Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Joliet, Illinois. #Top Attractions

With the help of our travel guides, organizing a trip to Joliet, Illinois, is a breeze. Here is our hand-picked list of the top activities and attractions in Joliet, Illinois, so you can make the most of your time there. Scroll down for the best things to do in Joliet, Illinois, and the best places to visit in Joliet, Illinois. Wondrous Drifter is a Web 3.0 startup in the tourism industry that aims to disrupt the industry as a whole by utilizing Web 3.0 technologies.

Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park

Downtown Joliet, Illinois’ Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park is a picturesque 10-acre green space located between Cass and Jefferson streets along the river.

The park was named after Billie Louise Limache, an influential woman in the city who pushed for its construction and oversaw its operation.

The park was built for the Bicentennial of the United States of America as a commemorative project.

It was handed over to Joliet once the park was completed. The city has managed it with Will-Joliet Bicentennial Park, Inc. (the organization that raises funds for the park).

It is the only park in Joliet owned and operated by the city that is not a part of the Joliet Park District.

You’ll see Joliet and Will County residents hosting a wide range of events at Bicentennial Park.

Not only that, in addition to their outdoor bandshell and a viewing hill, they also have a 350-seat indoor theater.

Address: 2231 W Jefferson St, Joliet, IL 60435, United States

Bird Haven Greenhouse

Pilcher Park is home to the Bird Haven Greenhouse and Conservatory and is 630 acres in size.

The beautiful flower arrangements and landscapes are not to be scoffed at. Many of which have won awards can be found in the greenhouse and conservatory.

Joliet’s Bird Haven Greenhouse & Conservatory was built in the early 1900s and featured and was heavily inspired by Italian Renaissance design.

The historic greenhouse at this stunning facility is home to a diverse collection of plants from around the world.

There is also a display house, cacti room, and lovely outdoor gardens at Bird Haven Greenhouse & Conservatory.

And even a small fish pond filled with colorful koi.

Take a break from the bustle of Joliet’s loud tourist attractions and take in the city’s lush vegetation at this tranquil haven.

You can take a guided tour of the facility and learn some cool information about the local fauna and flora of the state’s area by signing up for the time.

Address: 225 Gougar Rd, Joliet, IL 60432, United States

Dirt Oval at Route 66

The Dirt Oval at Route 66 is one of the top attractions in Illinois.

The Dirt Oval at Route 66 is an iconic spot in Joliet.

The fans here are like a big family. And a great experience is a priority for all the staff there.

Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Illinois, has a 12-mile dirt oval called Dirt Oval 66, located right next door. A sister property to Chicagoland Speedway, the dirt track was founded in 1999.

It’s possible to spend the night outdoors, tailgate for hours, and spend time with family and friends before the big event.

Their passion for motorsports is contagious, and they deliver jaw-dropping thrills in every race they attend.

Derbies, Late Model Races, Sprint Cars, Monster Trucks, and more are just a few of the many types of motorsports events in the Dirt Oval.

They participate in several charitable endeavors too! Like raising money for cancer research via striking cars with a baseball.

After the events, you can enjoy the best Midwestern fireworks display.

Address: 3200 S Chicago St, Joliet, IL 60433, United States

Up for an adventure? Illinois has a lot to offer! If you’re looking for unique travel ideas, see our guides for Aurora and Naperville! Do and see more exciting things to do in Aurora,Illinois, and the best things to do in Naperville, Illinois!

Friends of Community Public Art

The Friends of Community Public Art offers a guided tour of the city’s art murals and the Joliet Mosaic Sculpture Studios for those interested in the arts.

Local artists have painted a slew of striking murals all over Joliet, illuminating the city with their work.

Friends of Community Public Art and the local artists of the city of Joliet collaborated to create these stunning murals.

There are some art pieces invoking the lives of the artists.

These murals depict a wide range of subjects, from theater to baseball, science, history, heritage, and culture.

While strolling through the streets, visitors can take in the murals as stunning examples of local talent.

The growing art scene ( and appreciation) in this specific part of Illinois is on display here, so stop by and see the work of local artists up close.

To commemorate your trip, you can even purchase a piece of art!

Address: 310 N Ottawa St, Joliet, IL

Haunted Trails

The Haunted Trails in Joliet, Illinois, is a great place to have some fun and games with your friends or family.

The name is not to be taken literally; it is actually an entertainment center.

It’s one of three legendary Chicagoland family entertainment centers, the others being Haunted Trails in nearby Joliet.

It started out as a small arcade and miniature golf facility in 1988 but has since grown into a 14-acre indoor-outdoor complex that can host groups of up to 2,000.

It has a wide variety of activities for children and adults.

The indoor-outdoor Haunted Trails Family Entertainment Center features go-kart tracks, batting cages, award-winning miniature golf courses, arcade games, picnic areas, and other themed attractions.

Miniature golf courses, go-kart tracks, batting cages, rides, two game rooms, and a 325-seat restaurant/party room are just some of the themed attractions at the park.

The Monsters’ Tomb Game Room’s redemption games and prizes are among the best in the city too!

Address: 1423 N Broadway St, Joliet, IL 60435, United States

Have the intention to visit Illinois? Discover our travel guides to Springfield and Chicago. See through the fascinating things to do in Springfield, Illinois and the best things to do in Chicago, Illinois!

Hollywood Casino Joliet

Some people say outdoor activities are for the daring, but it takes a different type of bravery to try a casino.

Take a trip straight to the Hollywood Casino in Joliet if you feel lucky. There are more than 1,000 slot and video poker machines to choose from.

Live poker is also held daily at the casino, so there are many options if you prefer to play at a table.

The casino also has a hotel and RV park on-site and the casino itself.

Visit the Hollywood Casino Joliet for a fun night of dining, drinking, and testing how lucky are you!

There are countless poker machines, slot machines, and various table games, like blackjack and roulette, which can all be found on the massive casino floor.

You could win big if you place a quick bet on one of the many slot machines!

Additionally, there are upscale dining establishments, a gift shop, bars, and a hotel with full-service amenities at the casino.

Address: 777 Hollywood Blvd, Joliet, IL 60436, United States

Inwood Golf Course

If you’re looking for a lowkey place to hang out and have fun, Inwood Golf Course may be the best choice for you.

Even though it has undergone numerous renovations since it first opened in 1931, the Inwood Golf Course still exudes a classic ambiance.

In addition to a golf course, there is also a driving range and a putting green.

So you can work on all aspects of your game when you visit.

The Inwood Golf Course is a great place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Joliet.

6100 yards (5500 meters) of well-maintained rolling greens with a few challenges await novice and expert golfers alike at this picturesque course.

A round of golf at the Inwood Golf Course, followed by some drinks and food, is a great way to unwind with friends.

In addition, there is a pro shop where you can get any equipment you need and a concession stand and a bar.

Address: 3200 W Jefferson St, Joliet, IL 60431, United States

Jacob Henry Mansion

Jacob A. Henry, a railroad tycoon, built the mansion in 1873.

It was built on what was previously called the ‘Silk Stocking Row.’

In the entire state of Illinois, this magnificent structure is the biggest remaining Renaissance Revival edifice.

The mansion features a black oak and walnut-covered floor of more than 16,800 square feet and 40 opulently decorated rooms.

He commissioned a German master craftsman for his exquisite and lavishly designed interiors. It took 3 years for the mansion to be completed.

Joliet’s National Historic Landmark mansion, built in the late 1800s, is one of the region’s stunning Victorian structures.

Take a few minutes to fully admire the architecture of the huge mansion.

Besides the guided tour of the place, the mansion also hosts special events.

The Estate Dinner Theater is a fun event held at the mansion. You can munch on a meal and a musical performance simultaneously.

Address: 20 S Eastern Ave, Joliet, IL 60433, United States

Joliet Area Historical Museum

The Joliet Area Historical Museum is one of the best places to visit in Illinois.

If you’re curious about the history of Joliet, Illinois, you should visit the Joliet Area Historical Museum.

The museum features a wide variety of galleries, including the Route 66 Experience and the War Heroes Gallery, encouraging visitors to get up close and personal with their history.

The Joliet Area Historical Museum, which opened in 2002, is a veritable goldmine of information about the city of Joliet and its residents.

Museum visitors can view historical artifacts, documents, and photographs depicting Joliet’s past in its main exhibition hall.

This museum has a wide variety of interactive exhibits, including life-size models, audiovisual presentations, simulators, etc.

Regularly, there are also temporary and special exhibits on display.

This is in addition to a growing collection of exhibits such as The Soaring Accomplishments of John C. Houbolt, which details the historic Apollo missions.

You can have fun learning about Joliet’s history while you ooh and aah at the displays.

Address: 204 N Ottawa St, Joliet, IL 60432, United States

Joliet Iron Works Historic Site

Even though there are no museums devoted to the history of the Chicago region’s industrial and labor history, the landscapes of defunct industries can still be found.

Between the years 1991 and 1997, the Joliet Iron Works Historic Site was bought.

Des Plaines River Preserve is part of the 2,400-acre Des Plaines River Preserve System.

From the late 1800s up to the early 1900s, the area had been home to an iron manufacturing plant before the District purchased it.

The foundations of the blast furnaces and some of the other structures from the demolished factory are among the cultural assets safeguarded at the preserve.

However, this is a well-preserved historical site. It’s hard to believe that in the early 1900s, Joliet Iron Works employed over 4,000 people.

The I&M Canal Trail, a 7.57-mile crushed limestone/paved path, is also accessible from the preserve.

And the best part is it’s completely free to come and see.

Address: Columbia St, Joliet, IL 60432, United States

Joliet’s Splash Station

The Joliet’s Splash Station is one of the best things to do in Illinois.

The Splash Station Waterpark in Illinois is the best place to come to when you want to escape the summer heat.

Two thousand people can bathe at this 20-acre aquatic facility built by the Joliet Park District and the City of Joliet in Joliet.

You can find water rides such as Miner’s Mountain and Raging Rapids Ravine in the parkland.

It’s important to Splash Station that local families have a place to cool off during the hot summer months.

You know it’s legit when even locals flock to it.

This outdoor water park’s railroad theme includes a six-person racing slide, body slides, tube slides, a lazy river, and a zero-depth pool.

And if that’s not your thing, the Pelican Pond and Sandy Play Area offer a more serene alternative.

Dining options are on-site if you get hungry and exhausted from playing on the water all day.

Kids especially love this place!

Address: 2780 Channahon Rd, Joliet, IL 60436, United States

Joliet Town & Country Lanes

You won’t find a better location to spend the afternoon or evening with friends or family than Joliet Town & Country Lanes, which opened in 1957.

The multiple-lane, massive bowling alley has open bowling, leagues, tournaments, and open bowling.

An on-site restaurant and bar provide additional services to patrons of this amusement complex.

In 1977, Town & Country added 18 more lanes to its original 26. It became Will County’s largest family-owned center two years later.

They even have a shop full of quality gear for anyone looking to up their game.

And they didn’t stop there.

Customers can now play video games and win great prizes in the new redemption game room they added in 2017.

The family has continuously remodeled and upgraded its facility to create a modern, family-oriented center.

So gather your friends and head to Joliet Town & Country Lanes for a round of 10-pin bowling!

Address: 2231 W Jefferson St, Joliet, IL 60435, United States

Old Joliet Prison

It’s no secret that the Old Joliet Prison in Joliet, Illinois, has appeared in numerous movies and television shows.

Prison Break and John Landis’s ‘The Blue Brothers’ were filmed at this location.

To learn more about the prison’s history, visitors to the charming town can attend one of a number of tours.

Moreover, tours of the Old Joliet Prison are available in various formats, from photography and historical to haunted stories and prison guard tours.

Old Joliet Prison is a great place to photograph in natural light while learning about the prison’s gruesome past.

You can also walk through the prison’s passageways to learn more about how the inmates lived.

Also, visitors do swear that the spirits of those who have served here are still haunting the grounds.

While some tourists say they spotted disembodied bodies and shadowy figures, others heard unexplained noises.

You will have a good time whether you’re there to sightsee or ghost hunt.

Address: 1125 Collins St, Joliet, IL 60432, United States

Pilcher Park

There are 640 acres of lush green space in Pilcher Park in Joliet, Illinois.

It provides plenty of opportunities for the entire family to get outside and enjoy nature.

There are numerous hiking and biking trails in the park.

The park’s beautiful terrain stretches for miles and miles, and visitors are encouraged to bring their bicycles.

According to many locals, visiting Pilcher Park in Joliet is a must if you love seeing some of the best plants and wildlife in Illinois.

Pilcher Park is also the home of the Pilcher Park Nature Center, the spot where you can see local animals on display. If you are already in the area, be sure to visit.

A naturalist will be nearby to answer the questions you can have while on a guided tour.

Pilcher Park is a great place to go biking if you want to see the local wildlife, stop for a picnic under the trees, or ride nonstop through the park.

Address: 2501 Highland Park Dr, Joliet, IL 60432, United States

Rialto Square Theatre

Are you a theater kid? Or just plain enjoy live performances?

Then look no further than Rialto Square Theatre.

Founded in 1926, the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet has been entertaining and leaving visitors in awe since then.

You can expect a wide variety of performances at the theater, including Broadway shows, dance recitals, musical concerts, and much more.

Visit the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet for some live entertainment, listed as one of the country’s most beautiful theaters.

Beautifully designed in the style of European theaters, the theater is a great place to see concerts, plays, and even stand-up specials.

So, if you’re in Joliet, stop by the Rialto Square Theatre to enjoy the atmosphere, take in the beauty, and enjoy a fun night out watching a play or a musical.

If you want to watch a performance in a unique location while you’re here, be sure to check local listings.

Address: 102 N Chicago St, Joliet, IL 60432, United States

Route 66 Park

For one of a kind location that is ideal for some great photo ops, Route 66 Park is perfect!

Pay a visit to the Route 66 Park’s Rich and Creamy Ice Cream stand that has delighted visitors for decades.

Joliet Kicks on Route 66 sign and historic Joliet Prison can be seen from the park as you stroll through.

Information kiosks are littered around the park, so you won’t get lost.

This theme spot pays homage to the famous highway and The Blues Brothers with an old-time ice cream stand and paths.

Next, look at the retro gas pump and the old signs that give off the vintage and retro vibe.

Exercising your legs in the park while admiring the historic Joliet Prison is a great way to exercise.

You’ll have the opportunity to sing the blues in Joliet’s Route 66 Park.

Come here to stretch your legs and enjoy indulging in some ice cream.

Address: 920 N Broadway St, Joliet, IL 60435, United States

Route 66 Raceway

Put your seatbelts on, come to Route 66 Raceway and get ready to feel the real speed.

Up to 30,000 people can sit in the stadium’s grandstands.

In addition to food vendors, race car spaces are located just outside the stadium and serve as display/work areas for participants.

It’s easy to find a place to park, and plenty of restrooms are available.

Bring earplugs; because it’s going to be loud! The type of loud that almost feels like ear damage! You can feel the sound pressure all over your body!

Bring a pair of earphones if you like and a bucket of sunscreen.

The experience will be both exhilarating and fun. Something you’ll dream about all the way to your home.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a racing fan to enjoy it.

You’re enthralled even before you arrive, and it doesn’t let up throughout the night.

In case it’s not obvious, this is definitely not suitable for kids.

Address: 500 Speedway Boulevard Joliet, IL 60432, United States

Rusty Wallace Racing Experience

Fan of fast cars and speed? Well, get excited but Rusty Wallace Racing Experience offers an excellent driving experience.

Have a pick between NASCAR-style driving experiences, dirt racing car experiences, formula driving experiences, exotic vehicle driving experiences, and drag-racing driving experiences.

The Racing Experience also offers good discounts and deals.

In addition, the staff at the track, from the registration desk to the pit crew, was extremely pleasant and courteous.

Before taking the wheel, you will be seated for a briefing on pre-race instructions and safety protocols.

You have the option of taking a ride along with an actual pro driver. They’ll show you how to drive for a few laps before letting you loose so you can really feel the speed.

The cars you will handle will be real stock cars bought from the NASCAR circuit. Some are even driven by professionals like Dale Jr.

The actual bookings for driving experiences will be handled by the driving experience companies themselves.

Address: 65 Patterson Ave, Pawtucket, RI 02860, United States

St. Joseph Catholic Church

Now, for a more peaceful and almost relaxing location, go to St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Anglican St. Joseph Church, built in 1891 to serve the community of growing Slovenian immigrants in Joliet’s City Center, is one of the city’s most historically significant structures.

St. Joseph Parish was founded by immigrants from what is now known as the northernmost Yugoslavian republic, Slovenia.

Styria, Carinthia, and Carniola were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire when immigrants began leaving the region for the United States in the late nineteenth century.

These people’s faith-filled journey has culminated in the creation of St. Joseph Parish.

Because of its immigrant ancestors and their descendants, the parish makes sure to remember its past.

The church has a gothic design with beautiful stained glass windows and a great altar.

Their pipe organ enhances the service’s music with a beautiful and rich tone.

You do not even have to be Catholic to appreciate how beautiful this church is.

Address: 416 N Chicago St, Joliet, IL 60432, United States

Westfield Louis Joliet Mall

Is there a better way to unwind than some good ol’ retail therapy?

If you’re in the mood to throw around cash in Joliet, head to the Westfield Louis Joliet Mall, which houses a ridiculous amount of shops.

As well as big-name stores like Macy’s, Sears & JC Penney that you’ll spend hours getting lost in.

You’ll also find a variety of smaller, more local brands at the mall.

Go crazy with your shopping spree at the Westfield Louis Joliet Mall, where you’ll find stores inspired from all over the world.

At this mall, you’ll find many stores specializing in clothing, accessories, footwear, beauty, children’s wear, and more.

The Westfield Louis Joliet Mall also has various dining options and a café, depending on how laid back you want the atmosphere to be.

Their food ranges from classic American to flavors from the other side of the world.

After emptying your pockets and eating your fill, you can enjoy their movie theater with all the shopping.

Address: 3340 Mall Loop Dr, Joliet, IL 60431, United States

Volunteer At Animal Shelters

Think about helping out at an animal shelter near you. This is one of the most meaningful things to do. There are too many abandoned pets because people let them have babies and don’t take care of them. Steps must be taken immediately to stop the growing number of stray and homeless cats and dogs. We need animal shelters to deal with the problems that arise when too many pets are abandoned.

Volunteering helps to promote awareness and contribute to the solution to pet overpopulation, neglect, and abuse.

While working directly with animals may appear to be the most obvious method to help, shelters are multi-faceted organizations that rely on the efforts of a diverse team to succeed. Perhaps your finest contribution would be volunteering as a pet publicist, photographing adoptable animals to capture their distinct personalities. This is only one of several ways to assist: Inquire with your local animal shelter about roles you might be able to fill. Many shelters also have youth programs where kids and teens can become involved and help others.

Learn more about the animal shelters in Joliet, Illinois, where you can dedicate your time. Donate to an animal shelter.

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