Next to this is the Route 66 Experience. Be sure to stop and check out the rocking neon sign that hangs out front, and sculpture that sits at the street corner. This free attraction tells about the history of Route 66 and Lincoln Highway. Attached to the Route 66 Experience is the totally interactive Joliet Area Historical Museum. A first class museum full of fascinating exhibits and exciting facts (well worth the minimal admission fee). Joliet is known for its 1858 jail and as a transportation hub. This museum located within a 1909 church, is ideally located at the crossroads of America (Cass & Ottawa Streets) and is the site of Route 66 and Lincoln Highway’s only crossing.

Also be sure to stop at the Friends of Community Public Art studio on Ottawa Street just north of the museum. The sign out front reads “Art at the Steelworkers”. FCPA has a great gallery with art work and souvenirs too!

When leaving the Route 66 Experience turn left and walk to Cass Street (Route 30/Lincoln Highway) intersection and turn left. Walk one block to Chicago Street (this is the original first alignment of Route 66). Turn right and as you walk down Chicago Street, take notice of the attractive library on your right and all the beautiful buildings and architecture. Also note the metal sculptures of the Marks Brothers at the corner of Chicago and Clinton Streets by local artist Marsha Lega.

On your left will be the Rialto Square Theatre. Built in 1926, the Rialto Square Theatre is deemed “The Palace for the People” and is now considered one of the most beautiful theatres in the nation. There are over 100 hand cut crystal chandeliers and lights with the crowning center of attention going to the “duchess”, the larges in the United States. The building is a mix of Italian Renaissance, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Rococo, Venetian, and Baroque architecture. You won’t know where to look! This is an experience that has to be seen to be believed...The theatre brings in top acts throughout the year and also serves as a banquet facility year round. Key must sees include the Barton Grande Organ within the main theatre. Tours are given on Tuesdays at 1:30pm for $5.00 call for more information 815/726-7171 or visit www.rialtosquare.com.

Across the street is a public square and fountain for outdoor fun. There are also great restaurants throughout Downtown Joliet such as: Chicago Street Pub, the city’s oldest Irish Pub, Barolo Restaurant for Italian fare.

Continue on Chicago Street as far as it goes to Jefferson Street, turn right. Walk toward the Jefferson Street lift bridge.

To your right will be Harrah’s Casino and on the other side of the river on your right is Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park www.bicentennialpark.org. Note the Lincoln Highway Gazebo within Bicentennial Park.

On the opposite side of Jefferson Street, is the Joliet Visitors Bureau Office and site of Joliet’s first home.

You can stroll through the beautiful river walk and read the boulders that mark the sites of Joliet’s first homes and businesses. For a spectacular view, walk up the stairs to the top of the hill on your left. The only building in the park houses an indoor theatre and outdoor stage where Thursday nights in the summer you can see free concerts on the hill.

Continue through the park to Cass Street, turn right. Travel across another lift bridge. On your right will be Harrah’s Hotel. Continue on Cass Street (Lincoln Highway) one block to Ottawa Street. Turn left and you are back at the Route 66 Experience.

Be sure to also check out….
Joliet Jackhammers minor league baseball team just off Route 66 at Washington Street.
For all you “Giant Watchers” the forth one is located in the ball park at Silver Cross Field and visible from Clinton Street. www.jackhammerbaseball.com

There are so many reasons to Visit Joliet - check out www.visitjoliet.org for more information.