About Joliet IL
Joliet is a city in the state of Illinois, which is situated around 30 miles on the southwestern direction of the City of Chicago. The City of Joliet is a key component of the Chicago Metropolitan region, and a 2018 estimate found that Joliet has a population of more than 150,400. This puts it as the third biggest city in the state of Illinois. The origins of this Illinois city date back to the late 17th century, when Louis Joliet and Jacques Marquette camped on a mound, some couple of miles on the southern direction of the present site of Joliet. In the year 1833, Charles Reed constructed a cabin by the shores of the Des Plaines River. In 1834, James Campbell laid out a village in the area, which he christened ‘Juliet’ in honor of his beloved daughter. In the year 1845, residents changed the name of the settlement to ‘Joliet,’ and it was officially incorporated as a city in the year 1862.
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Top attractions
Some of the most prominent landmarks in the City of Joliet include the Joliet Area Historical Museum, the Chicago Speedway and the Route 66 Speedway. There is also the Joliet Prison that is located in close proximity to downtown Joliet. This prison has several times being featured in movies and TV shows. A notable instance is the hit TV series ‘Prison Break,’ which was filmed at Joliet Prison. At the same time, the ‘Blues Brothers’ movie’s opening scenes were filmed at the Joliet Prison. The City of Joliet as well boasts of the Rialto Square Theater that is acclaimed for been a popular haunt of Chicago mobster Al Capone, and was featured in the Kevin Bacon’s film ‘Stir of Echoes.’ Joliet is also home to a grand total of 2 casinos, which are the Hollywood Casino and the Harrah’s Hotel & Casino. It is noteworthy to state the City of Joliet is the sole city in the state of Illinois to possess 2 casinos.
Yet another major attraction of this Illinois city is the Louis Joliet Mall that is situated close to the junction between I-55 and US Route 30. The City of Joliet as well boasts of the historic Jacob Henry Mansion, which is now a National Historic Landmark, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The interior of this Joliet building features elaborate polished walnut woodwork, huge carved pocket doors, authentic wood mantles and a solid walnut staircase. This City of Joliet attraction was built for Jacob Henry, who was a railroad magnate. The mansion bagged the Architecture Award in 1876 at the American Centennial Celebration that was held in the City of Philadelphia.
There is also the Joliet Arsenal, which is now the present site for the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, and the Midwin National Tallgrass Prairie. The City of Joliet is as well home to the Pitcher Park that has the distinction of being one of the city’s oldest parks, and is spread over more than 640 acre parcel of land. The Pitcher Park offers a natural habitat for a variety of wildlife species. It also boasts of native Amerindian remains, and was formerly the site for a Powatami village. There is also the Hammel Woods, which offer miles upon miles of hiking trails and even a 7 acre dog park. The City of Joliet is as well home to the Splash Station Waterpark that boasts of the Midwest region’s sole 6-person slide.
Silver Cross Field
The Silver Cross Field is the go to place to catch all American baseball games in the City of Joliet. It is presently the home field for the Joliet Slammers. This Joliet baseball stadium can accommodate up to 6,000 spectators. The Joliet Slammers belong to the Frontier League of Professional Baseball’s West Division.
Bird Haven Greenhouse and Conservatory
The Bird Haven Greenhouse and Conservatory is situated within the Pitcher Park that, like earlier mentioned, sits on a more than a 600 acres piece of land. The greenhouse, in particular, showcases exquisite flower features that have, over the years, bagged many prestigious accolades. Visitors to the Bird Haven Greenhouse and Conservatory can get to participate in guided tours around the facility, and find out more on the native Illinois flora and fauna.
Joliet Area Historical Museum
The Joliet Area Historical Museum can be the best spot to discover how the City of Joliet came into being, and even how it, has over the years, evolved into a powerhouse in the state of Illinois. This City of Joliet museum for history puts to show diverse interactive exhibits, which enable visitors to learn much more of the history of this renowned Illinois city. The Joliet Area Historical Museum comes complete with many galleries. Some of the most notable of which include the Route 66 Experience, the War Heroes Gallery and even the Children’s Discovery Room. This City of Joliet museum for history also showcases new exhibits from time to time. At the moment, one of the most prominent of which is the Soaring Achievements of John Horbolt that narrates the story of the iconic Apollo moon missions.
Chicago Speedway
The Chicago Speedway was first opened at the turn of the 21st century (2001), and has the distinction of been the state of Illinois’s biggest sporting venue. The Chicago Speedway is well noted for hosting fascinating, high profile events, most notably, the NASCAR Sprint Cup. This City of Joliet attraction is also home to the Championship Park that offers breathtaking live entertainment, interactive exhibits and a special kids’ zone. The Chicago Speedway is located adjacent to the Route 66 Speedway, where visitor can get to drive their very own NASCAR.
Friends of Community Public Art
If you are a fine arts enthusiast, a trip to the City of Joliet is never complete without finding time to visit the many public works of art exhibitions. Visitors to Joliet can take part in scheduled tours of various public art murals around the city. Not to mention the various mosaic sculpture studios in this Illinois city. In these tours, participants can get the golden opportunity to view locally based artists create artwork right before their very own eyes. Not to forget getting the opportunity to find out more on the fledging art scene in the City of Joliet. Visitors may as well buy diverse works of art as keepsakes and souvenirs of their trip to Joliet.
Splash Station Waterpark
The Splash Station Waterpark can be the right place in Joliet to cool off the Illinois summer. This City of Joliet attraction consists of more than 20 acres of water based amusement rides. Some of the most notable of which include the Miner’s Mountain and the Raging Rapids Ravine. The Splash Station Waterpark also offer mouthwatering dining options, should you get hungry after indulging in some water based fun.
Hollywood Casino
Should you be feeling very lucky, Joliet’s Hollywood Casino is definitely a must visit. This casino provides more than 1,000 slots and video poker machines. It also offers a variety of gaming tables for games like blackjack, poker and live poker. The last of which is held on daily basis. Besides the casino and the gaming floors, the Hollywood Casino also comes complete with a hotel and an RV resort.
Jacob Henry Mansion
The Jacob Henry Mansion dates back to the late 19th century, when railroad magnate Jacob Henry constructed this residence on what was formerly known as the Silk Stocking Row. This historic house is sprawled over a space of more than 16,000 square feet, and comes complete with 40 tastefully decorated rooms. A big number of these rooms are covered in black oak and walnut. The Jacob Henry Mansion is listed on the National Register for Historic Places, and is widely considered to be the most attractive Victorian house in the area. Visitors can get to admire its exquisite architecture or even take part in intriguing events including the Jacob Henry Mansion Theater. The last of which comprises of enjoying a home cooked meal and a musical production.