Situated just 48 km (30 miles) from Chicago, Joliet is one of the largest cities in the state of Illinois, USA. Divided into two by the Des Plaines River, Joliet makes the most of its waterfront and riverside location, with plenty of beautiful creeks, lakes, waterways, river walks, parks, etc, that add to the charm of the place. The city of Joliet is situated on the historic Route 66 and this makes it a perfect stopping point for travelers exploring this legendary U.S. road. Attractions in Joliet include the Joliet Area Historical Museum, Old Joliet Prison, Joliet Route 66 Stadium, Chicagoland Speedway, Hollywood Casino, Pilcher Park Nature Center, landmarks like the beautiful Rialto Square Theatre, Jacob A. Henry Mansion, Bird Haven Greenhouse & Conservatory, and more. There are plenty of restaurants serving local and global cuisines, world-class shopping malls, casinos, golf courses and family entertainment venues in Joliet. With so much to see and do, it can be tough to make a choice. But we’ve done all the research and taken out the guesswork for you! Come along and take a look at all the things to do in Joliet, Illinois.
1. Visit Joliet Veteran's Memorial Bicentennial Park
Built as a memorial to honour the country’s 200th birthday, the Bicentennial Park also has acres of beautiful parklands along the banks of the Des Plaines River. Visitors can enjoy a beautiful river walk at the park and take in the views of the downtown as well as the boat traffic on the river. The park also has a memorial dedicated to the war veterans, a series of historic murals and a mosaic that showcases the prominent landmarks of the area.
Joliet Veteran's Memorial Bicentennial Park
Address: 201 W Jefferson St, Joliet, IL 60432
Website: Joliet Veteran’s Memorial Bicentennial Park
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 8am - 4:30pm; Fri: 8am - 12pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
2. Watch a baseball game at Joliet Route 66 Stadium
Posted by Joliet Slammers on Wednesday, 26 June 2019
Home of the Joliet Slammers baseball team, Joliet Route 66 Stadium is a popular baseball field in the area that has been named so to honour the legendary highway (Route 66) that shaped the U.S. With two levels of seating at this stadium, taking in a baseball game is both easy and enjoyable. Amenities like restrooms, concession stands and a parking area are also conveniently located. Whether you are a baseball fan or not, catch a game at the Joliet Route 66 Stadium for a fun night out!
Joliet Route 66 Stadium
Address: 1 Mayor Art Schultz Dr., Joliet, IL 60432
Website:Joliet Route 66 Stadium
3. Explore the Joliet Area Historical Museum
April 6, 2017 is the 100th anniversary of the US joining World War I, so we made this month's Artifact of the Month case...
Posted by Joliet Area Historical Museum on Tuesday, 4 April 2017
Opened in 2002, the Joliet Area Historical Museum is a treasure trove of information about Joliet and its people. In its main exhibition gallery, visitors can admire historical artefacts, documents, and pictures related to Joliet. There are plenty of life-size models, audio-visual presentations, simulators, and many other interactive exhibits to explore at this museum. Temporary and special exhibits are also regularly displayed at the museum.
Joliet Area Historical Museum
Address: 204 Ottawa St. Joliet, IL 60432
Website: Joliet Area Historical Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm
Price: 5 USD onwards
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4. Check out murals by local artists at Friends of Community Public Art
Peppered throughout the city of Joliet are several beautiful and thought-provoking murals that are created by local artists. These striking murals were created by the joint efforts of the city of Joliet and the non-profit organisation, Friends of Community Public Art (FCPA). Depicting slice-of-life scenes on themes like theatre, baseball, performing arts, sports, science, history, heritage, culture, etc., these murals add a unique charm to Joliet’s neighbourhoods. As stunning examples of community art, the murals are added attractions that visitors can admire while strolling through the streets of Joliet.
Friends of Community Public Art
Address: 310 N Ottawa St, Joliet, IL 60432
5. Try your luck at Hollywood Casino Joliet
Have a fun night out eating, drinking and trying your luck at winning a jackpot when you visit the Hollywood Casino Joliet! On their massive casino floor, you can enjoy playing at the slot machines, video poker machines, or table games like craps, blackjack, roulette, and more. Place a bet at one of many machines and you just might win big! The casino also has fine dining restaurants, bars, a café, gift shop and a full-service hotel for a comfortable stay.
Hollywood Casino Joliet
Address: 777 Hollywood Blvd, Joliet, IL 60436
Website: Hollywood Casino Joliet
Opening hours: 7:30am - 5:30am (daily)
6. Admire the splendid architecture of Jacob Henry Mansion Estate
Built in 1873 by a railroad magnate, the Jacob Henry Mansion Estate is a stunning building that is the largest surviving example of the Renaissance Revival style of architecture in the entire state of Illinois. Made from Joliet limestone, this National Historic Landmark has an old Victorian charm about it and it is marvellous to look at. The mansion and its grounds are very well kept and can be admired from the outside. The interior is only open to people hosting or attending events.
Jacob Henry Mansion Estate
Address: 20 S Eastern Ave, Joliet, IL 60433
Website: Jacob Henry Mansion Estate
7. Catch a performance at Rialto Square Theatre
For some live entertainment in Joliet, head on over to the Rialto Square Theatre, renowned as one of the 10 most beautiful theatres in the U.S. The theatre has a beautiful European style architecture and provides a wonderful venue for concerts, plays and even comedy specials. So, when in Joliet, do drop by at the Rialto Square Theatre to enjoy the ambience, take in the beauty and have an entertaining night watching a play or a concert.
Rialto Square Theatre
Address: 102 N Chicago St, Joliet, IL 60432
Website: Rialto Square Theatre
8. Shop till you drop at Westfield Louis Joliet Mall
Sandal season is upon us! Shop rue21, now through Sun, Apr 7 and enjoy buy one, get one 50% off shoes.
Posted by Louis Joliet Mall on Thursday, 4 April 2019
Treat yourself or your loved ones to a shopping spree at the Westfield Louis Joliet Mall where a plethora of shopping options await you. From H&M to Pandora to Claire’s to JC Penney, there are all kinds of stores specializing in apparel, accessories, footwear, beauty, kidswear, etc. at this mall. And after you’ve had your fill of shopping, there are plenty of restaurants, cafés and even a cinema to entertain you at the Westfield Louis Joliet Mall.
Westfield Louis Joliet Mall
Address: 3340 Mall Loop Dr, Joliet, IL 60431
Website: Westfield Louis Joliet Mall
Opening hours: 10am - 9pm (daily)
9. Tee off at the Inwood Golf Course
The day started with rain but ended with a beautiful afternoon of golf. ⛳️ #GolfJoliet
Posted by Inwood Golf Course on Tuesday, 4 June 2019
Take a break from the sights and sounds of Joliet and enjoy a round of golf at the Inwood Golf Casino. Spread out over 6100 yards (5500 metres), this picturesque golf course is well-maintained, has gently rolling greens with some challenges, and is suitable for both beginners as well as expert players. The Inwood Golf Course is a great place to relax with your friends over golf, and some beers and food afterwards.
Inwood Golf Course
Address: 3200 W Jefferson St, Joliet, IL 60431
Website: Inwood Golf Course
Opening hours: 5am - 7pm (daily) (check tee times)
Price: 15 USD onwards
10. Enjoy biking in Pilcher Park
Pilcher Park in Joliet consists of 640 acres (260 hectares) of lush green space that provides plenty of opportunities for the whole family to enjoy nature and the great outdoors. The park has an array of scenic trails suitable for hiking and biking. Visitors can bring their bicycles and enjoy biking across the beautiful terrain of the park stretching across many miles. Spot the local wildlife, stop under the canopy of trees to have a picnic or just cycle non-stop through the park; whatever you choose to do, you will surely enjoy biking in Pilcher Park.
Pilcher Park
Address: 2501 Highland Park Dr, Joliet, IL 60432
Website: Pilcher Park
Opening hours: 9am - 4:30pm (daily)
11. Admire plants at Bird Haven Greenhouse & Conservatory
Designed in the Italian Renaissance style, Bird Haven Greenhouse & Conservatory in Joliet was built in the early 1900s. The beautiful facility houses many local, exotic and tropical plants in its historic greenhouse. Bird Haven Greenhouse & Conservatory also has a show house, cacti room and picturesque outdoor gardens. Take a breather from the hectic sightseeing and admire the pretty plants at this green haven in Joliet.
Bird Haven Greenhouse & Conservatory
Address: 225 Gougar Rd, Joliet, IL 60432
Website: Bird Haven Greenhouse & Conservatory
Opening hours: 8am - 4:30pm (daily)
12. Enjoy a fun-filled day at Haunted Trails Family Entertainment Center
Take in a bit of fun and games with your friends or family at Joliet’s Haunted Trails Family Entertainment Center. The entertainment centre has many attractions to engage children as well as adults. There are go-kart tracks, batting cages, award-winning miniature golf courses, arcade games, picnic areas and more themed attractions at the indoor-outdoor Haunted Trails Family Entertainment Center.
Haunted Trails Family Entertainment Center
Address: 1423 N. Broadway (Rt. 53) Joliet, IL. 60435
Website: Haunted Trails Family Entertainment Center
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 11pm
13. Take a tour of Old Joliet Prison
Featured in many films and TV shows, Old Joliet Prison is a former correctional facility in Joliet that has recently been converted into a tourist attraction. Visitors to Joliet and travellers on Route 66 can take a stop at this historic prison to understand its history through a variety of tours. Walking tours of different types are offered at Old Joliet Prison including photography, historical, haunted history and guard tours. At the Old Joliet Prison, you can learn about the grim history of the prison and its inhabitants, walk through the passages, and photograph this historic structure in stunning natural light.
Old Joliet Prison
Address: 1125 Collins St, Joliet, IL 60432
Website: Old Joliet Prison
Opening hours: Check tour schedule timings
Price: 15 USD onwards
14. Play 10-pin bowling at Joliet Town & Country Lanes
Practice is underway for the PBA/PBA 50 Doubles John Kontos Memorial Midwest/Central open! The tournament begins at noon...
Posted by Joliet Town & Country Lanes on Friday, 28 June 2019
Open since 1957, Joliet Town & Country Lanes has been voted as the best bowling alley in the area and it is the perfect place to spend an enjoyable afternoon or evening with friends or family. Enjoy bowling at the multiple-lane massive bowling alley that has open bowling, leagues and tournaments too. Shoe rentals, a restaurant and bar are also available at this entertainment venue. So, grab your buddies and enjoy playing 10-pin bowling at Joliet Town & Country Lanes!
Joliet Town & Country Lanes
Address: 2231 W Jefferson St, Joliet, IL 60435
Website: Joliet Town & Country Lanes
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 8am - 12am (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: 3 USD onwards
15. Visit the haunted Hiram B. Scutt Mansion
Hiram B. Scutt Mansion is a beautiful three-storey, Italianate/Second Empire style house built in 1882 for an important businessman of Joliet. Besides the red brick exterior, a massive three-and-a-half storey protruding tower is the prominent feature of the house. But the reason for the mansion’s popularity is not its beauty, but the number of haunted sightings at the house. It is a popular spot for paranormal activity; investigators and curious visitors can check out the mansion from the outside.
Hiram B. Scutt Mansion
Address: 206 N Broadway; Joliet, Will County, Illinois
16. Enjoy a meal at Al's Steak House
As one of the oldest upscale dining restaurants in Joliet, Al’s Steak House is a wonderful place to treat yourself and your loved ones to a scrumptious meal. At the 150-seater elegant dining room of this restaurant, indulge in a delicious steak dinner, fresh seafood dishes or light salads. Must-try items at the restaurant are their Grecian-style steaks and double baked potato. The restaurant also offers burgers, sandwiches, soups, and yummy desserts. Wash down your meal with perfectly paired wines from their extensive wine list.
Al's Steak House
Address: 1990 West Jefferson St., Joliet, IL 60435
Website: Al’s Steak House
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 11pm; Sun: 10am - 10pm
17. Catch the latest movie at Cinemark
Relax with a tub of popcorn and an ice-cold soda while watching the latest flick at Cinemark cinema at the Louis Joliet Mall. With multiple screens, comfortable and plush seating, and several snacking options, watching a movie with your family or friends will be an enjoyable experience at Cinemark. Perfect for a date night or night out with friends, Cinemark offers you the chance to enjoy the latest and the best movies in a comfortable environment.
Cinemark
Address: 3340 Mall Loop Dr, Joliet, IL 60431
Website: Cinemark
Opening hours: According to show timings
18. Have a great night at the Terrace Inn Lounge
Posted by The Terrace Inn Lounge on Thursday, 21 April 2016
When you are in the mood for some good music, fun ambience, awesome drinks and mature crowd experience, head on over to the Terrace Inn Lounge in Joliet. The lounge has an inviting atmosphere and provides a real old-school bar experience. The laidback vibe of the lounge and the patrons adds to the charm of the place. Enjoy live music, laughter, and have a great night out at the Terrace Inn Lounge.
Terrace Inn Lounge
Address: 630 Gardner St, Joliet, IL 60433
Website: Terrace Inn Lounge
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9pm - 12am; Sun: 12am - 2:45pm; 9pm - 2am
19. Enjoy a few drinks at Jameson's Pub
? ? TGIF ?? Friday is $6 Martinis at both our locations! Stop on in after work and try one of our delicious...
Posted by Jameson's Pub on Friday, 5 July 2019
Soak in the all-American atmosphere of Jameson’s Pub in Joliet as you enjoy a few drinks with friends or colleagues. Jameson’s Pub has a modern bar setting and plenty of TV screens to watch live games as you catch up with your buddies. While the bartenders whip up mean cocktails, their exhaustive beer list is worth checking out too. They also have daily drink specials and happy hours that you can take advantage of. Their food specials and game nights are another reason to visit Jameson’s Pub.
Jameson's Pub
Address: 2755 Black Rd, Joliet, IL 60435
Website: Jameson’s Pub
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 1am; Fri - Sat: 11am - 3am
20. Take the kids to Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Spend some quality time with your kids and watch them have a ton of fun at the Sky Zone Trampoline Park. The indoor entertainment park features a variety of attractions that your kids will love to check out. There is a Ninja Warrior Course, Freeclimb wall, Ultimate Dodgeball, Skyslam, Skywars and Freestyle Jump that has wall-to-wall trampolines for endless jumping fun! There is a special area for toddlers as well, and many more attractions that both kids and adults can enjoy. When in Joliet, a visit to the Sky Zone Trampoline Park is a must!
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Address: 2318 Essington Rd, Joliet, IL 60435
Website: Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri: 11am - 11pm; Sat: 10am - 11pm; Sun: 10am - 9pm
Price: 16.99 USD onwards
Something for everyone in Joliet, Illinois
Though Joliet is not as well known to the regular public as its mega and illustrious Illinois cousins like Chicago, Joliet has managed to carve a space for itself on the tourist map. Famed for its strategic location on the historic Route 66, Joliet has many attractions that visitors can enjoy. There are museums, historic buildings, beautiful community art, haunted mansions, entertainment venues, shopping, food, cinemas, and more to enjoy here. Make sure you grab our list of all the best things to do here before you visit Joliet, Illinois.
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