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Ashkum, Illinois, is a small village in Iroquois County with a population of around 750 residents. Located along Interstate 57, it serves as a quiet, rural community with a rich agricultural heritage. The village, named after a Native American term meaning "ever flowing," features a mix of historic charm and modern convenience, with local businesses and community events fostering a tight-knit atmosphere. Ashkum is home to the annual Iroquois County Fair, a highlight for locals, showcasing livestock, crafts, and entertainment. Surrounded by sprawling farmlands, the village offers a peaceful retreat while remaining accessible to larger cities like Kankakee and Chicago.
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Beaverville, Illinois, is a small village in Iroquois County with a population of around 285 as of 2025. Originally named St. Marie, it was settled in 1851 by 32 families from Montreal, Canada, led by Francis Besse, who sought fertile farmland. Renamed Beaverville in 1905, the village is known for its rural charm and agricultural surroundings. A notable landmark is St. Mary’s Catholic Church, a striking example of Gothic Revival architecture. With a close-knit community, Beaverville offers a peaceful retreat, featuring local parks and community events that reflect its Midwestern heritage.
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Buckley, Illinois, is a small village in Artesia Township, Iroquois County, with a population of around 472 as of 2023. Known for its rural charm, Buckley offers a peaceful, tight-knit community atmosphere where most residents own their homes. The village, which celebrated its sesquicentennial in 2006, features amenities like St. John's Lutheran School, established in 1870, and Christ Lutheran High School, reflecting its strong community ties. Located along U.S. Route 45 and near Interstate 57, Buckley provides easy access to larger cities like Kankakee and Champaign, blending small-town living with proximity to urban opportunities.
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Chebanse, Illinois, is a small village located primarily in Iroquois County, with a portion extending into Kankakee County, about 60 miles south of Chicago. Founded in 1854 and named after a Potawatomi chief, Chebanse retains a quaint, rural charm with a population of around 1,074 as of recent estimates. The village features a mix of historic and modern elements, including the Chebanse Civic Center, a hub for community events, and a highly rated school system that draws families. Its proximity to Interstate 57 makes it accessible, while its peaceful, small-town atmosphere, surrounded by expansive farmlands, offers a quiet escape from urban life.
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Clifton, Illinois, is a quaint village in Iroquois County, about 80 miles south of Chicago, with a population of roughly 1,400. Nestled in a region of sprawling farmlands, Clifton embodies small-town Midwestern charm with its quiet streets, friendly community, and rich agricultural heritage. The village offers a peaceful lifestyle, with local gems like the Clifton Community Center and nearby parks providing spaces for gatherings and recreation. Its historic downtown, though modest, features a few local businesses and eateries that reflect the town’s tight-knit spirit. Clifton’s proximity to Interstate 57 makes it a convenient stop for travelers, while its annual events, like community festivals, foster a strong sense of togetherness among residents, making it a serene retreat from urban hustle.
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Crescent City, Illinois, is a small village in Iroquois County with a population of around 550, known for its quiet, rural charm and close-knit community. Located about 80 miles south of Chicago, it offers a peaceful contrast to urban life, with flat, fertile farmland stretching across the surrounding area. The village was founded in 1872 and named for its crescent-shaped layout along the railroad. Residents enjoy a simple lifestyle, with local events like the annual Fourth of July celebration fostering community spirit. Despite its size, Crescent City has faced challenges, including a devastating train derailment in 1970, but its resilience and small-town pride endure.
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Iroquois, Illinois, is a small village in Iroquois County, located in the eastern part of the state near the Indiana border. With a population of around 200, it embodies the quiet charm of rural America, characterized by vast farmlands, tight-knit community ties, and a peaceful, slower pace of life. Named after the Iroquois River, the village was founded in the 19th century and retains a historical feel with landmarks like the old Iroquois Methodist Church. Its economy has traditionally been tied to agriculture, with corn and soybeans dominating the surrounding fields. Despite its small size, Iroquois offers a glimpse into the heart of Midwest culture, where community events and neighborly connections remain central to daily life.
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Loda, Illinois, is a small, charming village in Iroquois County, known for its peaceful rural setting and tight-knit community. With a population of around 400, Loda offers a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of larger cities, featuring historic homes, local churches, and a handful of small businesses. The village is home to the Loda Township Library, a community hub, and hosts events like the annual Loda Homecoming, which brings residents together for festivities. Surrounded by sprawling farmland, Loda embodies the quintessential Midwestern spirit, with its rich agricultural heritage and friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
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Onarga, Illinois, is a small, welcoming village in Iroquois County with a population of approximately 1,300 as of the 2020 census. Steeped in agricultural heritage, Onarga boasts a rich history, including its founding in 1854 and its well-preserved historic district featuring the Onarga Theater, a restored 1930s gem hosting community events. The village is known for its vibrant community spirit, highlighted by annual events like the Onarga Fall Festival, which celebrates local culture with parades, crafts, and food. Surrounded by fertile farmland, Onarga offers a serene, small-town atmosphere with easy access to nearby urban centers, making it a quintessential slice of rural Illinois life.
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Papineau, Illinois, is a small village in Iroquois County with a population of around 171 as of the 2010 census. Nestled in a rural, agricultural region, it embodies the quiet charm of small-town Midwest life. The village, named after a French-Canadian settler, is surrounded by sprawling farmlands and offers a peaceful, close-knit community atmosphere. With limited amenities, residents often rely on nearby towns like Watseka for shopping and services. Papineau’s simplicity, coupled with its proximity to natural landscapes, makes it a quintessential slice of rural Illinois, ideal for those seeking tranquility away from urban hustle.
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Sheldon, Illinois, is a small village in Iroquois County, with a population of approximately 908 as of 2025, reflecting a slight decline from 965 in 2020. Nestled in a rural setting, Sheldon offers a quiet, community-oriented lifestyle with a rich agricultural backdrop.
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Thawville, Illinois, is a small village in Ridgeland Township, Iroquois County, with a population of 215 as of the 2020 census. Located approximately 100 miles south of Chicago, this quaint community offers a serene, rural lifestyle steeped in agricultural heritage. Named after Pittsburgh railroad magnate William Thaw Sr., the village covers just 0.31 square miles and features a tight-knit community atmosphere, with the Thawville Community Building serving as a hub for local events. Surrounded by picturesque countryside, Thawville provides opportunities for leisurely activities like biking and exploring local markets, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful retreat into small-town Midwestern life.
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Watseka, Illinois, is a small, charming city in Iroquois County, serving as the county seat with a population of around 5,000. Known for its rich history and tight-knit community, Watseka blends rural tranquility with a welcoming atmosphere. The city was named after a Potawatomi woman, Watch-e-kee, and features a mix of historic buildings, local shops, and community events like the Iroquois County Fair, one of the oldest county fairs in the state. Surrounded by expansive farmlands, Watseka offers a peaceful lifestyle with easy access to outdoor activities, while its downtown area provides a glimpse into its cultural heritage through landmarks like the Old Courthouse Museum.
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