Children's Museums

Joliet Area Historical Museum

Name: Joliet Area Historical Museum
Address: 204 N Ottawa St, Joliet, IL 60432, Joliet, IL, US
Telephone: (815) 723-5201
Rating: 4.6

★★★★☆ 4.6 (726 reviews)

📍 204 N Ottawa St, Joliet, IL 60432

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🕐 Hours

Quick Facts

Type: Historical Museum
Location: Joliet, Illinois
Multiple Sites: Old Joliet Prison, Railroad Museum, Historic Grocery Market Museum
Hours: Thursday-Monday 10AM-4PM (varies by location)
Membership: Available with exclusive perks and early event access

⭐The museum hosts The Big House Ballgame at the Old Joliet Prison on April 30, 2026, as part of the National Route 66 Kickoff Celebration, requiring the museum to close all sites from April 27-May 3
⭐The museum features a rooftop deck with live music entertainment that operates during summer months
⭐The museum operates multiple specialized sub-museums including the JAHM Old Joliet Prison, Joliet Railroad Museum, and Martin & Emma Planinsek Grocery and Meat Market Museum as part of its complex
⭐The museum is a prominent Route 66 attraction featuring exhibits and merchandise dedicated to Route 66 history, including branded Route 66 Soda available in the gift shop

💡Plan your Route 66 road trip stop strategically: visit the museum to see Route 66 exhibits and purchase the iconic Route 66 Soda for photos, but note that all sites close April 27-May 3, 2026 for The Big House Ballgame event
💬Budget 2-3 hours to explore both floors thoroughly and enjoy the video presentation areas with comfortable seating, plus the rooftop deck (seasonal) which features live music
💡Engage with the friendly staff who are known for being helpful and chatty—ask them for recommendations on the best historical artifacts and exhibits, as they can enhance your understanding of Joliet's industrial and transportation history
💬Save on parking costs by using the public parking garage located two blocks away for only $1.00 per hour instead of relying on nearby paid options
💡Take advantage of interactive displays and the many photo opportunities throughout the museum and near the entry—the gift shop sells Route 66 merchandise and apparel (~$25 for t-shirts) perfect for commemorating your visit