Momence is a preserved midwestern town with deep community ties
Momence is a quiet and rural community that looks like it was plucked from a 1950s movie. In fact, locations throughout the city of about 3,000 may look familiar to television and film aficionados. "Our downtown area and community are so historic and preserved that we've had movies and shows filmed here, using our buildings and homes for their sets," says Charles Steel, mayor and a lifelong resident of Momence. Hulu and Netflix television shows, including the fourth season of "Fargo," used the old midwestern downtown to depict a slow-paced life, where residents know one another and connections run decades deep. But the portrayed atmosphere isn't just a façade; it reflects Momence's authentic vibe. "Everyone is here for one another, and when someone is going through a hard time, our residents show up for them," Steel says. "People move here specifically for the community."
Victorian-era and midcentury homes are along quiet streets
Cape Cods, bungalows and workers' cottages line the gridded streets, with sidewalks set far back from the road. Homes range between $80,000 and $170,000 and usually have detached garages accessible by alleyway. Victorian houses on the same streets are more spacious and sell for $160,000 to $250,000. As the area developed in the 1950s and later, ranch-style homes, bi-levels and New Traditional homes filled pocket neighborhoods on the outskirts. The slightly larger homes sell for $180,000 to $390,000. "They're attractive to people wanting more space while staying close to Kankakee," Steel says. The population isn't growing, but Steel explains that new residents are moving in, taking the place of those moving out. "It used to be the type of place where the only people living here were natives," he says. "But now, enough new people are moving here that I'm having difficulty keeping track."
Preservation efforts highlight downtown’s architectural charm
Main Street Momence is a non-profit preservation organization that aims to restore and highlight the downtown area's historic charm and architecture. The central business district, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, features Italianate and Pioneer-era buildings with shops, salons, offices and restaurants on the ground floor. Yanni's Restaurant on Washington is an American diner that serves brunch staples, burgers, wraps and fries. According to Mayor Steet, the city supports local establishments by closing the stretch of Washington Street for block parties and local band performances outside the participating businesses. Berkot's Super Foods is in the area, and more grocers, national retailers and department stores are west in Kankakee .
The local district offers small class sizes and vocational training
Momence Community Unit School District teaches the area's children, with about 1,000 students across all levels. "The class sizes aren't too huge," Steel says. "So, no one is missing the attention they need to succeed." Children can begin learning at Je-Neir Elementary School, rated C-plus by Niche. Momence Junior High School receives the same grade, and Momence High School next door earns a B-minus. The junior and senior high school buildings share a campus and athletic fields, including a football field that underwent a major renovation and received a new turf surface and rubber track in 2024. The high school also works with the Kankakee Area Career Center, providing vocational education options. "The district buses students there for a few hours during the school day to learn specific trades and career paths," Steel says.
A footbridge leads to the area's central park and river views
The Kankakee River flows through the area, with an island near the city's center. On that island is Momence's flagship and largest park, the fittingly named Island Park. Accessible by a wooden footbridge, the park has a playground, picnic tables and a paved path, among other amenities. Locals launch a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard from the Kankakee River Boat Ramp.
Annual and weekly events tied to Momence’s history
Since 1938, Momence has celebrated its agricultural heritage, especially its growing of the gladiolus flower, with the Momence Gladiolus Festival. Often called just Glad Fest, the festival takes place over four days in August, with parades, a carnival, a beer garden and a flea market, among other events and attractions. The city also hosts a weekly seasonal farmers market on Sundays, town-wide garage sales and car shows.
Commuters have a straightforward commute by car or bus
Many residents of Momence commute to one of the nearby communities for work. "Kankakee, Bradley , Bourbonnais and Manteno are all within a stone's throw," Steel says. Some residents even make the trip to Chicago , about 60 miles north via Interstate 57 or Illinois State Highway 394. SHOW Bus Public Transportation connects Momence and Kankakee, running Monday through Friday. Chicago Midway International Airport is 50 miles north, and St. Mary's Hospital is in Kankakee, about 13 miles southwest.
River proximity increases flood risk for some areas
According to First Street, Momence has a major risk from flooding, with residences, commercial spaces, roads and social spaces near the Kankakee River at most risk. In addition to homeowners' insurance, additional flood insurance may be necessary.
![Heather Haggerty]()
Written By
Heather Haggerty
