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BEST RATED JOLIET, IL LANDMARKS

3 Best Landmarks in Joliet, IL

Expert-recommended Top 3 Landmarks in Joliet, Illinois. All of our landmarks actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence. You deserve only the best!

Old Joliet Prison - Joliet, IL Landmarks - Outdoor Experience Image
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9+ YEARS IN TBR
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OLD JOLIET PRISON

(5.0 Score)
1125 Collins Street,
Joliet, IL 60432 Directions

Since 1858

Specialty:

✓Architecture Buildings ✓Observation Deck ✓Guided Tours ✓Various Film and Television Projects ✓Cultural Activities ✓Historical Buildings ✓Houses ✓Historic Preservation ✓Event Rentals ✓Summer Camps ✓Prisons ✓Authentic ✓Asset ✓Self-guided Tours ✓Private Group Tours ✓Guided General History Tours ✓Organizations and Schools ✓Cell Houses

" Old Joliet Prison was built in 1858 and operated until 2002. The Prison was featured in the film The Blues Brothers. The Historic Site was reopened to the public in 2018 and is managed by the Joliet Area Historical Museum. The tour is a 90-minute walking tour of the Old Joliet Prison, covering the darker side of the historical site. Former prison employees lead the tour. They follow a strict limit of 10 individuals per appointment window. Seventy percent of the tour is accessible to all patrons. Old Joliet Prison has made several appearances in films and television, including the fictional “Fox River State Penitentiary” in the critically acclaimed Fox series “Prison Break,” and in smaller scenes in Let’s Go to Prison, Derailed, and recently, Empire.

2026 Highlights: Old Joliet Prison has had nearly 15,000 volunteer hours, one million dollars in in-kind labor and donations, and over ten million dollars in funds raised to benefit the site. "

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Price:

Self-Guided Tours
General Public $22
Jahm Museum Members Free
Children (Ages 3-12) $11
Children (Under the Age of 3) Free
Guided General History Tours
General Public $35
Jahm Museum Members $30

Discount:

15% off for members on museum merchandise View Coupon

Contact:

(312) 978-1282

Mon-Sun: 10am - 4pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

Joliet Area Historical Museum - Joliet, IL Landmarks - Outdoor Experience Image
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Best Landmarks in Joliet IL - Joliet Area Historical Museum video
10+ YEARS IN TBR
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JOLIET AREA HISTORICAL MUSEUM

(4.9 Score)
204 Ottawa Street,
Joliet, IL 60432 Directions

Since 1977

Specialty:

✓Educational Programs for Youth ✓Gift Shop ✓Audio-visual Presentations ✓Interactive Panels ✓Education Programs ✓Special Exhibits ✓Summer Concert Series ✓Room Rentals ✓Traveler Bus Trips ✓Girl Scouts/Boy Scouts ✓Upcoming Events ✓School Programs ✓Rental Facility ✓Tours ✓Special Temporary Exhibits ✓Special Galleries ✓Permanent Exhibits ✓Private Group Tour

" Joliet Area Historical Museum aims to promote awareness, understanding, and preservation of the Joliet area's diverse history. The museum's main exhibition gallery introduces the many stories of the Joliet area and its people. They provide temporary exhibits, and targeted educational programming offers additional interpretive opportunities. They have a gift shop where visitors can view and purchase gifts. Group rates are available for groups of 15 or more. The museum provides free admission for museum members and children ages three and under. Free parking is available in the museum at the corner of Ottawa and Webster streets.

2026 Highlights: Joliet Area Historical Museum's exhibits are enhanced by state-of-the-art audio-visual presentations, life-size models and temporary exhibits, and targeted educational programming. "

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License #60816298

Price:

Admission
Adults $10
Seniors (60+) $9
Full-Time Students With Valid School ID $7
Youth (Ages 4-12) $5
Museum Members And Children Ages 3 And Under Free
Guided Gallery Tour Per Person $10
Self-Guided Gallery Tour
Regular Rate Per Person $10
Senior Rate Per Person $9

Discount:

15% Off for members on Museum Merchandise

Contact:

(815) 723-5201

Mon-Sun: 10am - 4pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

Joliet Iron Works Historic Site - Joliet, IL Landmarks - Outdoor Experience Image
Joliet Iron Works Historic Site - Joliet, IL Landmarks - Adventure Image
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10+ YEARS IN TBR
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JOLIET IRON WORKS HISTORIC SITE

(4.9 Score)
31 Columbia Street,
Joliet, IL 60432 Directions

Since 1869

Specialty:

✓Historic Walking Areas ✓Cross-country Skiing ✓Picnic Shelter ✓Drinking Water ✓Ruins ✓Sights ✓Restroom Facilities ✓Hot Blast Stoves ✓Hiking/Running ✓Stock and Casting ✓A Skull and Blowing and Gas Engine House ✓A Gas Washing Plant ✓Educational Public Programs ✓Amenities and Activities ✓Remnants ✓Striking Backdrop ✓Snowshoeing ✓Events

" Joliet Iron Works Historic Site is a 52-acre site that was acquired between 1991 and 1997 and eventually became unprofitable, with all operations ceasing by the early 1980s. The site was once the second-largest steel mill in the United States and covered more than 2,400 acres. The place features 0.59 miles of a paved trail that provides a self-guided interpretive tour of the site's historical significance. They offer one picnic shelter for rental, Joliet Iron Works Shelter, with a permitted capacity of 100 people. They also offer self-guided interpretive tours of the site's historical significance.

2026 Highlights: Joliet Iron Works Historic Site also connects to the 7.57-mile I&M Canal Trail, offering opportunities for biking, hiking, running, inline skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. "

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License #91000088

Price:

Entry Free

Contact:

(815) 727-8700

Mon-Sun: 8am - 4pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

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OLD JOLIET PRISON REVIEWS

This is my second visit to the Old Joliet Prison, and every visit feels special. I learn something new each time. This time, I brought my family along. The experience is like taking a walk back in time—the transformation and renovations are well documented. The employees are always very helpful, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about their work. Austin was the one who helped us, and he was awesome. Keep it up, Austin—you’re wonderful.

This old prisoner in Joliet was a very enjoyable experience. The tour is self guided. There are spots of the prison that you have to be careful not to trip because there are several hazards scattered throughout. There’s a ton of history on this property. I would recommend this to any history buff or for anyone looking wanting a unique experience. We took our time and it took about 90 minutes to walk through the property.

Very cool to be taken back in time. The experience was very worth the 1 hrs drive. Ironically, the west cell house was open, which was the gallery I worked. The 1 gallery in the house was open for viewing. I worked that gallery on many assignments. Thank you for the fulfilling experience! I enjoyed it, the chaperones were in contact with us most the way through and we're very helpful.

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JOLIET AREA HISTORICAL MUSEUM REVIEWS

I decided to do a review about the Joliet Muesuem. A lot of people are unaware of this place and all it has. There are several floors of interesting history of Joliet. A gift shop. In the basement. There is a beautiful hall you can rent for parties. On rare occasions it is free to go inside and explore. I have a membership that comes with perks. They even have roof top concerts. Come here to explore, learn and have a fun time with family. Especially during Star Wars day.

I had a great time at the Joliet Area Historical Museum. Saving Power Church hosted a function there. Appetizers and drinks were served on the roof top, and with the summer breeze and sun setting it was heavenly. Later, dinner was served in the lower level and it was beautifully decorated. The staff was professional and very helpful while being present, but not intrusive. I highly recommend having your next company, church or family get together here.

Staffs were friendly and chatty which is so impressive, and I appreciate their help. The museum has two floors. There are so many excellent displays, and you can learn everything about Joliet from here. If you are on a road trip on Route 66 and want to take a good picture, don’t forget to buy the Route 66 Soda, check out the picture below.

JOLIET IRON WORKS HISTORIC SITE REVIEWS

Thought this place was really cool to walk around and explore . Was cool to think of all the history there . After exploring the main part of this place it leads to trails you can walk to through the woods . Little ponds are the side of you as you walk . Was cool to see in the back ground ofcourse you are not allowed past that fence without permission . Liked exploring all the remnants of the old buildings . I’d watch your steeping while walking through . a lot of nails and uneven surfaces.

Free! Awesome trail to explore and learn. Parking lot on site. Picnic pavilion also on site. Paved/stroller friendly trail. It was really cool to see the ruins and read the placards. I recommend this trail for a family friendly thing to do without needing to spend money. It really is a cool trail.

Great open air museum with a lot of information. Entrance is free, parking also. Sadly some idiots ruined some of the information-plates. But it's kind of a magic-historical place with a wonderful athmosphäre.

TBR® Inspection Score Report

OLD JOLIET PRISON Total Inspection Points: 119/120
Current Evaluation: 9
Acknowledgments: 10
Business Images: 10
Complete Info: 10
Contact Info: 10
Experience: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Reviews Accuracy of : 10
Video: 10
Website Source: 10
Website Standard: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

JOLIET AREA HISTORICAL MUSEUM Total Inspection Points: 118/120
Current Evaluation: 9
Reviews Study: 9
Acknowledgments: 10
Business Images: 10
Complete Info: 10
Contact Info: 10
Copyright & License: 10
Experience: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Pricing: 10
Video: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

JOLIET IRON WORKS HISTORIC SITE Total Inspection Points: 117/120
Current Evaluation: 8
Reviews Study: 9
Acknowledgments: 10
Business Images: 10
Complete Info: 10
Contact Info: 10
Copyright & License: 10
Experience: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Video: 10
Website Source: 10