Indulge yourself in the rich history and heritage of Joliet, with a visit to the state of the art Joliet Area Historical Museum, full of interactive exhibits, personal courses, and games for the kids that will surely fill the day with excitement and education. Visitors can also enjoy learning about the city’s rich Slovenian Heritage with the museum devoted to it, or stroll the history walk of Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park, reading each bolder marker that tells a tale of historic businesses and houses on Joliet’s first street.
Cathedral Area Preservation Association
(CAPA)
PO Box 3662, Joliet
Map It
815/726-4163
www.capajoliet.net
CAPA strives to develop a prosperous community through historic
preservation, education and the promotion of respect for old
homes.
Historic Route 66
22550 West Highway 113, Wilmington
815/458-6616
www.il66authority.com
Specializing in historic route 66 speaking programs and tours,
historians John and Lenore Weiss are dedicated to the preservation
and promotion of Route 66 in Illinois.
Jacob Henry Mansion
20 S. Eastern Avenue, Joliet
www.jacobhenrymansion.com
815/722-2465
An elegant historic landmark offering the perfect location to experience Victorian charm as well as its delicious meals and entertainment. Wedding receptions, groups and tours are welcome!
Joliet Area Historical Museum
Joliet Area Historical Museum
204 N. Ottawa Street, Joliet
Map It
815/723-5201
www.jolietmuseum.org
Interactive museum celebrates themes and experiences of people who settled in the Joliet area, including the Route 66 Experience, War Heroes Gallery, permanent gallery, temporary gallery, children’s discovery room, and gift shop. See the new, 2-story exhibit that celebrates space exploration and the Apollo missions—The Soaring Achievements of John C. Houbolt!
Joliet Historic Preservation Commission
150 W. Jefferson Street, Joliet
815/724-4052
www.joliethpc.com
The Commission identifies buildings and sites with architectural or historic significance and helps their owners to designate them as historic landmarks or districts. The Commission also promotes community awareness of historic preservation resources in the Joliet area.
Joliet Public Library
Main: 150 N. Ottawa Street, Joliet
Map It
Black Rd: 3395 Black Road, Joliet
Map It
815/740-2660
www.joliet.lib.il.us
Beginning in 1876 and relocated in 1903 to the Daniel H Burnham-designed
building on Ottawa St. In the past the building, constructed
of Joliet limestone, housed the Library as well as the City’s
Municipal Offices and School board. The bronze statue in front
is of explorer Louis Joliet. The Black Road Branch opened
in 2002 and broadened the range of the library to the west
side of the city.
Old Joliet Prison Park
1125 Collins Street, Joliet
1-877-4-JOLIET
www.visitjoliet.org
Discover the history of Joliet’s most infamous prison. Old Joliet Prison Park is open to the public dawn to dusk daily and located just outside the Collins Street Prison facility. Featuring eight informational kiosks on the prison’s inmates, history and television/movie fame, the park is the perfect stop on your trip to Joliet!
P. Seth Magosky Museum of Victorian Life & Joliet History
206 N. Broadway Street, Joliet
815/723-3052
A Joliet architectural resource center as well as museum of Victorian lifestyle, held within the historic Hiram B. Scutt Mansion of Joliet. A civil war home and Joliet’s las limestone building.
Rialto Square Theatre
102 N. Chicago Street, Joliet
Map It
815/726-7171
www.rialtosquare.com
The historic theatre originally opened in May of 1926 and
is a stunning reflection of Greek, Roman, and Byzantine architecture.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Rialto
has been called one of the ten most beautiful theatres in
the nation. Public and private tours are available as well
as shows and banquets.
Slovenian Woman's Heritage Museum
431 N. Chicago Street, Joliet
Map It
815/727-1926
www.swua.org
swuhome@msn.com
Open M-F: 10:00 am- 2:00 pm
Established to preserve the ethnic Slovenian heritage and
honor the immigrants who settled in the area.
Gift shop with Slovenian items and music.
