Joliet, Illinois is a vibrant city located just outside of Chicago. There is something for everyone in this historic town, from family-friendly attractions to outdoor activities and more.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an exciting adventure, Joliet has something for you. Here are some of the top things to do in Joliet, IL!
1. Joliet Slammers Baseball
Joliet Slammers Baseball is a professional baseball team based in Joliet, Illinois. The team plays its home games at DuPage Medical Group Field, located in the heart of downtown Joliet.
They offer a family-friendly atmosphere with affordable prices for tickets and concessions. Fans can also take part in many fun activities around the ballpark such as batting cages, a playground area for kids, and pre-game music from local DJs.
The Slammers also host various promotional events throughout the season to keep fans entertained.
If you’re looking for some fun in the sun, the Joliet Slammers Baseball team offers great entertainment all summer long. Not only will you get to watch an exciting game of baseball, but you can also take part in various promotions and special events throughout the season.
2. Bird Haven Greenhouse and Conservatory
Bird Haven Greenhouse and Conservatory is a historic public garden located in Joliet, IL. This 7.5-acre site features a magnificent glass-enclosed greenhouse and conservatory, as well as a variety of outdoor gardens, including an herb garden, a rose garden, and an expansive collection of trees and shrubs.
Visitors to the greenhouse can explore the many colorful displays of plants from all over the world, including tropical blooms such as orchids and bromeliads.
The outdoor gardens feature seasonal displays of annuals and perennials that attract birds throughout the year.
Bird Haven also offers educational programs for children and adults to learn more about the natural world.
The Bird Haven Greenhouse and Conservatory is a great place to escape from the hustle and bustle of life. Take a stroll through this beautiful garden or relax by one of its ponds.
3. Joliet Area Historical Museum
The Joliet Area Historical Museum is a nonprofit educational institution dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of the Joliet area. The museum features a variety of permanent and rotating exhibits that explore the heritage of the city, including its industry, architecture, its people, and its culture.
The museum also features a library that contains books, archives, and other materials relating to local history. Additionally, the museum organizes educational programs for children and adults to learn about local history.
The Joliet Area Historical Museum is a great way to learn more about the history of Joliet and its surrounding area. The museum features several exhibits that explore topics such as Native American history, Abraham Lincoln’s time in the area, transportation history, and more. Plus there are various events held throughout the year that are perfect for families or groups of friends.
4. Chicago Speedway and Route 66 Speedway
Chicago Speedway is a 1.5-mile superspeedway located in Joliet, Illinois. The track opened in 2001 and has seen a number of major events over the years including concerts, drag racing, and airshows.
For those who like speed then these two tracks offer plenty of thrills. The Chicago Speedway hosts several NASCAR events each year while Route 66 Speedway offers IndyCar racing every summer. Both tracks feature exciting races that are sure to keep your adrenaline pumping.
5. Friends of Community Public Art (FCPA)
Friends of Community Public Art (FCPA) is a nonprofit organization in Joliet IL dedicated to transforming the cultural landscape of the city through public art.
FCPA works with local artists to create public art installations that enhance Joliet’s streetscapes with beautiful murals [1], sculptures, mosaics, and more.
FCPA works with schools throughout Will County as well as civic organizations to ensure public art projects benefit all members of the community. It’s a great way to appreciate art while helping your city come alive with color.
6. Splash Station Waterpark
Splash Station Waterpark in Joliet IL is a fun and exciting waterpark that offers a wide range of activities for the whole family. The park features three large pools, a lazy river, multiple slides, and a splash pad area.
Guests can also enjoy the adventure river, wave pool, and activity pools. There is also a snack bar and arcade onsite for additional entertainment. Splash Station Waterpark provides an exciting atmosphere that can be enjoyed by all ages.
7. Hollywood Casino Joliet
Near the intersections of I-80 and I-55 in Joliet, Illinois, lies a casino called Hollywood Casino Joliet. More than 1,100 slot, video poker, and video keno machines, 30 poker tables, and more than 50 table games, including blackjack, craps, roulette, and three-card poker, are available at the casino.
Hollywood Casino Joliet offers up the excitement all day long with gaming tables featuring blackjack, poker roulette craps slots plus much more.
The casino also has live entertainment nightly featuring bands comedians magicians DJs karaoke competitions etc so there’s always something new happening at Hollywood Casino Joliet every night.
8. Jacob Henry Mansion Estate
In Joliet, Illinois, there is a historic mansion and estate called the Jacob Henry Mansion Estate. The mansion, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, has been brought back to its former splendor using antiques, fabrics, and fittings from the time period.
The estate also includes a large formal garden with lush landscaping, an apple orchard, and a carriage house. A number of events are held at the estate each year including weddings, corporate events, educational programs, and other special occasions.
9. Rialto Square Theatre
The Rialto Square Theatre is a historic movie palace and performing arts center. Built in 1926, the theatre is a Spanish-Moorish revival-style building with ornate details of the era.
The theatre has seating for 1,800 people and features an impressive stage and a large grand lobby. It offers a variety of live entertainment from concerts to comedy shows, plays to musicals, and more. The Rialto Square Theatre is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Experience live performances theater shows concerts musicals comedy acts lectures dance performances etc at Rialto Square Theatre.
10. Provena Saint Joseph Inwood Athletic Club
Provena Saint Joseph Inwood Athletic Club is a full-service health and fitness facility located. It offers a complete selection of state-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment, as well as an array of amenities such as an indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room, massage therapy, and personal training services.
The club also features several group exercise classes including yoga, Pilates, kickboxing, spinning, and more. Additionally, the club offers a variety of childcare options and additional services such as nutrition counseling.
11. Westfield Louis Joliet Mall
Westfield Louis Joliet Mall is a large shopping mall located that features over 120 stores and services, including a number of anchor stores like Macy’s, JCPenney, and Sears.
The mall also features a food court with plenty of dining options, as well as a movie theater and arcade. There are several special events held throughout the year at the mall, such as holiday events and fashion shows. Westfield Louis Joliet Mall offers convenient parking, free Wi-Fi access, valet service, and more. This mall has something for everyone no matter what age group they belong to.
12. Harrah’s Joliet Casino & Hotel
A top location for food, entertainment, and gaming is Harrah’s Joliet Casino & Hotel. The casino, which is in the center of Joliet, Illinois, has a wide selection of slot machines, video poker, and table games.
Guests can enjoy an array of delicious dining options including fine-dining restaurants and casual eateries. With luxurious accommodations ranging from standard rooms to suites with special amenities, a full-service spa and fitness center, three on-site lounges and bars, plus exceptional customer service makes Harrah’s Joliet the perfect place to stay while visiting the area.
13. Inwood Golf Course
Inwood Golf Course is a 9-hole, par 3 golf course located in Joliet, Illinois. The course was designed by former PGA Tour professional and renowned course designer Jeff Sluman and opened in 2008.
The course provides a challenging test for golfers of all levels with its wide variety of bunkers and water hazards strategically placed throughout the layout. Inwood also features a practice facility with a driving range, putting green, and chipping area.
14. Pilcher Park
Pilcher Park is a popular park located in Joliet, Illinois. It features a wide variety of activities and amenities, including walking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, fishing ponds, a disc golf course, and even an 18-hole golf course.
The park also has several shelters available for events such as birthday parties or family reunions. Pilcher Park is open to the public year-round and offers plenty of activities for kids and adults alike.
15. CPX Sports/Challenge Xtreme
CPX Sports/Challenge Xtreme is an indoor and outdoor sports facility located in Joliet, Illinois. It offers a wide variety of activities such as paintball, laser tag, soccer, dodgeball, basketball, volleyball, and softball.
The facility has a large open field with obstacles to create a challenging course for all levels of players. There is also an indoor turf field which provides the perfect surface for sports play and practice.
Additionally, CPX Sports/Challenge Xtreme offers several different packages which include food and drinks as well as equipment rental so that visitors can enjoy their time at the facility without having to worry about bringing their own items.
16. Grim Joliet Correctional Center
Grim Joliet Correctional Center is a maximum-security state prison located in Joliet, Illinois. It opened in 1858 and has housed some of the most notorious criminals in American history.
The prison has a long and infamous history, including being featured on the television show “Lockup”. It is currently the largest correctional center in Illinois with over 2,000 inmates. The prison is known for its harsh living conditions, overcrowding, and reports of violence from both inmates and staff.
Grim Joliet Correctional Center also offers educational programs, vocational training, mental health services, and religious services to its inmates.
17. Rock Run Preserve
Rock Run Preserve is an 1150-acre natural area located in Joliet IL, just minutes away from downtown. It is a part of the Forest Preserve District of Will County and is one of the largest preserves in the area.
The preserve contains a variety of habitats including woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and grasslands. It also has miles of trails for hiking and biking as well as boardwalks for bird watching and nature observation.
Visitors can also take part in educational programs such as field trips and workshops.
18. DuPage River
The DuPage River is a major tributary of the Des Plaines River that flows through Joliet, Illinois. It is approximately 97 miles (156 km) long and runs along the western edge of Will County, passing through Bolingbrook, Naperville, Lisle, Downers Grove, and Woodridge before emptying into the Des Plaines River in Channahon.
Along its course, it passes numerous parks and other recreational areas where visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities. The DuPage River is an important source of drinking water for the communities along its banks.
19. Des Plaines River
The Des Plaines River is a tributary of the Illinois River located in northeastern Illinois in the United States. It begins near Wilmette, Illinois, and flows southward through Lake County and Cook County, ultimately joining the Kankakee River and flowing into the Illinois River near Channahon.
The river is approximately 136 miles long and passes through several large metropolitan areas including Chicago, Des Plaines, Park Ridge, Rosemont, Niles, Elmwood Park, and Joliet.
The river is used for recreational activities such as fishing and canoeing. It also serves as a source of drinking water for many communities along its route.
20. Haunted Trails Family Entertainment Center
Haunted Trails Family Entertainment Center in Joliet, IL is a fun-filled family entertainment center offering a variety of attractions for all ages.
This center features a two-level laser tag arena, a two-story mini golf course, and two go-kart tracks. It also has an arcade with over 100 games to choose from and an outdoor picnic area. In addition to these activities, Haunted Trails offers special events such as Birthday Parties, Glow Parties, Camps, and more.
The center also provides catering services for private events.
21. Nowell Park
Nowell Park is a family-friendly park located in Joliet, Illinois. The park features a playground, basketball courts, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, and a walking path.
There is also an outdoor pool with a water slide and diving board. In addition to these recreational amenities, the park offers shaded picnic areas and plenty of open space for activities like kite flying or playing Frisbee.
Nowell Park is conveniently located near shopping centers and restaurants, making it an ideal spot for family gatherings or outdoor fun.
22. Hadley Valley
Hadley Valley is a protected nature preserve located in Joliet, Illinois. This natural area is part of the Des Plaines River Valley and spans over 900 acres of land that is home to unique plants and wildlife.
The area includes the Hadley Valley Nature Preserve, which contains several hiking trails and picnic spots for visitors to enjoy. Wildlife includes black-crowned night herons, bald eagles, red foxes, deer, coyotes, beavers, and more.
The preserve also provides educational programs for visitors to gain a better understanding of the natural environment and its inhabitants.
Final Thoughts
Joliet, Illinois is a great place to visit for a weekend getaway. With plenty of attractions, restaurants, and outdoor activities to explore, there’s something for everyone. Whether you want to spend the day exploring the historic sites or spend the evening enjoying some of the local entertainment venues, there’s no shortage of things to do in Joliet.
From taking a stroll through downtown Joliet to visiting nearby parks and art galleries, there’s something for everyone in this charming city. So if you’re looking for an exciting weekend getaway in Chicago’s suburbs, then look no further than Joliet—you won’t be disappointed!
