EXHIBIT 23.1

                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the Joint
Proxy Statement that is made a part of the Registration Statement (Form S-4) and
related Prospectus of First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. for the registration of shares
of its common stock and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report
dated January 20, 1998, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of
First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the
year ended December 31, 1997, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                              /S/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Chicago, Illinois
February 27, 1998