Things to do in Joliet, Illinois
- Joliet was originally named Juliet, but the name was changed in 1845 to honor the explorer Louis Jolliet.
- The city is bisected by the Des Plaines River, which historically served as a critical waterway for the Illinois and Michigan Canal.
- Joliet sits at the intersection of several major rail lines, earning it a reputation as a central hub for Midwestern freight transportation.
- The city has been a frequent filming location for major Hollywood productions, most notably for its iconic prison and historic downtown streetscapes.
About Joliet, Illinois
Joliet sits along the historic Route 66 and is defined by its industrial heritage and iconic limestone architecture. Visitors often begin at the Joliet Area Historical Museum to understand the city's evolution from a canal town to a manufacturing hub. The community preserves its cultural legacy through grand venues like the Rialto Square Theatre and the imposing structures of the Old Joliet Prison. Outdoor recreation is centered around expansive green spaces like Dellwood Park, which provides a contrast to the city's historic urban core.
Highlights of Joliet, Illinois
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Venues
This ornate venue is renowned for its grand lobby and history as a premier vaudeville theater.
Places of interest
This decommissioned facility offers guided tours detailing its long history as a state penitentiary.
Museums
This museum serves as the official visitor center for the Illinois Route 66 National Scenic Byway.
Parks
This protected site is a vital nesting ground for various species of herons and egrets.
Parks
This park is located along the Des Plaines River and features a community pavilion used for various city events.
Temples
This cathedral is noted for its distinctive Romanesque architecture and detailed stained-glass windows.
Parks
This landmark commemorates the city's deep connection to the Mother Road with dedicated public installations.
Parks
This park provides extensive trails and wooded areas for hiking and active recreation.
Top things to do in Joliet, Illinois
The 52 highest-rated places in Joliet, Illinois, ranked by travellers.
1
Venues
The Rialto Square Theatre is a historic vaudeville-era palace featuring a distinctive Neoclassical and Baroque interior...
2
Parks
Kankakee River State Park spans over 4,000 acres along both sides of the Kankakee River, characterized by limestone cany...
3
Parks
Dellwood Park is a sprawling 65-acre recreational area managed by the Lockport Park District. The park is characterized...
4
Places of interest
Old Joliet Prison is an 1858 limestone correctional facility that operated for over 140 years before closing in 2002. Th...
5
Parks
Perry Farm Park is a 170-acre public park managed by the Bourbonnais Township Park District, known for its extensive net...
6
Amusement parks
Sky Zone Joliet is an indoor trampoline park featuring wall-to-wall bouncing surfaces designed for recreational jumping...
7
Parks
Pilcher Park Nature Center is a 640-acre woodland preserve located along the Hickory Creek basin in Joliet, Illinois. Th...
8
Parks
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is the largest protected tallgrass prairie east of the Mississippi River, spanning ap...
9
Museums
The Joliet Area Historical Museum serves as the primary repository for the cultural and industrial history of Joliet, Il...
10
Parks
William G. Stratton State Park is a 10-acre recreational site located directly on the Illinois River in Morris, Illinois...
11
Parks
Settlers' Park is a central community hub located in downtown Plainfield, Illinois, designed to showcase the area's pion...
12
Venues
Duly Health and Care Field is a multi-purpose stadium located in downtown Joliet, Illinois, primarily serving as the hom...
13
Historical places
The Joliet Iron Works Historic Site is an open-air industrial ruin located along the Illinois and Michigan Canal trail s...
14
Parks
Breidert Green Park is a centrally located community space in downtown Frankfort, Illinois, serving as the primary hub f...
15
Parks
Brent Hassert Park is a well-maintained community park operated by the Lockport Township Park District, located in Crest...
16
Parks
Lake Renwick Preserve is a premier bird sanctuary in Plainfield, Illinois, centered around a 850-acre site managed by th...
17
Parks
Orland Grassland is a 960-acre nature preserve in Cook County, Illinois, managed by the Forest Preserves of Cook County....
18
Parks
Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park is a 10-acre waterfront green space situated along the Des Plaines River in downtown J...
19
Parks
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Parks
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Historical places
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Places of interest
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Museums
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Parks
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Parks
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Parks
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Parks
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Temples
30
Parks
Around Joliet, Illinois
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Joliet, Illinois on the map
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Plan your visit to Joliet, Illinois
Late spring through early autumn, as the temperate climate is ideal for exploring outdoor preserves like the Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve.
2 days, which allows sufficient time to tour historical landmarks and explore the regional park systems.
The city is primarily car-dependent, though it is connected to Chicago via the Metra commuter rail line.
Stay in the downtown area for immediate access to historic venues, or consider the outskirts near major highway interchanges for more modern hotel options.
Mid-range; lodging and dining costs are generally lower than those found in nearby Chicago.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 52 curated attractions in and around Joliet, Illinois, ranked by traveller ratings.
Rialto Square Theatre is the highest-rated place to visit in Joliet, Illinois right now.
The largest category is parks, with 30 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Downtown Los Angeles, Bayonne, New Jersey, Washington, D.C..
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