$262,540Average Value$195Average Price per Sq Ft25Homes For Sale
"The Island City" along the Kankakee River
Will County's Wilmington combines rural and suburban living and is part of the Heritage Corridor along historic Route 66, also called "The Mother Road." With a portion of what was once Route 66, the city served as a way station for travelers. Wilmington's been a safe and scenic spot for those en route to another destination or ready to settle down long-term. Known as "The Island City" for its downtown's placement beside the Kankakee River, Wilmington has a deep connection to that waterway. The city's history as a riverport goes back to the days of the Illinois & Michigan Canal, which was in use from the mid-1800s until the 1930s.
During the 1850s, Wilmington was a stop on the Underground Railroad, as abolitionists living in the area provided a haven to those fleeing enslavement and injustice. Today, the historical downtown is full of antique shops and small businesses close to riverside scenery. There are plenty of nature preserves and places for outdoor recreation opportunities just a short distance from the center of Wilmington.
Shopping and dining in historic downtown Wilmington
In the heart of the downtown, residents frequent various small businesses and locally owned shops and eateries. Haydens Crossing is a popular spot with Blind Mule Bar included. It's an old-school tavern that was remodeled using reclaimed barn wood. Another downtown destination is the Mar Theater, which opened in 1937 and features the original stage, lobby and ticket booth. It's the place to catch first-run movies and the occasional classic. There are choices for grocery shopping, including Faletti Meats, favored for its custom butcher cuts, and Valle's Produce Market, which stocks more than just fruits and veggies.
The nearly 100-year-old Mar Theater still features the original stage, lobby and ticket booth.
Known for their steak, Haydens Crossing is a popular restaurant in Wilmington.
Downtown Wilmington features bars and restaurants situated along the Kankakee River.
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Seasonal events and the Wilmington Park District Farmers Market
Well-attended events include the Let Freedom Rock Celebration in June, Fourth of July fireworks on the water, and Catfish Days later in July, which include a carnival, parade, beer garden and car show. The Wilmington Park District Farmers Market is held downtown during the summer. Cold season delights include a Christmas Cookie Crawl and holiday festivities.
Historic housing, bungalows and ranch-style homes
With a history of over 150 years, the city includes examples of 1890s and early 1900s houses, particularly near the historical downtown. Architecture from the following decades includes bungalows, ranch-style homes and custom builds. Typical prices range from about $120,000 for a two-bedroom of less than 1,000 square feet to $370,000 for a house with an additional bedroom and more than double the space.
Many single-family homes surround downtown Wilmington.
Homes in Wilmington have generous lot sizes and well-manicured lawns.
Bungalows are common in Wilmington.
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Public schools in Wilmington and nearby colleges
Children may attend public schools like Bruning Elementary, graded B-minus by Niche and serving prekindergarten through first grade. L.J. Stevens Intermediate is for second through fifth grade and has an A-minus grade. Wilmington Middle, graded B-plus, has a selection of engaging activities, including an aerospace team and science team, and sports such as basketball, baseball and wrestling. Wilmington High, graded B, also offers a versatile roster of athletic teams and special interest clubs. Every year, the Lady Cats Volleyball team hosts Volley for a Cure, a fundraiser for cancer research.
The district's students benefit from the work of the Wilmington Foundation for Excellence, a scholarship program with events like an annual golf outing to raise educational funds. Institutions of higher learning in the region include three campuses of Joliet Junior College. The University of Saint Francis also is in Joliet, which is about 20 miles to the north.
Students in Wilmington attend Bruning Elementary School.
Students here attend Wilmington Middle School.
Students here attend Wilmington High School.
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Boating in the Kankakee River and hiking in Forsythe Woods
With the clear Kankakee River right here, boating and fishing are big pastimes. The area is appealing to those who like hiking, camping or hunting. Part of the Wilmington Island Park District, set in the middle of the river, North Island and South Island are local favorites and home to many gatherings and special events.
There are many extensive natural spaces within 10 miles. Forsythe Woods, part of the 795-acre Forked Creek Greenway, is only about 2 miles away. Other nearby sites include Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, which, with over 20,000 acres, is the largest connected open space in northeastern Illinois. Visitors enjoy hiking, biking or horseback riding. Braidwood Dunes and Savanna Nature Preserve are two other notable outdoor destinations nearby.
The Kankakee River provides an excellent spot for fishing.
North Island Park is located in Wilmington.
South Island Park is a popular spot to hang out along the Kankakee River.
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Wilmington residents use cars to get around
Except for the downtown area, Wilmington is fairly car-dependent. The nearest commuter stations, Manhattan and Joliet, are about 17 miles away. Residents who opt to drive might use state routes 53 and 102, which run through the city. Interstate 55 is located west of the river. Downtown Chicago is about 60 miles southwest.
Historic Route 66 goes right through downtown Wilmington.
Dow Chemical Company and Walmart distribution center among top employers
Major employers in the area include Dow Chemical Company, about 20 miles southeast in Kankakee, and a Walmart distribution center and industrial companies to the north, on the way to Joliet, about 20 miles away. There's also a training area for the Army Reserve between the two cities.
Written By
Paul Spencer
Photography Contributed By
JJ Starr
Video By
Adam Barkley
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Wilmington, IL sell after 54 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Wilmington, IL over the last 12 months is $240,000, up 26% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This beautifully updated 5-bedroom, 2.5-bath home is truly move-in ready. Located just minutes from shops, restaurants, and schools, it offers modern updates with the charm of a well-established neighborhood. Every inch of this home has been renovated in the last five years-including new framing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roof, siding, gutters, fascia, soffits, windows, doors, and flooring. The
UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY - Live a resort lifestyle every day in this waterfront log cabin! Cabin features 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, open concept floor plan, a finished walkout basement, nestled on a boatable portion of the Kankakee River. Enjoy the beautiful scenery from your front porch, or the calming waterfront views from your covered back deck, or cozy fires in your woodburning fireplace. THIS HOUSE
This beautifully updated 5-bedroom, 2.5-bath home is truly move-in ready. Located just minutes from shops, restaurants, and schools, it offers modern updates with the charm of a well-established neighborhood. Every inch of this home has been renovated in the last five years-including new framing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roof, siding, gutters, fascia, soffits, windows, doors, and flooring. The
**Multiple offers received.Calling for highest & best Monday June 23 at 12pm.**Beautifully updated 3 bedroom, 1 bath home with fenced yard!( will do front fence portion to complete) Brand new kitchen cabinets,counter tops,stainless steel appliances,light fixtures,luxury vinyl plank flooring.New bathroom vanity,sink,fixtures,tub surround. New interior doors and trim.New furnace and air
Winchester Manor consists of one, two-story building with 24 one bedroom/one bath units in Wilmington, Illinois that are reserved for individuals that are either disabled and/or 62+ years of age. Units have all electric utilities and resident is responsible for electric. Water, trash, sewage and cable with Direct TV provided at no additional cost. NEIGHBORHOOD HIGHLIGHTSLocated along
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