3 Best Landmarks in Joliet, IL

“Old Joliet Prison was built in 1858 and was in operation until 2002, and this prison gained fame through its appearance in The Blues Brothers film. The Historic Site reopened its doors to the public in 2018. Visitors can take a 90-minute walking tour of the Old Joliet Prison, delving into its darker historical aspects. Led by former prison employees, each tour group is limited to 10 individuals per appointment window, ensuring accessibility for all patrons, with 70% of the tour accessible to everyone. Additionally, guided tours are provided, along with the option of purchasing gift cards. Throughout the winter, preservation and construction experts have diligently stabilized, restored, and preserved several buildings within the Old Joliet Prison complex. Free Admission For Children Under the Age of 3 and JAHM Museum Members.”

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“Joliet Area Historical Museum offers a rotation of temporary exhibits and targeted educational programs, enriching the interpretive experience. The musuem's main exhibition gallery introduces the myriad stories of the Joliet area and its inhabitants. In the Joliet Area Historical Museum, visitors can explore a gift shop showcasing a selection of curated items. Group rates are accessible for parties of 15 or more, while museum members and children aged three and under enjoy free admission. Free parking is convenient at the intersection of Ottawa and Webster streets in the museum parking lot. Moreover, the museum offers an annual sponsorship package with various sponsorship levels for interested parties.”

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“Joliet Iron Works Historic Site offers self-guided interpretive tours of its cultural resources. This site sprawls over 2,400 acres of land, once ranked as the second-largest steel mill in the United States. Visitors are invited to embark on a self-guided tour of its historical significance by traversing the 0.59-mile paved trail. Joliet Iron Works Historic Site is renowned for its exemplary preservation of blast furnaces, foundations, and structures. The site garners substantial interest and has emerged as one of Joliet's premier historic destinations. Additionally, visitors can rent the Joliet Iron Works Shelter, a picnic shelter capable of accommodating up to 100 individuals. The 0.59-mile paved trail serves as a pathway for a comprehensive self-guided interpretive tour, delving into the site's historical significance.”

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