A Hidden Gem Amongst the Prairie: Life in Ashkum, Illinois

Welcome to Ashkum, Illinois, a tranquil village that perfectly combines the essence of small-town charm with the vibrancy of community spirit. Located amidst lush farmlands, Ashkum offers a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle, while fostering an environment where neighbors still greet each other by name and look out for one another. Here, you’ll find a sense of warmth that’s often difficult to capture elsewhere.

Ashkum is rich in simple pleasures, from leisurely strolls down tree-lined streets to engaging community events that bring everyone together. With its cozy local shops and family-run eateries, Ashkum provides an authentic slice of Americana. The pride of the community is evident in its well-maintained parks and public spaces, where families gather for picnics and children play freely under the vast Midwestern sky.

Education is paramount in Ashkum, with schools committed to nurturing an inclusive learning environment that inspires its students. Meanwhile, local farmers markets offer fresh, locally-sourced produce, fostering a healthy lifestyle and supporting local agriculture.

For those seeking a peaceful, welcoming place to call home, Ashkum, Illinois, stands as a beacon of simplicity and togetherness—where life's sweetest joys come from community connections and the beauty of the great outdoors.

Workforce & Industrial Development

Located at the crossroads of I-57 and U.S. Route 24, Ashkum, Illinois, offers strategic advantages for industrial and logistics operations in east-central Illinois. The village sits within Iroquois County, providing direct access to major transportation corridors that connect the region to Chicago, Champaign, and the greater Midwest. This connectivity appeals to distribution, warehousing, and light manufacturing firms seeking efficient supply chain routes.

Industrial real estate in Ashkum benefits from the area's affordable land and supportive local government. Iroquois County Economic Development Association works closely with businesses to facilitate site selection and development, offering guidance on zoning, permitting, and available properties. The region's industrial parks, such as those in nearby Kankakee and Watseka, provide additional options for companies seeking build-to-suit or move-in-ready facilities.

On the workforce front, Illinois' robust network of community colleges—including Kankakee Community College—delivers targeted training programs for advanced manufacturing, logistics, and skilled trades. Statewide initiatives like the Illinois EDGE program and the Advantage Illinois program offer financial incentives, tax credits, and grants to attract business investment and create jobs. Local and regional partners help companies tap into these resources to ensure a smooth expansion or relocation process.