Things to Do in Joliet Illinois
“See you In J-Town,” Joliet tells tourists

From Route 66 nostalgia to NASCAR racing, casinos, pro baseball and stars of entertainment – including a 160-year-old building that often stars in entertainment –  Joliet offers both residents and visitors a cornucopia of reasons to “See You In J-Town.”

Summer 2018 saw the long-awaited opening of the world-famous Old Joliet Prison to the public as a tourist attraction. Built in 1858, the prison has attracted curiosity seekers plus TV and movie crews ever since it closed in 2002. 

People from the Joliet Area Historical Museum lead tours through the limestone prison three days per week from April through October. Always one of the country’s best known correctional centers, it became a legend of modern pop culture when it was used to film the first scenes of “The Blues Brothers.” The Blues Brother played by John Belushi, was named Joliet Jake.

As a sign of how widely Joliet now attracts tourists, the first prison tour in 2018 included three people from England, a couple from Lithuania and visitors from South Carolina and Massachusetts.

One of the fastest-growing tourist attractions is also one of the oldest. Historic Route 66 has become further entrenched in history due to “The Grapes of Wrath,” a hit 1960s song and two network TV series. Commissioned in 1926, this “Mother Road of America” went all the way from Chicago’s Loop to the Pacific Ocean. Its original route through the streets of America’s hometowns now draws tens of thousands of tourists a year.

“Route 66 is known around the world and it’s common for people to come from Europe or Asia wanting to drive the entire route,” said Robert Navarro, president of the Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau. “They realize this is a taste of Americana, from our big cities to our small towns to the deserts to the farm country.” 

The Joliet Area Historical Museum has opened “The Route 66 Experience” with interactive activities and interpretation to celebrate the historic road. These include a car traveling along the ceiling and a chance to pose for photos with the Blues Brothers. It’s open by appointment.

Route 66 Park on Broadway Street has informational kiosks, Blues Brothers statues dancing on the roof of the Rich and Creamy Ice Cream Shop and a 1920s-style gas pump.

“The Route 66 Corridor Red Carpet” is held along the sections of the road from Joliet to Towanda, Illinois, in May, with festivals, craft shows, car shows and more. And a Route 66 Trail is being developed for bike riders.

Also dating back to 1926 is the classically designed Rialto Square Theatre. Built for silent movies and Vaudeville acts, it was converted in 1981 into a performing-arts center that has hosted stars such as the Moody Blues, the Doobie Brothers, Tony Bennett, Taylor Swift, Vince Gill, Jerry Seinfeld and Olivia Newton-John.

Joliet’s other entertainment venues include The Forge for live music and several local bars that feature bands.

Drawing people from near and far are the Chicagoland Speedway, the Route 66 Raceway and professional baseball’s Joliet Slammers.

NASCAR holds its Sprint Cup Series weekend at Chicagoland Speedway in September, preceded by a “Race Fan Rally” with music, food, celebrities and fireworks. The National Hot Rod Association holds a drag-race meet at Route 66 Raceway in July.

The Slammers won the 2018 Frontier League championship and will host the Illinois High School Association’s Class 3A and 4A boys state baseball tournaments through 2021.

Joliet is the only city in Illinois to have two gaming casino/hotels – Harrah’s Joliet and Hollywood Casino Joliet. Each includes a variety of restaurants.

If history excites you, be sure to visit the Illinois & Michigan Canal, which linked the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River in the 1800s and was largely responsible for the growth of Chicago. A trail that runs alongside can be used for walking, running and biking.

For more details about Joliet-area entertainment and attractions, visit www.jolietkicks.com and www.visitjoliet.com.

Rialto Square Theatre
www.rialtosquare.com

Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park
www.bicentennialpark.org

Hollywood Casino, Aurora and Joliet
www.hollywoodcasinojoliet.com

Harrah’s Joliet
www.caesars.com/harrahs-joliet/casino

Route 66 Raceway
www.route66raceway.com

Joliet Area Historical Museum
www.jolietmuseum.org

Chicagoland Speedway
www.chicagolandspeedway.com

Joliet possesses a truly distinct cultural flavor enhanced by an enviable collection of performing arts venues, museums, galleries, popular festivals and more.

The community is particularly proud of its unique expressions of public art, revealed in a series of spectacular ethnic heritage murals detailing Joliet’s vibrant history, ethnic diversity and natural beauty. Friends of Community Public Art, a nonprofit group of nationally and internationally recognized artists, has created and placed more than 100 murals, mosaics and sculptures throughout downtown and the greater Joliet area.

One of the city’s most cherished cultural landmarks is the beautiful Rialto Square Theatre – a circa 1926 performing arts facility often referred to as the “Jewel of Joliet.” The 1,900-seat theater offers a full calendar year of performances, including concerts by well-known artists, Broadway musicals, comedy acts and dance presentations. It also serves as a unique venue for graduations, bridal expos, weddings and other special events. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Rialto is recognized among the most beautiful theaters in the country.

Another world-class entertainment destination in town is Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park, nestled in historic downtown Joliet. The park is one of the city’s best-kept secrets, featuring a riverwalk promenade, indoor theater and band shell. The complex is the site of many community gatherings, including the free Concert on the Hill summertime series, Waterway Daze and the holiday favorite Festival of the Gnomes.

Both the Rialto Square Theatre and Bicentennial Park, along with Joliet Junior College’s performing arts center and other area venues regularly present performances by a number of outstanding local troupes and organizations. The Joliet Drama Guild, Alphabet Soup children’s theater, the Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra, the Joliet Area Theatre Organ Enthusiasts, area high school performing arts groups and others are all featured locally throughout the year.

On a Friday in June, the Joliet Chamber hosts its annual street fest, New Orleans North, featuring New Orleans bands and Cajun food. On a Saturday in September, the Joliet Chamber hosts another annual street fest, Fiesta En La Calle, featuring Latin music, food and products for sale. These one-night events draw several thousand visitors to Joliet City Center for food, music and fun. Mark your annual calendar and join the celebrations.

Joliet’s calendar is also full of highly-anticipated annual events and community gatherings. In addition to the events held at Bicentennial Park, the Joliet Park District is proud to present the Taste of Joliet. The City of Joliet also presents nitro nite, Star Wars Days, Blues & Brews on 66, the Race Fan Rally, KidzFest, Independence Day festivities and the Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony – to name a few! Live music is a favorite Joliet pastime, as well, and can be enjoyed any time of year.

This rich blend of culture comes together to enhance the overall quality of life discovered in Joliet.

HOLLYWOOD CASINO, AURORA AND JOLIET

Hollywood Casino, Aurora and Joliet offers Chicagoland two locations to double your luck. You will surround yourself in excitement with double the action on the hottest slots and video poker you can find. With over 2,000 video slots, reel slots and progressive slots – including the newest penny slots and some of the best of video poker around. Hollywood Casino Chicagoland features action-packed blackjack, craps, roulette and more. Enjoy double the premium and prime selections of beef to succulent seafood and an incredible selection of wine at Fairbanks Steakhouse and Final Cut Steakhouse or, enjoy an endless buffet as you dig into a never-ending parade of flavors at our Epic Buffet. Hollywood Casino offers double the variety of choices, each with its own special flair, unique flavors, and the kind of red-carpet service you deserve.

Be treated like a star at Hollywood Casino Joliet Hotel. Hollywood Casino, Joliet’s hotel offers 100 premier hotel rooms only footsteps away from the excitement of the casino. Enjoy complimentary hot breakfast daily, free Wi-Fi, business center access and fitness center access.

With double the action, it’s no surprise that Hollywood Casino Chicagoland received 18 overall wins in 2017’s Best of Gaming for Casino Player magazine. Hollywood Casino, Joliet is proud to have received six first-place wins for Best Hotel Staff, Favorite Casino Resort to Vacation at, Best Casino, Best Dealers, Best Slot Tournaments and Best Video slots.

Make Hollywood Casino, Joliet and Aurora your destinations of choice.

HARRAH’S JOLIET

When you visit Harrah’s Joliet, you’ll experience exciting gaming action, incredible amenities and non-stop fun. Located in Joliet, this riverboat property is the perfect choice for a day trip or overnight stay.

Enjoy the eclectic dishes at Harrah’s steakhouse, The Reserve or stop by the newest restaurant, the Cross Street Grill, which serves everything from burgers and sandwiches, to tacos and full entrées. Flavors the Buffet offers a wide variety of cuisine including BBQ, house-made pizza and even build your own stir-fry, plus 40 feet of desserts.

Take your luck for a spin on one of over 100 new slot machines on the casino floor. Whether you prefer traditional spinning reels, high-tech video games with elaborate bonus rounds or anything in between, Harrah’s Joliet has your favorite game.

Make the most of your night at Sheer, a scintillating bar that offers cold beer, signature cocktail and traditional drinks. After an exhilarating day on the gaming floor, treat yourself to a night of luxury in one of Harrah’s refreshing hotel rooms.

Harrah’s Joliet also hosts weddings in its full-service events center that features a 6,000-square-foot ballroom that can accommodate up to 280 guests, as well as space for those interested in a more intimate setting.

Earn and redeem credits though Harrah’s Total Rewards loyalty program. With nearly 40 resorts and casinos to visit as well as access to cruises, tropical vacations and even sporting events, Total Rewards brings you the most perks and incredible experiences.

Restaurants in Joliet Illinois

When it comes to finding a great restaurant selection, Joliet has you covered. The community literally hosts hundreds of choices for those in need of a little retail therapy or a bite to eat.

Banquet Halls

12 Handles Ale House
1827 Knapp Dr.
Crest Hill, IL 60403
(815) 582-4446

176 West Banquets, Inc
1100 NE Frontage Rd.
Joliet, IL 60431
(815) 730-1060

Al’s Steak House
1990 W. Jefferson St.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 725-2388

Anthony’s Restaurant & Pub
3151 Voyager Ln.
Joliet, IL 60431
(815) 254-2315

Bolingbrook Golf Club
2001 Rodeo Dr.
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
(630) 771-9400

Clarion Hotel Joliet Banquet & Convention Center
411 S. Larkin Ave.
Joliet, IL 60436
(815) 729-2000

Giovan’s Restaurant & Pizzeria
1804 N. Larkin Ave.
Crest Hill, IL 60403
(815) 725-6000

Harrah’s Joliet Casino & Hotel
151 N. Joliet St.
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 740-7800

Hollywood Casino Joliet
777 Hollywood Blvd.
Joliet, IL 60436
(888) 436-7737

Jacob Henry Mansion Estate
20 S. Eastern Ave.
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 722-1420

Kendall County Forest Preserve
110 W Madision St.
Yorkville, IL 60560
(630) 553-4131

Mistwood Golf Club
1700 W. Renwick Rd.
Romeoville, IL 60446
(815) 254-3333

Prairie Bluff Golf Course
19433 W. Renwick Rd.
Crest Hill, IL 60403
(815) 838-1183

Renaissance Center
214 N. Ottawa St., Flr. 1
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 730-0454

Syl’s Restaurant & Lounge
829 Moen Ave.
Rockdale, IL 60436
(815) 725-1977

The Grand Ballroom at Joliet Union Station
50 E. Jefferson St.
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 254-7003

Restaurants, Bars & Carry Out

12 Handles Ale House
1827 Knapp Dr.
Crest Hill, IL 60403
(815) 582-4446

80 North Bar & Steakhouse
411 S. Larkin Ave.
Joliet, IL 60436
(815) 729-2000

99 Hops House
777 Hollywood Blvd.
Joliet, IL 60436
(888) 436-7737

Al’s Steak House
1990 W. Jefferson St.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 725-2388

Anthony’s Restaurant & Pub
3151 Voyager Ln.
Joliet, IL 60431
(815) 254-2315

Applebee’s Bar & Grill
2795 Plainfield Rd.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 254-9070

Applebee’s Bar & Grill
2400 W. Jefferson St.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 729-1766

Baldomero Barrios/El Burrito Loco
351 Cass St.
Joliet, IL 60432
(630) 319-3300

Barolo Ristorante
2765 Black Rd.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 729-3606

Big Fish Grille & Bigbash Caterers
27425 S. Will Rd.
Wilmington, IL 60481
(815) 476-9331

Blueberry Hill Breakfast Cafe
15521 S. Rte. 59
Plainfield, IL 60544
(815) 267-0077

Cemeno’s Pizza/Joe’s Dugout
1630 Essington Rd.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 254-2500

Champions Sports Bar
2049 S. Rte. 59
Plainfield, IL 60586
(815) 782-6286

Chevere Latin Cafe
81 N. Chicago St.
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 582-4353

Chicago Street Pub
75 N. Chicago St.
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 727-7171

Chicago Wingz Around Da World
627 W. Jefferson St.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 630-3946

Chicken-N-Spice
251 N. Chicago St.
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 727-1100

Conecepts Joliet
3340 Mall Loop Dr., #1322
Joliet, IL 60431
(708) 785-5950

Culver’s of Joliet Larkin
219 S. Larkin Ave.
Joliet, IL 60436
(815) 630-3979

Don Rafa Restaurant
2224 Plainfield Rd.
Crest Hill, IL 60403
(815) 741-2222

Double J Sports Bar
1001 Essington Rd.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 730-8488

Elder Brewing Co.
218 E. Cass St.
Joliet, Illinois 60432
(815) 953-0127

Epic Buffet
777 Hollywood Blvd.
Joliet, IL 60436
(888) 436-7737

Final Cut Steakhouse
777 Hollywood Blvd.
Joliet, IL 60436
(888) 436-7737

Fire Water BBQ & Brew
1847 Knapp Rd.
Crest Hill, IL 60403
(815) 729-9755

Firehouse Subs
1522 Rte. 59
Joliet, IL 60431
(815) 846-2545

Flavors Buffet
151 N. Joliet St.
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 740-4447

Giovan’s Restaurant & Pizzeria
1804 N. Larkin Ave.
Crest Hill, IL 60403
(815) 725-6000

Golden Corral
2100 W. Jefferson St.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 725-8989

Great American Bagel
1101 Essington Rd.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 744-9630

Hamburgerseria
1015 Essington Rd.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 725-2883

Heroes West LLC
1530 Commerce Ln.
Joliet, IL 60431
(815) 725-1234

Home Cut Donuts
815 W. Jefferson St.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 727-3511

Hooters of Joliet
3301 Hennepin Dr.
Joliet, IL 60431
(815) 267-8602

Jameson’s Pub
2755 Black Rd.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 729-0000

Jerrie’s Dogs & Fries
1003 Essington Rd.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 666-1196

Jersey Mike’s Subs
4706 Caton Farm Rd.
Plainfield, IL 60544
(815) 267-6518

Jet’s Pizza
2309 Essington Rd.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 577-5387

Joe’s Hot Dogs
810 Plainfield Rd.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 723-6375

Joliet Rt. 66 Diner
22 W. Clinton St.
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 723-3865

Juliet’s Tavern
205 N. Chicago St.
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 630-5654

Keglers Sports Bar & Grill/ Crest Hill Lanes
905 Theodore
Crest Hill, IL 60403
(815) 722-1089

Malner’s Tap & Restaurant
1123 Clement St.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 723-1661

Marco’s Pizza
1560 Rte. 59
Joliet, IL 60431
(815) 254-1212

McBride’s on 52
2727 W. Jefferson St.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 714-2215

McDonald’s
1555 N. Broadway St.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 723-8333

McDonald’s Restaurant
1515 W. Jefferson St.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 725-9345

Mistwood Golf Club
1700 W. Renwick Rd.
Romeoville, IL 60446
(815) 254-3333

Mooyah Burgers Fries and Shakes
2611 W. Jefferson St.
Joliet, IL 60435
(708) 372-5390

My Grain Brewing Company
50 E. Jefferson St.
Joliet, IL 60432
(708) 769-1258

Niko’s Pizzeria
20 Ohio St.
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 722-8800

Nothing Bundt Cakes, Plainfield-Shorewood
207 Vertin Blvd.
Shorewood, IL 60404
(630) 885-1008

Outback Steakhouse
3241 Chicagoland Cir.
Joliet, IL 60431
(815) 267-3020

Parmesans Wood Stone Pizza
10235 W. Lincoln Hwy.
Frankfort, IL 60423
(815) 806-1919

Pizza For U
116 S. Larkin Ave.
Joliet, IL 60436
(815) 741-2555

Potbelly
2613 W. Jefferson St.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 351-4559

Reserve Steakhouse
151 N Joliet St.
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 740-2624

Savarino Pizza
1134 W. Jefferson St.
Shorewood, IL 60404
(815) 725-1800

Sweet Gallery Cups ‘n Cakes
1015 Brook Forest Ave.
Shorewood, IL 60404
(630) 780-2923

Syl’s Restaurant & Lounge
829 Moen Ave.
Rockdale, IL 60436
(815) 725-1977

TCBY Frozen Yogurt
930 Brook Forest Ave.
Shorewood, IL 60404
(815) 577-8229

The Blue Taco
79 N. Chicago St.
Joliet, Il 60435
(815) 514-1139

Traditions Restaurant & Pub
3000 W. Jefferson St.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 730-0888

Truth
808 W Jefferson St.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 744-5901

White Fence Farm
Carry-Out Service
80 Barney Dr.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 744-2072

Wild Horse
2314 W. Jefferson St.
Joliet, Illinois 60435
(815) 280-5008

Wingstop
2410 W. Jefferson St.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 630-3760

Sports Bar/Grill

12 Handles Ale House
1827 Knapp Dr.
Crest Hill, IL 60403
(815) 582-4446

99 Hops House
777 Hollywood Blvd.
Joliet, IL 60436
(888) 436-7737

Anthony’s Restaurant & Pub
3151 Voyager Ln.
Joliet, IL 60431
(815) 254-2315

Cemeno’s Pizza/Joe’s Dugout
1630 Essington Rd.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 254-2500

Champions Sports Bar
2049 S. Rte. 59
Plainfield, IL 60586
(815) 782-6286

Chicago Street Pub
75 N. Chicago St.
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 727-7171

Double J Sports Bar
1001 Essington Rd.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 730-8488

Heroes West LLC
1530 Commerce Ln.
Joliet, IL 60431
(815) 725-1234

Hooters of Joliet
3301 Hennepin Dr.
Joliet, IL 60431
(815) 267-8602

Jameson’s Pub
2755 Black Rd.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 729-0000

Keglers Sports Bar & Grill/ Crest Hill Lanes
905 Theodore
Crest Hill, IL 60403
(815) 722-1089

Malner’s Tap & Restaurant
1123 Clement St.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 723-1661

My Grain Brewing Company
50 East Jefferson St.
Joliet, IL 60432
(708) 769-1258

Sidelines Sports Bar
2006 W. Jefferson St
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 725-1579

Traditions Restaurant & Pub
3000 W. Jefferson St.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 730-0888

When it comes to finding a great shopping destination and restaurant selection, Joliet has you covered. The community literally hosts hundreds of choices for those in need of a little retail therapy or a bite to eat.

Louis Joliet Mall is an enclosed, single-level mall conveniently located off I-55 and Rt.30, and is just minutes away from Interstate 80.

Anchored by JC Penney and Macy’s, this retail hot spot has over 90 merchants. Shop at H&M, PINK and Pandora. The mall’s dining court has eatery favorites like Taco Bell/KFC, Panda Express and more, or if you would rather dine in, try TGI Friday’s. Louis Joliet is also home to the 14-screen all digital Cinemark Movie Theatre showing all the newest releases.

Louis Joliet Mall displays the country’s first, interactive digital ficus tree. It is a must see! Every guest can interact with the tree, take a selfie at the photo booth and send it up the tree to be seen on the 28 40-inch LCD screens.

To see the full list of stores and events, visit ShoppingLouisJolietMall.com.

Hungry? Joliet features a huge catalog of eateries sure to meet any appetite and budget. Diners are invited to choose among fast-food establishments, sports bars and pubs, family diners, upscale restaurants, casual cafes, coffeehouses, bakeries and more. The menus are just as eclectic, with restaurants serving up burgers and fries, steak and seafood, barbecue, pizza, pasta and everything in between. A variety of eateries also feature ethnic-infused dishes, including Chinese, Mexican, German and Italian. In addition, several unique restaurants and bars have opened their doors in Joliet City Center as part of the revitalization downtown.

Education is, and always will be, a top priority in Joliet. The community is well equipped with knowledgeable and committed faculties, active school boards and highly involved parents, who all come together to ensure high-quality learning opportunities are provided to students at all levels.

The area’s youngest learners are served by numerous daycare and early childhood education centers in the area – great options for busy parents looking for a good start to their children’s education. Joliet also hosts a multitude of private and parochial institutions offering everything from preschool and kindergarten programs through secondary education. Leading options include Joliet Catholic Academy and Providence Catholic High School in nearby New Lenox.

Joliet Catholic Academy is a Roman Catholic college preparatory high school for boys and girls co-sponsored by the Joliet Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate and the Carmelites of the Most Pure Heart of Mary. With an enrollment nearly 700 and a student-to-teacher ratio of 15:1, personal and individualized academic attention is given to each student.

The Providence Catholic High School family embraces the gospel of Jesus Christ in an atmosphere of acceptance, respect and love. Providence Catholic High School is a diocesan co-educational, college preparatory school under the leadership of the Order of St. Augustine.

The majority of the area’s students (around 11,000 each year) enroll at one of more than 20 schools in Joliet Public Schools District 86. In addition to more than a dozen traditional elementary schools and four junior high schools, District 86 operates four magnet-designated schools, an early childhood center, a gifted center and an alternative school. The district recently unveiled its newest preK-5 school, Isaac Singleton School, in011, the third school to be built since 2003.

All District 86 students receive a basic skills curriculum consisting of language arts, mathematics, science, social science, fine arts and physical development/health. Joining these core areas are opportunities for gifted education, bilingual instruction, unique before- and after-school programming, intensive reading programs and comprehensive special services.

Upon graduating eighth grade, the greater part of the community attends one of two comprehensive high schools managed by Joliet Township High School District 204. Whether attending the Central or West campus, all students receive a diverse education fashioned to prepare students for what’s next – continuing their learning at a college or university, or entering the workforce.

The district’s comprehensive curriculum includes coursework from the foundations of math, science, English and social studies, as well as foreign language, computer technology, applied life, industrial technology and the fine arts. The district also offers a range of specialized educational programs, including gifted & talented courses, Advanced Placement options, an alternate high school for at-risk students and the Academies program, which is designed to increase student achievement and career preparedness through a smaller, more focused learning environment.

For more information on the public school systems serving Joliet, visit www.joliet86.org and www.jths.org.

When it comes to higher learning, college-bound students and adult learners alike have several excellent options within the Joliet area.

JOLIET JUNIOR COLLEGE

With a proud history as the nation’s first public community college, Joliet Junior College is a leader and innovator in higher education. Offering more than 100 degree and certificate programs, the college serves more than 35,000 students of all ages and backgrounds at its six campuses and education centers, and numerous satellite locations. The college encompasses a fast-growing 1,442-square-mile district in seven counties.

Joliet Junior College is the college for students who want to go to school close to their home and job, who want further training to get ahead in the field they already work in, who want to explore different subjects before settling on a major, who want a smooth transfer to a four-year university in two years, who want options to combine online and classroom learning, who want to go back to school and complete their degree, and who want a college that is excellent, and also affordable.

UNIVERSITY OF ST. FRANCIS

The University of St. Francis offers four degree completion programs and 38 undergraduate majors in arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and allied health and social work. Additionally, the university presents 12 graduate programs and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.

The university’s Arts & Design Department operates out of its modern facilities at the renovated historic Rialto City Center campus in downtown Joliet. The university also operates a federally funded Health and Wellness Center in the downtown area. This is the first nurse practitioner managed center in Will County.

The University of St. Francis is a “Yellow Ribbon” university, welcoming military veterans, and is ranked in the top tier of U.S. News & World Report’s edition of “America’s Best Colleges.” The university is also noted in The Princeton Review’s “Best Colleges: Region by Region.”

LEWIS UNIVERSITY

Located just north of Joliet on Route 53 in Romeoville, Lewis University is a comprehensive, Catholic university with a richly diverse student body, including traditional-age students, as well as adults of all ages. The ninth-largest among more than 80 private colleges and universities in Illinois, Lewis University offers approximately 80 undergraduate majors and programs of study, 22 graduate programs and accelerated programs for working adults through the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, and Nursing and Health Professions. Students attend classes at the main campus in Romeoville and at sites throughout the Chicagoland area, including campuses in Shorewood, Hickory Hills, Oak Brook and Tinley Park.

Lewis is a dynamic, coeducational university sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers. The university provides its nearly 5,800-student population with programs for a liberal and professional education grounded in a values-centered curriculum. Among Lewis’ many offerings is a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership for Teaching and Learning. Lewis has the largest undergraduate nursing program in the state of Illinois, and is the only university in the Midwest to offer the Air Traffic Control program.

RASMUSSEN COLLEGE ROMEOVILLE/JOLIET

Founded in 1900, Rasmussen College is a premier provider of online educational experiences, delivering regionally accredited degree programs through its network of 17 campuses. The Rasmussen College Romeoville/Joliet campus is the third Rasmussen College campus to open in Illinois, and provides an interactive learning environment for students featuring a resource center with Internet access, healthcare labs and a mentoring center to support both residential and online students.

Rasmussen College offers programs that will help qualify students for an in-demand career upon graduation. The associate degrees offered at Rasmussen College Romeoville/Joliet will provide students with a well-rounded education along with preparation for future careers. With specialized Schools of Allied Health, Business, Justice Studies and Technology and Design, Rasmussen College helps students gain the knowledge they need to succeed.

PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE

Prairie State College has grown in many ways –in size, in facilities, in breadth and depth of educational options, and in reputation.  Prairie State College’s 130-acre campus is located at South Halsted Street and Vollmer Road in Chicago Heights, Illinois.

The main campus, located south of Vollmer Road, houses administrative offices, classrooms, laboratories, and student services facilities such as the bookstore, the Counseling and Academic Advising Center, the Student Success Center, Enrollment Services, and the Business Office. The main campus also is home to the Conference Center, a place for special events, meetings, conferences, and the site of the Christopher Art Gallery. The Adult Training and Outreach Center, where the College’s English as a Second Language, Adult Basic Education, and GED classes are held, and the Illinois workNet Center are also located on the main campus.

University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix provides access to higher education that enables students to develop knowledge and skills necessary to pursue their professional goals, improve the performance of their organizations, and provide leadership and service to their communities.

Retail revolution makes Joliet a big winner

In 2015, Amazon didn’t have a single facility in Joliet or in surrounding Will County. Just three years later, the biggest company in online retailing had become the biggest employer in Will County with 3,500 workers in Joliet alone. Its five existing or planned distribution and sorting centers occupied ground equal to 56 football fields.

That’s just the most unmistakable sign of how drastically the revolution in retailing has supercharged Joliet’s industrial base. But like the revolution that first made Joliet what it is starting in the 1830s, we can chalk this one up to transportation.

Thanks to its location along the Des Plaines River linking Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River, plus three railroads and two Interstate highways, for 150 years Joliet built its economy on heavy industries such as steelmaking. Much of that remains, such as an ExxonMobil petroleum refinery and an NRG  Energy power plant.

Now more and more finished products are being manufactured abroad, then shipped to America via “intermodal” shipping containers that can be interchanged among ships, trucks or rail cars without ever being unloaded. Other products are made in American factories and shipped to their distribution points via these same containers. Increasingly, shoppers are buying items online rather than traveling to a “bricks and mortar” store.

Joliet and the neighboring area have ridden these trends to new prosperity as the West’s two biggest railroads, BNSF and Union Pacific, have built “intermodal logistics centers” on land formerly used for military purposes by the federal government. Together known as the CenterPoint Intermodal Center, with part in Joliet and part in neighboring Elwood, Illinois, it isthe largest inland port in the United States. Hundreds of trains per week roll into these two yards, where their shipping containers are unloaded from the train cars and lifted onto semitrailer trucks.

Some of those trucks then head onto nearby I-55 or I-80, bound for warehouses and stores all over the Midwest. In the past few years, a bevy of major companies have taken advantage of this nexus of rails and roads by opening distribution centers in Joliet.

Mars Inc., the candy maker, opened a 1.4-million-square-foot distribution center in 2017, bringing with it 400 to 500 permanent jobs plus 200 to 300 seasonal jobs.

IKEA, the Swedish furniture giant, opened a 1.29 million-square-foot Midwest distribution center in fall 2018.

Communications Test Design has added 500 employees at a 501,000-square-foot facility in the CenterPoint Intermodal Center.

Other distribution centers have been opened by Home Depot, Whirlpool, Saddle Creek Logistics and Cadence Premier Logistics. CAP Barbell, a manufacturer of fitness equipment, doubled its presence in Joliet with a 200,000-square-foot expansion.

To help keep up with all that traffic flow, the CenterPoint Center’s owners are collaborating with the State of Illinois, the City of Joliet and Will County for a toll bridge and interchange improvement at I-80 and Houbolt Road that will ease access to the rail yard by trucks. Both trucks and autos will benefit as plans are being made to turn I-55’s interchange with Illinois 59 into a full four-way interchange.

DOWNTOWN MODERNIZES

All this employment growth has bright with it many new residents. In 2016 a special census showed Joliet had a population of 149,386, which moved it up to third place among Illinois’ largest cities, exceeded only by Chicago and Aurora. From 2016 to mid-2018 the city had added another 450 housing units on top of that.

Joliet’s government and business leaders haven’t forgotten the city’s classic downtown area. With thousands of Metra commuter train riders heading daily toward Chicago along two Metra rail lines and hundreds of Amtrak riders heading toward the south and west, a new train station and commuter parking have been finished. Construction of a new Pace bus station nearby is in the planning phase awaiting funding, and when done will create an easy way to move between intercity trains and in-town buses. Amtrak, meanwhile, is upgrading the track it uses between Joliet and St. Louis to high-speed rail.

The 1912-era art deco Union Station that these facilities have replaced now houses a microbrewery/restaurant and a “Grand Ballroom” for community events, weddings, etc.

Joliet Junior College recently built a seven-story City Center Campus to house its adult education and literacy, workforce development and culinary arts programs. Construction began in 2018 on a new 10-story, $200 million Will County Courthouse  in the heart of the downtown area. The Rialto Square Theatre, Harrah’s Joliet Casino and the Forge Music Venue draw large numbers to the downtown from all over the Chicago area and beyond. A downtown plaza is planned to be created across the street from the theater and an extension of Chicago Street anticipated for late 2019 will enhance traffic flow in the downtown area.

Also downtown, the city government has installed artificial turf at the Joliet Route 66 Stadium so that it can be used not only for baseball, but also for concerts, soccer and other sports. The Joliet Slammers minor league team, meanwhile, have signed on at the park through 2023.

After years of planning, the 160-year-old Old Joliet Prison – often used in TV and film, and famous as the starting point for “The Blues Brothers” – finally opened to limited public tours in 2018. Steve Jones, the deputy city manager and economic development director, said  more and more of that sprawling campus will be opened for visitors or even converted into new uses.

Meanwhile, the city government has set up a tax increment financing (TIF) district downtown to encourage new businesses and the conversion of older business buildings into residential projects. In one example, the five-story, Daniel Burnham-designed Barber Building is being converted into 35 luxury apartments.

The city council also has set up a TIF district to encourage medical offices and businesses around the world-class Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center. Saint Joseph is the flagship hospital of the largest Catholic health system in Illinois and, besides Amazon, remains Will County’s biggest employer, with 2,430 jobs.

The Joliet community is well served when it comes to receiving high quality health care right at home. The city hosts a vast collection of primary care physicians and specialists representing virtually every medical field. This diverse local health care community is anchored by two respected hospital systems, which come together to offer some of the best medical services in the nation.

PRESENCE SAINT JOSEPH MEDICAL CENTER

Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center is the flagship hospital of the largest Catholic health system in Illinois, Presence Health, recently named to the “Top Hospitals” in Chicagoland area by Chicago Magazine, Saint Joseph Medical Center serves Will and surrounding counties, including the southwest Chicago suburbs. Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center offers private patient rooms and world-class health care.

The 480-bed Medical Center features a new eight-story patient tower with all-private patient rooms, expanded critical care units and a dedicated neuroscience floor.

Through a partnership with the University of Illinois at Chicago, the world-class Neuroscience Institute at Presence Saint Joseph is the only provider of neurological services in the region and is dedicated as a Primary Stroke Center. The area’s only open-heart surgery program is found at the medical center’s Heart Center, offering patients an advanced level of cardiac care close to home.

Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center serves the community’s wide-range of health care needs through its Cancer Care Center, Level II Emergency/Trauma Center, Family Birthing Suites, Level II Special Care Nursery, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Rehabilitation Services, and Behavioral Health Services.

SILVER CROSS HOSPITAL

Silver Cross Hospital is a highly reputable medical provider in the region, garnering recognition as a 100 Top Hospital (Thomson Reuters Healthcare) seven times. Silver Cross opened a $400 million facility with 302 private beds in 2012, after a large-scale, 3.5-year construction project.

The state-of-the-art, all-private bed medical center is a testament to Silver Cross’ mission to provide quality health care to the region for the next 100 years. The improved facility enhances quality, safety and service within an environment designed for future technology. And with the new facilities come stronger partnerships with reputable resources such as Children’s Memorial Hospital, the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago and the University of Chicago Medical Center.

The 129-acre New Lenox campus includes two medical buildings with several physician offices and outpatient services, the Carolyn J. Czerkies Pavilion, home to The University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center at Silver Cross, and a new ambulatory surgery center. Over the years, Silver Cross has developed an extensive ambulatory network throughout the region that includes five satellite facilities with physician offices and outpatient testing and physical therapy.

Hospitals, Physicians & Clinics

Advanced Urology Associates
1541 Riverboat Center Dr.
Joliet, IL 60431
(815) 741-3825

Alan Chen Surgical Associates P.C.
823 129th Infantry Dr., Ste. #103
Joliet, IL 60435
815-729-9527

Amsurg Surgery Center
998 129th Infantry Dr.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 744-3000

Amy Ray, PHD Clinical Psychologist
350 Houbolt Rd., Ste. 202
Joliet, IL 60431
(815) 553-0788

Associated Anesthesiologists of Joliet, SC
19627 S. LaGrange Rd.
Mokena, IL 60448
(708) 326-1630

Crest Hill Animal Hospital
1807 Plainfield Rd.
Crest Hill, IL 60403
(815) 729-1155

Dr. Kelly Hird
1000 Essington Rd.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 729-2427

DuPage Medical Group
2100 Glenwood Ave.
Joliet, IL 60435
(630) 469-9200

Existential Counselors Society Inpatient Rehabilitation Center
2319 Manhattan Rd.
Joliet, IL 60433
(708) 223-2698

Gateway Foundation
1419 Essington Rd.
Joliet, IL 60435
(630) 966-7447

Hillmann Pediatric Therapy, PC
850 Brookforest Ave., Unit L
Shorewood, IL 60404
(815) 730-1835

Joliet Medical Center
815 N. Larkin Ave., Ste. 105
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 714-2271

Joliet Pediatrics & Family Care Inc.
831 N. Larkin Ave.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 741-8888

MedWorks Occupational Health
819 Campus Dr.
Joliet, IL 60431
(815) 744-0808

My Family Doc, LLC
2001 Essington Rd.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 733-6888

Physicians Immediate Care
1360 Houbolt Rd.
Joliet, IL 60431
(815) 823-8800

Physicians Immediate Care
800 N. Larkin
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 741-4300

Presence Medical Group
301 N. Madison St., Ste. 260
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 773-7497

Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center
333 N. Madison St.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 725-7133

Radiological Solutions, Inc
1840 Moen Ave., Ste. A
Rockdale, IL 60436
(815) 207-4300

Regional Care Association
2420 Glenwood Ave.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 722-7000

Silver Cross Hospital
1900 Silver Cross Hospital Blvd.
New Lenox, IL 60451
(815) 300-7113

Southshore Foot and Ankle Surgery
1026 Essington Rd.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 744-3453

University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center
1850 Silver Cross Blvd.
New Lenox, IL 60451
(773) 834-4383

Will-Grundy Medical Clinic
213 E. Cass St.
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 726-3377

Pharmacies/Pharmacy Dept.

J.D. Brown & Company
837 Plainfield Rd.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 723-0611

Joliet Professional Pharmacy
2100 Glenwood Ave.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 725-9314

Kodo Care Pharmacy Solutions
221 Springfield, Ste. A
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 727-4721

Walgreen Drug Stores #3929
1801 Ingalls
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 729-1905