As one of the largest cities in Illinois, Joliet is a great place to live or visit. Named for Louis Joliet, the French-Canadian explorer who discovered the area, the city offers the perfect balance. It's smaller than Chicago but larger than most other cities in the region, offering an inviting mix of fun, excitement, and relaxing small-town atmosphere. 

History

Louis Joliet and Father Jacques Marquette discovered the area in 1673 when they traveled down the Des Plaines River. Early settlers mined much of the area, but it wasn't until the 1830s (following the Black Hawk War) that the city started to grow. The city was originally called "Juliet," but that was soon changed to "Joliet" in 1845. While there is no clear explanation for why one of the l's was dropped from the name "Jolliet," the current spelling is common in other areas that bear the same name. By 1852, the city was officially incorporated.

Landmarks

Joliet is studded with limestone buildings, Victorian houses, and other examples of historic architecture. Local landmarks include places like the Joliet Prison, which was a filming location for The Blues Brothers (1980) and the TV series Prison Break. The Chicagoland Speedway and Route 66 Raceway are frequently visited by motorheads, and the Rialto Square Theatre is well known as a former hangout for Al Capone. History buffs may also enjoy the Joliet Area Historical Museum, where they can learn more about local history.

Outdoor Fun

There are several great parks and golf courses in the Joliet area, including Inwood Golf Course, Woodruff Golf Course, Wedgewood Golf Course, and the Joliet Country Club. Pilcher Park is one of the city's largest parks, covering a whopping 640 acres and offering hiking trails, cross-country skiing, biking, and a nature center. For even more outdoor fun, check out the Splash Station Waterpark and its 200-foot racing slide.

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