Route 66 Park in Joliet, Illinois, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and recreation along the iconic Mother Road. Located at 920 N. Broadway Street, this 7-acre linear park stretches approximately 2,000 feet along the east side of Broadway Street, from just south of Ross Street to Ingalls Avenue.
Visitors can explore walking trails, picnic areas, and a playground, making it a popular spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The park features several attractions, including a vintage-style gas pump reminiscent of those found around downtown Joliet. Additionally, the park is home to the “Joliet Kicks on 66” shield sign, a large shield-shaped sign promoting Joliet’s connection to Route 66.
Adjacent to the park is the Rich and Creamy Ice Cream Stand, a classic stand recognized by the statues of Elwood and Jake Blues, the Blues Brothers, posed on the roof. This stand is open for business from mid-spring through late fall, depending on the weather, and is a welcome stop on the tour.
Route 66 Park is part of Joliet’s rich tapestry of Route 66 attractions. The city itself is located about 35 miles southwest of Chicago and is the third-largest city in Illinois, with a population of over 150,000 residents. Joliet is part of the original 1926 alignment of Route 66 in Illinois. The segment of Route 66 from Joliet to Wilmington was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2006.
For those interested in delving deeper into the area’s history, the Joliet Area Historical Museum is a must-visit. Located at 204 N. Ottawa Street, the museum documents the history of Joliet and surrounding Will County. The museum’s modern ground-floor addition features the Route 66 Welcome Center, which presents a permanent exhibit called the Route 66 Experience.
Route 66 Park in Joliet serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Mother Road, offering visitors a chance to connect with America’s storied past while enjoying the amenities of a modern urban park.