Attractions and Places To See around Joliet - Top 20

Joliet is rich in history. You can visit the iconic Joliet Prison, famous from movies, or explore the well-preserved Historic I & M Canal lock along the Illinois & Michigan Canal. Other notable historical sites include the Rialto Square Theatre, the Joliet Area Historical Museum, the Joliet Iron Works Historic Site, and the elegant Jacob Henry Mansion Estate.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail offers over 96 miles for biking and hiking, with abundant wildlife and historical sites. Pilcher Park Nature Center and Rock Run Preserve also provide extensive trails for hiking and biking. For more specific routes, you can find various cycling and gravel biking tours around Joliet, including routes like the I&M Canal and Waterfall Glen Trail Loop, or easy hikes such as the Spring Creek Greenway Loop. You can explore these routes on the Joliet guide page.

Yes, Joliet offers several family-friendly options. The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail is great for walks and bike rides. Pilcher Park Nature Center provides educational exhibits and outdoor exploration. For summer fun, Splash Station Waterpark is a popular choice. The Joliet Area Historical Museum also features interactive displays suitable for families.

Joliet is a significant stop on historic Route 66. You can delve into its legacy at the Joliet Area Historical Museum's 'Route 66 Experience,' visit the Route 66 Raceway for motorsports, or stop by the nostalgic First Dairy Queen Location, a classic Route 66 landmark. The Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 also preserves the legacy of Illinois rock and roll.

Joliet boasts a vibrant cultural scene. The opulent Rialto Square Theatre hosts diverse performances and offers guided tours. You can also discover over 100 murals, mosaics, and sculptures throughout the city created by Friends of Community Public Art. For entertainment, there are two casino/hotels, Hollywood Casino Joliet and Harrah's Casino Joliet, and you can catch a Joliet Slammers baseball game at Duly Health and Care Field.

Absolutely. Pilcher Park Nature Center is a premier woodland known for its spring wildflowers, old-growth trees, and hiking trails. Within Pilcher Park, you'll also find the Bird Haven Greenhouse & Conservatory. Rock Run Preserve offers trails for hiking and biking, along with opportunities for fishing and birdwatching. The Romeoville Prairie Nature Preserve, accessible via Schneider's Passage Entrance, is another excellent spot for nature lovers.

At Schneider's Passage Entrance, Centennial Trail – Romeoville Prairie Nature Preserve, you'll find convenient facilities including seating, restrooms, parking, and bike tools. It serves as an ideal break point along the trail connecting Joliet and Sag Quarries.

Yes, the Schneider's Passage Entrance, Centennial Trail – Romeoville Prairie Nature Preserve is noted as wheelchair accessible, offering facilities for all visitors. Many of Joliet's parks and trails, such as sections of the Illinois & Michigan Canal Trail, are designed with accessibility in mind, though specific accessibility features can vary by location.

Beyond hiking and biking, Joliet offers diverse outdoor activities. You can explore the historic Illinois & Michigan Canal, which is popular for walking, running, and cycling. Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park, situated along the Des Plaines River, features a riverwalk promenade. Rock Run Preserve provides opportunities for fishing and birdwatching. For detailed routes, check out the Joliet guide page for gravel biking, cycling, and easy hikes.

Visitors appreciate the blend of history and nature. Many enjoy stopping at historical points like the Historic I & M Canal lock along the I&M Canal Trail. The scenic views along cycleways, such as those near the DuPage River Bridge, are also highly rated. The extensive network of trails, like the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail, is a favorite for nature lovers and sports enthusiasts.

Yes, Joliet is situated along the Des Plaines River and the historic Illinois & Michigan Canal. You can enjoy the riverwalk promenade at Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park, or explore the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail, which runs alongside the canal and offers scenic views, including those from the DuPage River Bridge.