Joliet, IL

Joilet claims to be the Gateway to Route 66.

The first Dairy Queen opened in Joliet in 1940. It's no longer there, but check out the sculptures of Jake and Elwood atop Rich & Creamy on the way into town. It's an old fashioned walk up ice cream place. 

Across the street there is Dick's on 66, a local towing company that also is a classic Route 66 photo op. Stop in and meet Dick. He loves Route 66 visitors and he's a hoot.

The Rialto Square Theater just off the Square at 102 N Chicago St, was built in 1926 (the year Route 66 opened).

The Joliet Area Historical Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center is Downtown at 204 N Ottawa St.

Joliet Prison, which first opened in 1858, is just off Route 66. It held Leopold and Loeb, who murdered someone in 1924 to try to pull off the perfect crime. It's the inspiration for Joliet Jake of Blues Brothers fame. It closed in 2002, and it now is a public park. To get there, follow Ottowa Ave (Hwy 53) and go left on Jefferson. Follow Jefferson as it loops around and becomes Collins, and follow Collins to the Prison. Don't mistake Joliet High School for the Prison. It looks like one (and who knows, maybe the students think it is).

Harrah's Casino is Downtown near the Square. The Hollywood Casino is off your beaten path.

Joliet is the eastern most town in the Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor. This is a 90 mile long stretch of Route 66 from Joliet to Rowanda,Il. Each town plans its own events each May celebrating its Route 66 heritage. 

There are several routes following the Mother Road as it changed over the years. The easiest is to follow Hwy 53 through town.

You will pass the Chicagoland Speedway on your way out of town.

Near the Speedway, stop by Boz Hot Dogs. It's an old fashioned hot dog stand that has been around for years. Be sure to order the all beef dog or you will get something akin to Spam.