1. Joliet Is On The Rise
Joliet, known as “J-Town,” is Illinois’ fastest growing city and one of the fastest growing in the Chicago metro area. It offers something for just about everyone with its family-friendly atmosphere, thriving downtown district rich in history. Welcome home.
2. There’s No Reason To Avoid “Prison City” Anymore
Joliet is home to Statesville Prison and Joliet Prison, the latter of which was known for a century as the nation’s toughest correctional facility, earning the city the name “Prison City.” Lifelong residents of Joliet recall the city as a truly scary place to drive past, but now that the prison’s been closed for over a decade, it’s become a historic gem that visitors can tour.
3. You’re In The Ultimate Movie Cameo Spot
Joliet has played host to multiple TV shows and films over the years. Joliet Prison was used for filming the hit show Prison Break and for scenes in Natural Born Killer. And, as you will be reminded as you tour the city, Jake “Joliet” Belushi was paroled from Joliet in the cult classic The Blues Brother. The show Supernatural also used the city for filming locations, too.
4. You’ll Get Your Kicks On Route 66, Whether You Like It Or Not
If you’re ever in the mood to hit the road stops along Route 66, there are plenty to be found in Joliet. Mile markers and road signs will steer you in the direction of Statesville Penitentiary, Ruby Street Bridge, Union Station, The Old Keg, The Route 66 Welcome Station, and The Rialto Theater. Stop at the drive-in diner to grab a Route 66 Root Beer before catching a movie at the Route 66 drive-in to round off a day of old-fashioned fun.
5. Everyone In Joliet Lives In The Fast Lane
It’s near impossible to not become a car enthusiast to at least some degree when you live in Joliet. The city is home to the 1.5 mile racetrack, Chicagoland Speedway, which hosts annual NASCAR and Indy Racing League events. Route 66 Raceway brings National Hot Rod Association events to its famous drag strip. And the Autobahn Country Club hosts races such as SCAA World Challenge, Atlantic Championship, and the Star Mazda Competition.
6. But You’ll Only Actually Need A Car Some Of The Time
Joliet is a spread out city, so unless you live in the downtown district, you will need a car to get around. But you won’t need it to get to and from places like Chicago thanks to the rail system. Union Station is the final stop on the Metra rail lines from Chicago Union Station and is just a short walk from anywhere downtown.
7. Joliet’s Slammers Aren’t Inmates Anymore
Who needs the Cubs when you’ve got your pro baseball team right in city limits? The Joliet Slammers play for the independent Frontier League at the Silver Cross Field. Their name is a reference to Joliet being known as “The Prison City,” but the team are far from bad. In 2011, they took the championship title right on home field, making a Slammers game a must-do.
8. Stay West, Young Man (In Joliet)
The city of Joliet is growing fast with a diverse population and continues to unveil new projects to revamp the streets. But most people who come to Joliet prefer to stay on the west side where the neighborhoods are safe and clean. The general rule of thumb is to avoid the east part of town, unless all that talk of the Chicago metro area having rough streets doesn’t scare you.
9. You Don’t Need To Schlep To Chicago For A World Class Dog
Chicago is world famous for its hot dogs, loaded with the works. But Joliet has nearby Chicago dogs right in town. Hey Hot Dog is the number one go-to hot dog spot for their out-of-this-world wieners and homemade root beer. Many other hot dog locations can be found throughout the city, though, including Jody’s Hot Dogs and Joe’s Hot Dogs.
10. Or For Some Amazing Deep Dish Pizza
You can keep your Neapolitan slices, NYC. Chicago does it deep dish style. Lou Malnati’s deep dish in Joliet rivals any pie you can find in the Chicago metro area and is a favorite stop for locals and tourists alike. But remember, the people here eat their pizza with a fork and knife. So keep those hands clean and pick up the utensils to dig in.
11. You’re Welcome For Dairy Queen, America
Next time you’re ordering yourself a Blizzard, just remember that you have Joliet to thank for that. The very first Dairy Queen opened their doors in Prison City in 1906 on North Chicago Street along old Route 66. The storefront is now a small church, but a plaque sits on the front of the building to mark their proud contribution to Blizzards across the country.
12. Joliet Might Scare The Pants Off You Sometimes
Skeptics of the paranormal might find themselves rethinking their stance in Joliet. The old Iron Works ruins and the Patrick Haley Mansion have brought ghost hunters from around the globe to try to catch a ghoulish sight. Every Halloween Stateville Prison transforms into a haunted house that brings tourists from all over for the ultimate fright. Don’t be surprised when the horror spills out onto the streets. All in good fun, of course.
13. City Living Doesn’t Mean You Can’t Eat Fresh
Everyone loves a good farmer’s market. But fresh fruit and produce aren’t the only things locals come to The Joliet Farmers Market to buy. Every Friday from June through September, the people in Joliet flood to market to shop through the variety of vendors for fresh produce, soaps, cookies and pastries, handbags and jewelry, fresh flowers and plants and much more.
14. Joliet Is A City Of Musical Champions...Officially
When it comes to band music, Joliet knows how to go for the gold. The city has been dubbed the “City Of Champions” due to its multiple state and national titles won by Joliet Township High School and grade school bands along with the Joliet American Legion Band. Strike up a conversation with any of them and maybe they’ll tell you their stories from band camp.
15. And The Home Of Some Music Legends Too...
Maybe there’s something in the water in Joliet that helps breed talent, but the city stakes claim on chart topping musicians, too. Lionel Richie graduated from Joliet Township High School where he was also a star tennis player. Female rapper Da Brat and Jimmy Chamberlain of Smashing Pumpkins call Joliet home, as well.
16. … Not To Mention Some Comedy Royalty
You better like to laugh if you’re moving to Joliet, because the people in the city seem to have a great sense of humor. To prove it, actress and comedian Melissa McCarthy was the class clown at St. Francis Academy (now Joliet Catholic Academy) before making the world laugh in “Bridesmaids.” Andy Dick and Nick Offerman of “Parks and Recreation” both hail from Joliet, too.
17. Joliet’s Theater Is What Every Theater Dreams Of Being
The Rialto Theater is an exceptional theater with marble walls and giant velvet curtains that you only see in history books these days. It was originally conceived as a vaudevillian theater by the Rubens Brothers but now hosts top performance acts and musicians in the country. Scenes from the Kevin Bacon movie “Stir Of Echoes” were shot here.
18. Double Your Luck In Joliet
Joliet is home to Harrah’s Hotel and Casino and Hollywood Casino, making it the only city that has two casinos within city limits. Both casinos offer slots and tables, various entertainment shows, good food and drinks for a fun night out without having to leave the city. Hollywood even has an all you can eat crab legs buffet for those feeling lucky and hungry.
19. History Isn’t Forgotten Anywhere In Joliet
In a city where much of its original architecture of limestone buildings and Victorian homes are still standing, you will find a reminder of the city’s proud history. Bicentennial Park offers a historic walk down Bluff Street, Joliet’s first street, marked with plaques that commemorate everything from the city’s first home to the 100 year time capsule planted in 1976.
20. Family Fun Can Be Found Everywhere
There’s always somewhere to take the kids in Joliet. The Splash Station waterpark offers a fun way to cool down in the heat with a 200 foot six lane racing slide, an 865 foot lazy river, and more. The Inwood Athletic Club has an Olympic sized swimming pool and an ice-arena. And Haunted Trails Family Entertainment center has two miniature golf courses, batting cages, 3 go-kart tracks, laser tag, indoor and outdoor rides, and games.
21. And A Whole Lot Of Boring Fun, Too
Golfing can be a challenging hobby in some cities. Or at least one that requires a lot of commuting. But in Joliet, the golfing world is your oyster. There are four golf courses within city limits including Inwood, Woodruff, Wedgewood, and Joliet Country Club, so hitting the green is what it’s supposed to be: fun and relaxing, not inconvenient.
