Just a quick 35-mile southwest cruise from Chicago, Joliet, Illinois is way more than just a pit stop off I-80.
This historic city along the Des Plaines River packs a surprising punch of outdoor adventures, rich railroad history, and attractions you won’t find anywhere else in Illinois.
Think Joliet is all about Route 66 nostalgia? Think again. We’re revealing the 12 absolute best things to do in Joliet, from underground boat tours to racing simulators that’ll get your heart pumping.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking to explore beyond Chicago, Joliet’s got the perfect mix of history, thrills, and small-town charm waiting for you.
1. Joliet Area Historical Museum – Best for History Buffs & Route 66 Fans
Housed in a beautifully restored 1903 Victorian Gothic building, the Joliet Area Historical Museum is where you’ll discover why this city was once called the “City of Stone.”
The interactive exhibits take you from Native American settlements through Joliet’s heyday as a steel and limestone powerhouse.
The Route 66 Experience exhibit is the star – sit in a 1950s diner booth, snap pics with vintage gas pumps, and learn why Joliet was a crucial stop on the “Mother Road.”
Kids love the hands-on limestone quarry display where they can “blast” rocks with push buttons.
Local tip: Check their calendar for free admission days (usually first Sundays) and don’t miss the third-floor gallery with stunning river views.
2. Pilcher Park Nature Center – Best for Hiking & Wildlife Spotting
This 642-acre oasis is Joliet’s backyard playground, with 6 miles of wooded trails that feel worlds away from the city.
The Nature Center houses turtles, snakes, and rotating exhibits about local ecology – perfect for curious kids.
The Hickory Creek Preserve section is where you might spot white-tailed deer or great horned owls if you visit at dawn or dusk.
In summer, the butterfly garden explodes with monarchs and swallowtails.
Trail secret: The Red Oak Trail has the best fall color displays when the maples turn fiery orange in October.
3. Chicagoland Speedway – Best for Racing Fans & Adrenaline Junkies
Feel the need for speed? The Chicagoland Speedway isn’t just for NASCAR weekends – this 1.5-mile tri-oval track offers ride-along experiences where you’ll hit 180+ mph with a professional driver.
Even if you’re not a racing fan, the energy during major events is electric.
The July NASCAR weekend turns the whole complex into a massive festival with live music and tailgating.
Budget tip: General admission tickets start under $30 for smaller events – way cheaper than big-city entertainment.
4. Splash Station Waterpark – Best for Families & Summer Fun
When Midwest humidity kicks in, Splash Station is Joliet’s favorite cool-down spot.
The 400-gallon tipping bucket delights kids every 15 minutes, while thrill-seekers love the “Ragin’ Rapids” tube slides.
The lazy river circles the whole park, perfect for parents who want to relax while keeping an eye on playing kids.
Bonus: The park offers discounted twilight tickets after 3 PM.
Local hack: Weekday mornings are least crowded – you might get whole slides to yourself!
5. Joliet Iron Works Historic Site – Best for Urban Exploration
These crumbling stone ruins are all that remain of what was once the second-largest steel producer in America.
The free outdoor museum lets you walk among massive furnaces and rail lines from the 1800s, with interpretive signs telling stories of immigrant workers.
Photographers love the gothic arches at golden hour, when shadows create dramatic effects on the weathered stone.
The 1.5-mile paved trail connects to the IJ&I Canal Trail for longer walks.
Safety note: Stay on marked paths – those ruins may look climbable but are fragile!
6. Hollywood Casino Joliet – Best for Entertainment & Nightlife
Dock along the Des Plaines River at this unique riverboat casino offering 1,000+ slots and table games.
Even if gambling’s not your thing, the live music lineup brings in surprisingly big names.
The on-site steakhouse serves up Midwestern prime cuts, while the 24-hour café keeps night owls fueled.
Dress code tip: Leave the shorts and flip-flops at home – they enforce a business casual policy after 8 PM.
7. Bird Haven Greenhouse & Conservatory – Best for Plant Lovers
This 1919 gem feels like stepping into a Victorian novel, with tropical plants, koi ponds, and seasonal flower shows all year round.
The desert room’s cacti collection will make you forget you’re in Illinois.
December’s “Holiday Magic” display (non-religious, just festive!) features poinsettia towers and model trains winding through miniature landscapes. Best part? It’s completely free to visit.
Photo spot: The central palm dome gets perfect diffused light for portraits.
8. Joliet Slammers Baseball – Best for Affordable Family Fun
Cheer on Joliet’s minor league baseball team at the downtown Duly Health Field.
With tickets starting at just $10, it’s one of the most budget-friendly family nights in town.
Between innings, kids can run the bases or compete in sumo wrestling costume races.
The craft beer selection (for adults) and extreme hot dogs (for everyone) make it a full experience.
Pro tip: Thursday games often have post-game fireworks!
9. Rock Run Preserve – Best for Mountain Biking & Fishing
This 1,100-acre forest preserve has some of the best mountain biking trails in the Chicago area, with 14 miles of loops ranging from beginner to expert.
The Argonne Lake is stocked with bass and catfish – bring your pole!
The dog park section has separate areas for large and small pups, plus agility equipment for training.
Winter bonus: The hills become prime sledding territory after snowfall.
10. Jacob Henry Mansion – Best for Architecture Buffs
This 1873 Second Empire masterpiece looks straight out of a Gothic novel, with its mansard roof and ornate ironwork.
While the interior is now private offices, the exterior and grounds are open for admiring.
The wrought iron fence features intricate grapevine designs, and the winter light displays make it extra magical after dark.
History tidbit: The original owner lost the home in a high-stakes poker game – talk about dramatic!
11. Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park – Best for Concerts & Festivals
Joliet’s premier outdoor venue hosts free summer concerts, from blues to symphony performances. The theater-in-the-round setup means there’s not a bad seat in the house.
The annual “Jazz in the Plaza” series draws crowds with picnic blankets and lawn chairs. Arrive early to snag spots near the reflecting pool for the best acoustics.
12. Downtown Joliet Murals – Best for Instagrammable Art
Take a self-guided walking tour of downtown’s vibrant murals celebrating Joliet’s history and diversity.
The “Greetings from Joliet” postcard mural near the library is perfect for vacation pics.
New murals pop up regularly – follow Joliet Area Arts Coalition on social media for the latest additions.
Final Thoughts
From racing thrills to serene nature preserves, Joliet proves there’s way more to explore beyond Chicago’s shadow.
Whether you’re exploring industrial ruins, cheering at a ballgame, or cooling off at the waterpark, this city delivers authentic Midwest experiences without the big-city hassle.
Ready to discover Joliet’s hidden gems? Grab your walking shoes, charge your camera, and hit the road – adventure awaits just off I-80!