On your right will be Stateville Penitentiary just 1 mile from Route 7. Be careful not to pick up any “hitch hikers”

- Continue south on Route 53

The next stretch of the road is mostly residential with a few local “mom & pop” businesses spattered throughout the area.

Two (2) miles south from the Penitentiary is Haunted Trails Amusement Park with tons of family oriented mini-golf, batting cages, go carts, arcades, picnic area, bumper boats, and more!

As you travel further south, you come to Route 66 Park on your left.
- Remain in the center lane of Route 53 and be ready to turn in for a top notch ice cream stop!

The “Rich & Creamy” ice cream stand within Route 66 Park is the official starting point for historic Route 66 in Joliet! You can stroll the pathway to an overlook where you’ll see the historic and infamous Joliet prison that was made famous by the Blues Brothers movie and television show, Prison Break.

After visiting the park, follow the Route 66 pole signs directing you along the road to the outstanding Route 66 Experience and Visitors Center! A must stop for information and fun.
- Take note of the Historic Route 66 signs that direct you to use the left lane.
- At the Ruby Street stop light, turn left and travel over the bridge.
- Follow Route 53 signage as you enter Downtown Joliet and turn right (6/10 of a mile after your turn onto Ruby Street)
- You are now on Chicago Street (originally Route 66)

Notice the building at 501 Chicago Street on your right. This is the structure that housed the very first Dairy Queen. It opened on June 22, 1940.
- Travel 2/10 mile on Chicago Street, guided by the Route 53 signage onto Ottawa Street
- Take Ottawa Street to the end
- Turn right, then left at the lights (Follow H-66
and Route 53 signs)
- On the corner is The Old Keg restaurant, with tin ceilings, antique bar, outdoor patio, and great food!

Travel 2/10 mile on Ottawa Street to the free parking lot on your right
- Recommended side trip - the Joliet Iron Works Historical Site and trail (1869)
- at Ruby Street stop light turn left
- Cross over the draw bridge and follow the
road as it curves to the right
- Travel 3/10 mile from curve to Irving, turn left
- Travel Irving as far as it will go, turn left onto
Scott Street. (This is north bound Rt. 66
- Take Scott Street as far as it will go, turn right
- The Historic Iron Works Park will be on
your left

To Return to Route 66
- Turn Right out of the parking lot
- Drive under the viaduct then turn left
You are now back on Route 66/ Route 53 and follow the signs

Several changes have been made to Joliet’s roads constructing alternating routes and one way streets in a shift of Historic Route 66. Originally, Route 66 was Chicago Street, and although it remains a two way street it is not a through street. Historic Route 66 now runs north on Scott Street and south on Ottawa Street (both Route 53).

Traveling Route 66 in Downtown Joliet, note the wide range of attractions and restaurants that are perfect for a Walking Tour.