Thirty miles from Chicago, Joliet is one of the largest cities in the state of Illinois, and perfectly situated on the historic Route 66. There’s something for everyone in the charming city of Joliet, IL. Joliet is a diverse community full of surprises, and since it’s part of the hustling and bustling Chicago Metropolitan area, Joliet still incorporates a lot of urban glamor into its populated suburbs. You’ll find all facets of the arts, rich history, plenty of dining, indoor recreation, and tons of green spots and parks to enjoy the outside. So if you’re thinking about moving to Joliet, visiting, or maybe you’re just a local looking for something new to do, here are 14 unique things to do in and around the city.
1. Go kayaking
The city of Joliet is split into two by the Des Plains River, and locals love to make the most out of the city’s waterfronts and riversides. Joliet is also home to plenty of beautiful creeks, waterways, lakes, parks, and more.
Janée M, the owner of Kayak Morris, likes to take their kayak onto the water. Janée offers insider detail on an easy, beginner route that they often take, “Kayak on four different beginner waterways in a loop water trail. The route begins at McKinley Woods, on the I&M Canal State Trail Access. Then, you will paddle up to Channahon State Park, portage over to the DuPage River, which turns into the DesPlaines River. Finally, the route ends back at McKinley Woods again.”
The Joliet City Center Partnership, a local expert, highlights that “Joliet has several bridges over the Des Plaines River constructed in the 1930s, which are still operational due to the significant boat traffic on the river. Visitors can witness the movable bridges in action, and it would undoubtedly be an exciting sight to behold.”
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2. Catch a show at Rialto Square Theater
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“Considered one of the ten most beautiful theaters in the nation, the Rialto Square Theatre was built in 1926 and is known as the Jewel of Joliet,” says Joliet City Center Partnership. “The theater attracts major acts all year round and brings thousands of visitors to Downtown Joliet.” If you want an entertaining evening while you’re in town, check out Rialto’s show announcements to see what’s playing. You can expect to see some Broadway spectacles, recitals, concerts, and more.
Publishing Director of Glancer Magazine and west suburban resident, Lindy Kleivo, loves Joliet throughout the holiday season and all year long, “You can always catch an amazing show at Rialto – from holiday classics including A Charlie Brown Christmas and Motown Christmas, to musical favorites such as The Commodores, ABBA Mania, and Buddy Guy. I just love its uniqueness. The Rialto Square Theatre is rich in history and has remained dedicated to the community through the years.”
3. Get creative at Joliet Public Library’s Digital Media Studio
There are many creative outlets in Joliet. Josh Philips, a worker at the Joliet Public Library, says his favorite thing to do is “record music in the DMS [Digital Media Studio]. It is free of charge, and they have audio booths and professional equipment to use.” You can visit the Digital Media Studio located on the lower level of the Ottawa Street Branch of the Joliet Public Library.
The Digital Media Studio is open Monday through Friday and offers free services to library patrons besides printing and purchasing flash drives. Your options here seem endless, from printing posters and 3D models, creating and recording music, producing videos and photography, working on websites, and restoring old photos, vinyl, and more.
4. Take in the views at the Rock Run Preserve – Black Road Access
Locals will say this is a nice place to relax, the trails are well-kept, and it’s perfect for pets to play. The preserve is a diverse place of nature where you’ll see wetlands, forests, and prairies on 32 acres of land. Founder of South Side Detail and local David Santos says, “the preserve is unique because the vast amount of wildflowers makes it a beautiful site to unwind, relax, and take in nature’s beauty. I love it because I can go on walks with my family… It’s a local’s favorite.” David also recommends visiting the park, especially in the Spring and Summer.
5. Visit the Joliet Area Historical Museum
If you’re visiting and want to get to know the area a little more, go to the Joliet Area Historical Museum. The museum fully documents the rich history of the city and the surrounding county. The museum is located in downtown Joliet and occupies what was once a church. Visitors love the exhibit’s touchscreen presentations, life-size models, and the well-known Lunar Lander simulator. James Watson, a local and Co-Founder of The Family Vacation Guide, recommends the museum because it’s “perfect for all ages to learn more about the area’s diverse history and the development of the region. Also, the museum runs a number of free days every year.”
6. Grab some grub at Hey! Hot Dog
This restaurant is renowned for its variety of homemade hot dogs and root beer, and it’s a Joliet native’s favorite. Sarah Vogel, Vice President of Will County Lodging Association, recommends these best bites on the menu as “Hot dogs with a homemade root beer on the side. Root beer is the only pop sold here, and it goes into a float with hand-dipped French vanilla ice cream in a frosty mug. It’s so smooth and full of flavor. You’ll want to get every last drop out of the mug.”
7. Check out Bishops Hill – Joliet’s only wine castle
Sarah also recommends Bishops Hill Winery, “it’s Joliet’s hidden gem and only castle, built by a former German Brewmaster. It’s a really unique, picturesque property. They also happen to have a wine club. Lastly, the Castle-made Sangria is a seasonal and delicious favorite.”
Overlooking the Des Plaines River Valley, Bishops Hill’s castle has been standing for over 150 years. What was once a brewery, the castle’s property has been carefully uncovered, rebuilt, and reclaimed into a beautiful winery. Today, the old same barrel aging rooms that kept beer cold 150 years ago now houses the Bishops Hill wine processing equipment and barrels. Visitors like to say that the winery gives them “an old world feel.”
8. The Rich & Creamy on Route 66
Joliet has many attractions on Route 66, but this ice cream shop happens to be a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Editorial Director of AMERICAN ROAD magazine, Thomas Repp, describes Rich & Creamy as “a roadside walk-up-service restaurant, restored by the city of Joliet as part of its Route 66 campaign. The ice cream emporium is located on Broadway (Route 66) at Route 66 Park. And the statues of Jake and Elwood Blues dance on its roof.”
9. Visit Bird Haven Greenhouse and Conservatory
Bird Haven Greenhouse and Conservatory is as big as three acres sittingwithin Pilcher Park and Higginbotham Woods. The greenhouse and conservatory were built in the early 1900’s, by Lord and Burnham Company, featuring an Italian Renaissance style. This is a year-round attraction for park visitors, as the site offers a tropical indoor facility with seasonal flora, a cacti room, and a show house.
10. Tour the Old Joliet Prison
“Managed as an actual prison from 1858-2002, the Old Joliet Prison now functions as a historical site drawing thousands of visitors to the facility each year to tour the grounds. The site has also been featured as a filming location for The Blues Brothers, Red Heat, and Prison Break,” shares Joliet City Center Partnership. Joliet visitors and Route 66 travelers say this historical site is a fun and must-see gem of the city. The attraction is managed by the Joliet Area Historical Museum, which also offers a variety of tours. Tours include walking tours, photography tours, historical, guard tours, and haunted history tours.
11. Enjoy a Chicagoland Speedway race and Route 66 Raceway
Hear engines roar at Chicagoland Speedway, one of the biggest racetracks in the region, with a total of 47,000 seats and a 1.5-mile D-shaped track. The arena holds some of the most prestigious events, like the NASCAR Cup Series. Visitors say they love the thrill of watching cars zoom past them in a blur, the greasy food, and cheap beer. Next to the speedway is the Route 66 Raceway. This is another race track, much smaller in size, but holds events for a wider variety of racing vehicles. Visitors love this arena because you can get behind the wheel of a NASCAR and race yourself.
12. Admire the Jacob Henry Mansion’s architecture
The Jacob Henry Mansion is known to be Illinois’ largest and best example of Renaissance Revival architecture and won an Architecture Award at the American Centennial Celebration in Philadelphia in 1876. The mansion was built in 1873 by Jacob A. Henry, a wealthy railroad magnate. Construction latest up to three years to complete a 16,800-square-foot house with over 40 rooms. The National Historic Landmark has true old Victorian charm. Its grounds are very well preserved and can be admired from the outside. The interior of the house can be visited by people only hosting or attending events.
13. Bowl at Joliet Town & Country Lanes
Locals see the Joliet Town & County Lanes as the best bowling alley in Will county because it’s the perfect place to spend the evening with friends and family. The venue has been family owned since 1958, and the bowling alley is massive with multiple lanes to enjoy open bowling, join a league, and try tournaments too. The venue has shoe rentals, a restaurant, and a bar.
14. Friends of Community Public Art
Art lovers should not miss the Friends of Community Public Art (FCPA). The FCPA has scheduled tours of the beautiful and thought-provoking art murals scattered throughout the city, as well as mosaic sculptures. Some murals depict themes of local sports teams, history, culture and heritage, science, and more. They really add charm to the neighborhoods, a stunning example of community art put together by efforts of the non-profit FCPA, the city, and the local artists.
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