joliet area historical museum

DFBeyer

This is always a must see for house guests from out of town. We usually take visitors here for a one stop history lesson on Joliet, they also have special exhibits and events that are constantly changing. The staff is always very helpful and accommodating! Becoming a member is the best way to go, not only are you supporting a great cause... it's also a great value.

Cinnilouwho

Decided to make a stop here while out for a joy ride. So glad we did, they have a special display right now on the 3 prison's in the area that is VERY informative!!!! Two of them are closed down and rotting away, the 3rd is still in operation. The rest of the museum, although small is very interesting, with displays about the area. For only $6 a person it's a great way to get out and stretch your legs if you are doing the Route 66 drive!!!The museum guide was very helpful and informative when we had questions!!!They also have a small area, just inside that door that had Route 66 memorabilia.The closest parking is about a 1/4 of a block away, (before the museum) if you see the museum, you'll have to go around the block to go back to the parking area ;-)

LadyG1010101010

Beautiful and clean museum. Not large but some very interesting things to see. Building use to be a church. Stain glass windows are amazing! They intrigued me as much as the displayed items. Museum curator available to answer any / all questions.Admission is extremely reasonable. I bought a GROUPON for two admissions at the price of one admission. You would need to check if this offer is currently available.Admission Fees$6 Adults$5 Seniors (60+)$4 Full-time students with valid school ID$3 Youth (age 4-17)FREE-Members and children under 3HoursMonday: 10 am - 2 pm during the Summer (except for the holidays listed below)Tuesday-Saturday: 10 am - 5 pmSunday: Noon - 5 pmThe Route 66 Experience and the Museum Gift Shop are open from 10 AM until 2 PM each Monday from May through September.

johnwV3884UL

Joliet's downtown has come a long way since I was little. The museum is located inside a former church right by Joliet Junior College's downtown location. Right when you go up the stairs you are greeted by statues of the blues brothers and a model of one of Joliet's famous drawbridges. You watch a short film before entering through a lock replica of the i&m canal. They have many items including a history of the high school band and the limestone that the city is famous for. There is some info on route 66 and the lincoln highway since they both intersect in Joliet. Admission is usually 8 dollars but there are free days so check the website!!

iamnyc

Nice little museum, although we could have done without the (maybe?) mandatory video. The Blues Brothers statue is cool, as is the statue of Santa Fortunata, which is downstairs. The gift shop is nice too, similar to other places along old 66.

jbrenz

While in Joliet for a show, I found myself at the Joliet Area Historical Museum. What a cute and wonderful find. Also surprisingly large on the inside, something you would not expect from the outside and in the neighborhood that it is in. There is a lot of history of the Joliet area in this museum, plus they put on nice shows here, too. Saw a wonderful show during my visit on Wild Bill Hickok and his time in Illinois. The staff is amazing, very pleasant, and eager to help answer any questions you may have. This is a nice little find in the Joliet area. Will definitely return and urge others to stop in if you're in or around Joliet.

mother15

JMJ Purchased tickets on Groupon figuring I get to Joliet on a regular basis and was I Happy! The Groupon was about to expire so I thought I'd better take time. Was I pleasantly surprised! I only expected a small, old museum being the Chicago snob I am. The Route 66 stop and exhibit was also part of the building which would have been enough but then we were shown where the Joliet museum started. You'll be greeted by "Joliet" Jake and Elwood ( which Elwood, Il is named for) the Blues Brothers! Three floors of modern exhibits will bring you up to date on the social and economic high points of Joliet. From its discovery by Louis Joliet and Fr. Marquette to its revitalization now, you'll see interesting displays and artifacts. Did you know that most of the horseshoes used to tame the West came from Joliet? Also did you know that at one time it was the Wallpaper Capitol of the US? Young and old will enjoy this stop. There is a fee but Seniors and children can save money. A pleasant gift shop is also in the building if you are looking for unique gifts, especially Rt 66 items. Enjoy!

glendanz

We stopped here as part of our Route 66 journey. The staff were very friendly and welcoming. We purchase some Route 66 memorabilia and found their prices quite comparable to other Route 66 museums.

JackfromGigHarbor

Stopped to see the Route 66 portion of the museum. Very nice Rt 66 exhibit. Didn't have time to see the greater part of the museum which is about the Joliet area. Nice gift shop with a lot of Rt 66 memorabilia. Would liked to have time to see the whole museum but they were closing early to have a banquet this evening. Next trip........ No charge for Rt 66 exhibit, reasonable fee for Joliet museum.

106seanw

I was only in Joliet for a day as a side-trip from Chicago. This museum is the best place to learn about the history of Joliet and Route 66. It's a great museum and it has a great low price. This is a must see attraction in Joliet.

travelbug263

I loved going to this museum. Great slice of history, and while the ideas are centered around Joliet, much of information stretches beyond the town. We went on Saturday afternoon at about 3:00 and we were the only people there. Free to explore at my own pace, which is something I really like at museums. The exhibits are very well-done. I was impressed by the historical photos and memorabilia. This museum is a quality one. Everything is very clean, well-kept, and almost new. You can go through it in under two hours so a visit can be part of your day (rather than a whole day), which was also very nice. And free parking is right across the street! It's a little gem of a museum for sure!

AprilH158

The museum was located in a church which was neat and it had a store on the first floor. Also, on the first floor there was a replica of a diner, jukebox, vintage tv set, a map of Rt 66 and what the interest points along the route to California. I had to chuckle when I saw the Blues Brothers!

pvillejennie

Took my mother there for a blast from the past, and ended up loving it myself. Very informative about our local NASA astronaut, local band that put JTHS on the map, as well as the limestone building of the canal and our famous Joliet prison. Cool info about Route 66's beginnings also. A must see if you have time and are downtown Joliet.

538patriciab

The Joliet Area Historical Museum is a wonderful place to visit. The exhibits are on a par with any of the museums in Chicago. It is exciting to learn the history of our town while taking a trolley ride or walking through the I & M canal. The space exhibit featuring a local NASA hero was extremely impressive. The museum has it all including a chance to take your picture with the Blues Brothers or sit in a car at a drive-in movie. The staff is friendly and very helpful and the gift shop is delightful. Definitely a place to visit!

cooley25

This museum shows you the open room of the famous historic Route 66. You can view some tv recordings on small sets, have a drink and sit in some old cars restored for this museum. It doesn't take very long, but is colorful and timely. Then you can visit the much more extensive Joliet area museum, full of history and visuals. Nice gift shop and amenities. Friendly staff.