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Joliet

Joliet, Illinois, United States

Discover Joliet: Where History Meets Adventure on the Illinois River Just a stone's throw from Chicago, Joliet, Illinois, offers a captivating blend of history, outdoor recreation, and vibrant urban experiences. Escape t…

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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Joliet.

Top Hotels in Joliet

Top Flights to Joliet

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Joliet.

Tours

Joliet Iron Works Historic Site

Explore the remnants of a former iron manufacturing plant and enjoy scenic views along the Des Plaines River.

Rialto Square Theatre

A beautiful historic theater offering a variety of performances including concerts, plays, and movies.

Shopping

Louis Joliet Mall

A large shopping mall offering a variety of stores, dining options, and entertainment.

Harrah's Joliet Casino & Hotel

An entertainment destination featuring a casino floor, dining spots, and a hotel.

Outdoor

Chicagoland Speedway

An exciting venue for car racing events, suitable for NASCAR fans and those seeking thrilling experiences.

Pilcher Park Nature Center

A great place for hiking and enjoying nature, with trails that wind through beautiful forests.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Joliet.

Currency

$ | USD | US Dollar

Population

150,000

Languages

English, Polish, Spanish

Average weather

Joliet

Jan

-1°-9°

Feb

2°-7°

Mar

8°-3°

Apr

15°3°

May

21°9°

Jun

27°15°

Jul

29°18°

Aug

28°17°

Sep

24°12°

Oct

17°6°

Nov

9°0°

Dec

2°-6°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Joliet.

What people love

Joliet, located in Illinois, United States, offers several advantages for travelers:

Historic Sites: Joliet has a rich history with many historic sites to explore, including the Joliet Area Historical Museum, Old Joliet Prison, and Rialto Square Theatre.
Outdoor Recreation: The city is home to numerous parks and outdoor recreational areas, such as Pilcher Park Nature Center and Hammel Woods Forest Preserve, where visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and picnicking.
Racing Enthusiasts: Joliet is known for its motorsports attractions, including the Chicagoland Speedway and Route 66 Raceway, which host various racing events throughout the year.
Shopping and Dining: The city offers a variety of shopping options, from quaint boutiques to large malls, as well as a diverse culinary scene with restaurants serving a wide range of cuisines.
Proximity to Chicago: Joliet is located just 40 miles southwest of Chicago, making it a convenient base for exploring the attractions and cultural offerings of the Windy City.

Overall, Joliet provides a mix of history, outdoor activities, entertainment, and convenient access to a major metropolitan area, making it a compelling destination for travelers.

What to know

There are a few potential cons of traveling to Joliet, Illinois, United States. Here are some details:

Crime Rate: Joliet has a higher crime rate compared to the national average. While not all areas of the city are unsafe, it's important for travelers to be cautious and aware of their surroundings.
Weather: Joliet experiences all four seasons, with cold winters and hot summers. Extreme weather conditions such as snowstorms in winter and heatwaves in summer can impact travel plans and activities.
Limited Public Transportation: Joliet may not have as well-developed public transportation systems compared to larger cities, making it more challenging to get around without a car.
Limited Tourist Attractions: While Joliet has some interesting sites like the Joliet Area Historical Museum and Chicagoland Speedway, it may not offer as many tourist attractions and activities as other cities in the region.
Industrial Areas: Parts of Joliet are industrial areas, which may not be appealing to all travelers in terms of aesthetics and air quality.

Overall, while Joliet has its charms, it's worth considering these potential cons before planning a trip to the city.

Joliet, Illinois, is a city with a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. It is located in Will and Kendall Counties and is a part of the greater Chicago metropolitan area. Here is a detailed history of Joliet:

Early History and Founding

Pre-European Settlement: The area that is now Joliet was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Potawatomi.
Early European Exploration: The area was explored by French-Canadian explorer Louis Jolliet and Jesuit Father Jacques Marquette in 1673. Joliet is named after Louis Jolliet.
Settlement: The settlement that would become Joliet was established in the early 1830s. Officially, it was laid out by James B. Campbell in 1834 and named "Juliet," after Julie Joliet, a supposed descendant of Louis Jolliet. The name was changed to Joliet in 1845.

Development and Growth

Incorporation: Joliet was incorporated as a city in 1852.
Industrial Growth: The city grew rapidly with the construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal in the 1840s, which facilitated trade and transport. The arrival of railroads further accelerated industrial growth, making Joliet a hub for manufacturing, especially steel production.
Steel Industry: Joliet was once known as the "City of Steel" due to its thriving steel industry, with the Joliet Iron and Steel Company being a significant employer in the area.

Significant Events

Joliet Penitentiary: The Joliet Correctional Center, often referred to as Joliet Prison, opened in 1858. It became one of the most famous prisons in the United States and operated until 2002. It has since become a historic site and a tourist attraction.
Great Fire: In 1871, a fire destroyed much of Joliet’s business district, but the city quickly rebuilt.
Economic Changes: The decline of the steel industry in the mid-to-late 20th century led to economic challenges, but Joliet has since diversified its economy.

Historical Figures

Louis Jolliet: The city is named after this French-Canadian explorer who, along with Father Jacques Marquette, explored the Mississippi River.
James B. Campbell: He is credited with planning the layout of the original town.

Important Landmarks

Rialto Square Theatre: Opened in 1926, this opulent theater is an iconic example of vaudeville movie palaces and remains a cultural landmark.
Old Joliet Prison: Now a popular tourist attraction, it offers tours highlighting its historical significance.
Joliet Union Station: Built in 1912, this historic train station is an example of early 20th-century architecture and is part of the city's transportation history.
Joliet Area Historical Museum: Offers exhibits on Joliet’s history, including its industrial past and the history of its Native American inhabitants.

Modern Joliet

Today, Joliet is a diverse city with a population that has continued to grow. It has become known for its entertainment offerings, including the Chicagoland Speedway and Harrah’s Casino. The city has made efforts to preserve its historical sites while also embracing new economic opportunities.

Overall, Joliet’s history is characterized by its role as a transportation and industrial hub, its cultural heritage, and its ongoing development as a vibrant city within the Chicago metropolitan area.