached garage, a huge fenced in back yard and very nicely done stamped concrete sidewalks. The laundry room on the main level could easily be converted back to a bedroom to make it a 4 bedroom. All kitchen appliances stay with the home. THis home is being sold in as is condition with the seller
3 bedroom, 2 bath with a large shed. The property could easily turned into a 2-unit apartment. Sold as-is, all personal property remains with the sale, no guarantee on working condition of any of the mechanical.
Welcome to this inviting bungalow in the heart of Kewanee, perfectly situated just moments from Wethersfield schools, Windmont Park, and popular dining options. The interior features hardwood floors and spacious bedrooms. The flexible floor plan includes an extra office or den, perfect for working from home, a playroom, study space, or a cozy reading nook. Enjoy this extra large lot and the
Opportunity meets upside at 1205 Roseview Ave in Kewanee. This two-story 4-bedroom, 3-bath home offers 2,308 square feet above grade plus a full basement, sitting on a manageable corner lot in an established neighborhood close to schools and local amenities. Featuring a detached 2-car garage, gas heating, and central air hookups, the property provides solid bones and functional layout for a
If you are looking for a home with an additional building for mechanical work, mancave or storage......you don't want to miss this cute 3 bedroom, 1 bath home with a chain link fenced back yard, small rear patio and a 1 car garage plus an additional rear parcel 25-04-201-017, with alley access that has a 28X48 Steel Building with 6 inch concrete slab, insulation, separate 200 amp electric service
Welcome home to this adorable ranch in Kewanee, perfectly situated on a spacious double lot and just steps from local amenities, parks, shopping, and dining. With a new roof in 2025, you don't want to miss this cute, clean, and move in ready property in the Wethersfield school district. Whether you're a first time buyer, downsizing, or looking for a low maintenance home in a fantastic location,
Discover a rare opportunity with this spacious 7.8-acre county property featuring two homes, a 2-car detached garage with 3 open stalls and Ragland steel outbuilding 75 x 90, plenty of room to enjoy country living. 2307 E 2750th St -(North home) A 1 1/2 story home, 2 full baths, 1536 sq ft, offering 5 bedrooms, steel roof, vinyl siding, gas forced furnace, central air, main floor bedroom with
This 5-bedroom, 2 bath home with 2 car garage was used as a duplex in the past but is now a single-family home. The main front entry foyer was used as a common area for the front entrance to the lower and upper-level units. The main floor features a front entry foyer, a living room, dining room with wood burning fireplace, kitchen, one bedroom and a full bath. The second-floor features 4
Comfortable one-bedroom, one-bath ranch with an attached one-car garage, large yard, and versatile three-season room. The simple layout and amazing potential, provide a real opportunity for buyers looking to add value and make this home their own.
Large up and down duplex on large lot in good central location. Each unit has 2 bedroom 1 bath and separate electric and water meters and separate water heaters. Dual staircases to upper unit front and back. nice woodwork throughout .2 car garage.
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