Located 50 miles due south of Chicago on the historic Dixie Highway, the city of Momence is the oldest town in Northeastern Illinois, being established in 1834. Early settlers called Momence the "Border Town" to describe it's position between 1800's civilization and the American frontier.
When fur trader Gurdon Saltenstall Hubbard first ventured into the region to establish a trading post, most of the area was still wilderness, prairie, woodland, and marsh. The area was home to the Native American Pottawatomi, whose chief was Momenza, which inspired the name "Momence." The trail Hubbard established between Chicago (Ford Dearborn) and Vincennes Indiana later became the Dixie Highway, which bisects the town as well as the Vincennes trail.
With the rich land for farming, the construction of mills, and treaties with the Pottawatomi, the town moved one mile downstream to its current location. Much of the original 19th century business district, surrounded by Victorian neighborhoods, remains intact to this day. The City of Momence has a population of approximately 3,200, with the surrounding Momence and Ganeer townships providing an additional 7,500 people to the immediate area. The population of Kankakee County in its entirety is approximately 103,800 residents.
The Gladiolus Festival has been held each August in Momence for nearly 70 years. This festival draws visitors from across the country with multiple parades, antique auto, truck, and tractor show, flea market, craft show, carnival and other daily events.
Momence is easily accessible by Illinois Routes 1 and 17, and Route 114. Interstate 57 is just 10 miles to the west, while Interstate 65 in Indiana is just 20 miles to the East. You can also connect to Interstate 394 approximately 15 miles North of Momence off of dixie Highway.
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