Adventure-packed weekend getaway in Joliet, US.
Experience the Charm and History of Joliet, USA.
22 April 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
Joliet is a city located in the northeastern part of Illinois, United States. It is known for its many attractions, such as the Rialto Square Theatre, the Chicagoland Speedway, and the Joliet Historical Museum. Visitors can enjoy the city's rich culture, delicious food, and thrilling activities during their trip to Joliet.
Travel plan
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- Stay at the Hollywood Casino Joliet Hotel for a star-studded experience in a lavish setting.
- Start the day with a horse racing spectacle at the Hawthorne Race Course, and place your bets on the brightest jockeys and horses.
- Visit the Joliet Area Historical Museum for a dive into Joliet's past, with exhibits chronicling the city's growth, industries, and notable figures.
- Take a stroll around the Townesquare Shopping Center and Joliet Mall for some retail therapy and gift hunting.
- End the day with some hearty red meat at the Chicken-N-Spice Restaurant, serving up glorious rotisserie chicken, burgers, and fries.
- Begin with a nourishing breakfast at the iconic Joliet Route 66 Diner, with classic American eats dished out in a retro atmosphere.
- Tour the Rialto Square Theatre, a stunning 1920s venue that hosts concerts, plays, and movie screenings.
- Take a musical pilgrimage to the Harrah's Joliet Casino for live performances, and try your luck at the slot machines and poker tables.
- Move your feet to the rhythm at Chicago Street Pinball Arcade, where you can play pinball, air hockey, and other classic games.
- Indulge in some genuine Chicago-style pizza at Gennaro's Pizza, with toppings galore and a crispy crust that will leave you in awe.
- Rise and shine early to make your way to the Hammel Woods Forest Preserve, a serene natural park with hiking trails, bike paths, and wildlife spotting.
- Take a calming boat ride along the Des Plaines River, with stunning vistas and a peaceful atmosphere all around.
- Visit the Joliet Iron Works Historic Site, a relic of the city's steel industry past, with rusting machinery and abandoned buildings that evoke an eerie beauty.
- Delight in some fresh seafood and cocktails at the Tin Roof Restaurant, a casual joint with outdoor seating and great views of the sunset.
- End your Joliet journey with a nightcap at the Bicentennial Park, a spacious public space with fountains, sculptures, and lots of greenery. Cheers to a memorable trip!
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Joliet by plane is to fly into Chicago Midway International Airport and then take a car or a bus from the airport to Joliet. The distance between Chicago Midway International Airport and Joliet is about 35 miles.
Car
The best way to get to Joliet by car is to take the I-55 South from Chicago to Joliet. It takes about 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
Train
Unfortunately, there is no train station in Joliet. The closest train station is in Chicago Union Station, which is about 40 miles away from Joliet.
Boat
Since Joliet is not a coastal city, it is not possible to get there by boat.
Bus
The best way to get to Joliet by bus is to take a Greyhound bus from Chicago Bus Station to Joliet Bus Station. The journey takes about an hour.