Yorkville

As the Fox River winds southwestward toward the mighty Illinois, you’ll find Yorkville, the county seat of Kendall County. Yorkville lies about 48 miles southwest of Chicago. Citydata.com estimates the population in 2024 to be 25,986, and the growth of Yorkville and all Kendall has garnered national attention of late. What’s so attractive?

OVERVIEW

Officially dubbed as the “United City of Yorkville,” this town is known for its abundance of recreational activities, yet its pivotal position in the prosperous south Fox Valley. Settled In 1833 by pioneers, and named in 1836, it was first incorporated as a village in 1874. In 1957, Yorkville merged its north and south sections, Bristol and Yorkville, into the current united city, which is split by the Fox.

GETTING AROUND

Yorkville’s main thoroughfares start with the north-south mainstay, Illinois Route 47, known as “Bridge Street. “ US Route 34 runs through an area boasting beautiful newer homes with a sprawling view. Illinois route 126 originates just south of downtown, and follows to Plainfield, and a connection with Interstate 55. Further south, Route 71 leads to areas with mature homes, then curves southwestward with the Fox, providing the gateway road to the breathtaking scenery of the Starved Rock State Park area.

SHOPPING AND DINING

Yorkville features the Lakeside Grill, famous for seafood and American cuisine. The locales around US 34 and Route 47 also offer fine fare such as at the Blackstone Grill or the Stonefire. Close to these are common eateries, and convenient food and durable goods shopping outlets.

PARKS AND RECREATION

The Yorkville Parks and Recreation Department oversees so many parks that their website is taking suggestions for park names! Chief among these is Bicentennial Riverfront Park, a popular favorite for summertime community events. Hoover Outdoor Center lies just west of the city. This location, which also houses the Kendall County Outdoor Education Center, offers opportunities for outdoor education in indoor as well as outdoor settings. For golf nuts, Whitetail Ridge is located just off route 126–not far for 18 great holes. Close by, you can also tee off at Blackberry Oaks Golf Club in Bristol. Yorkville is also home to Silver Spring State Park and its adjacent Fish and Wildlife Area, which feature fishing, camping, hiking, and copious nature trails. Autumns bring a stunning color-fest, with varied mature trees to contrast the riverfront. Winter often transforms outdoor venues into a wonderland of sledding, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. And among the largest attractions is Raging Waves Water Park, the largest such park in Illinois. Guests of all ages will enjoy over 45 acres of water-friendly fun.

BUSINESS

The William Wrigley Company, famous for gum and candy, operates a large production facility just north of town. An industrial park, representing the Fox Valley’s thriving economy, rims the southern edge of downtown. As part of the Aurora area, Yorkville lies minutes away from numerous industrial and commercial places of employment.

SCHOOLS AND HEALTH

Yorkville Community Unit School District 115 operates six grade schools, two middle schools, and the Yorkville High School–home of the Foxes. Further north, Route 47 is a convenient connection with Waubonsee Community College in neighboring Sugar Grove. In nearby Aurora, Aurora University offers a four-year liberal arts education. Hospitals that serve the area include Rush Copley Medical Center on Route 34 in Aurora, and the RCMC operates a quick-access care facility and medical specialty offices right in Yorkville on Route 34. Valley West Community Hospital is located in Sandwich.