Pay A Visit To The Official Route 66 Visitors Center

Situated directly on Route 66, you can enjoy a wide array of experiences at the Joliet Area Historical Museum. Located in Joliet’s “Old Town”, just follow the signs to begin your trip back in time.

Less than an hour from Chicago, Illinois second largest city, the museum houses the Official Route 66 Visitors Center and gift shop. And Joliet has bragging rights. Situated on BOTH the 1926-1939 and the 1940-1977 routes of the Mother Road makes Joliet a must-see destination.

Founded in 2002 “…to promote awareness, understanding, and preservation of the Joliet area’s diverse history” the museum has set out to do just that. From a two-story Apollo 11 exhibit featuring a step inside Lunar Lander Simulator and other contributions in space by Joliet’s own Dr. John C. Houbolt, to life-size replicas of Jake and Elwood Blues, the museum has something for everyone.

You can even spend “A Night Behind Bars” at the Old Joliet Prison, site of the famous “Blues Brothers” movie. Additional prison tours include everything from history to the paranormal. Check out their website for more information, themed events and tickets.

Open every day except Sunday, we know the Joliet Area Historical Museum and Official Route 66 Visitors Center will provide you with the nostalgia your looking for.

Nearby Attractions:

• Rialto Square Theatre
• Harrah’s Joliet Casino & Hotel
• Route 66 Raceway
• Route 66 Food n Fuel
• Pilcher Park Nature Center
• Rich & Creamy
• Jitters Coffee House
• Al’s Steakhouse

For more information, visit: jolietmuseum.org

JOLIET AREA HISTORICAL MUSEUM

204 N Ottawa Street

Joliet, IL 60432

(815) 723-5201

M-SA 10am-5pm SU 12pm-5pm