{"id":115647,"date":"2022-12-17T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-12-17T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/free-things-to-do-in-joliet-il\/"},"modified":"2024-01-04T15:07:15","modified_gmt":"2024-01-04T15:07:15","slug":"free-things-to-do-in-joliet-il","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/free-things-to-do-in-joliet-il\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Free Things to Do in Joliet, IL"},"content":{"rendered":"
Joliet<\/a> is a city and seat of Will County in northeastern Illinois.<\/p>\n It is nestled on the Des Plaines River, which is 40 miles southwest of downtown Chicago. <\/p>\n James B. Campbell from Ottawa initially named the city “Juliet” in honor of his daughter.<\/p>\n It was later renamed “Louis Jolliet” in 1845.<\/p>\n Joliet’s population has reached 150,362 as per the 2020 census.<\/p>\n Its total land area comprises 65.08 square miles of land and 0.74 square miles of water.<\/p>\n This area is also known as a shipping and transportation center.<\/p>\n It is also a popular city to live and settle in due to its low crime rate and suburban feel.<\/p>\n But aside from that, Joliet is also dotted with exciting tourist attractions that locals and tourists love.<\/p>\n What’s more interesting is you won’t have to spend a dime to be able to experience what this city has to offer.<\/p>\n Here are the free things to do in Joliet<\/a>, Illinois: <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Eddie J. Rodriquez \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n Joliet Iron Works Historic Site<\/a> is a 52-acre preserved site on Columbia Street.<\/p>\n It was acquired by the city sometime between 1991 and 1997 and is a part of the Des Plaines River, which conserves over 2,400 acres.<\/p>\n Joliet Iron Works Historic Site used to be an iron manufacturing facility.<\/p>\n Now, this area is open to those who want to visit or try outdoor activities in its trails and spacious area.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n BD Images \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n You can explore its 0.59-mile paved trail via a self-guided tour.<\/p>\n This will also lead you to the paved I&M Canal Trail, which measures 7.75 miles.<\/p>\n You can do several activities on I&M Canal Trail, such as biking, running, hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.<\/p>\n Don’t miss the chance to visit its 3.26-mile paved segment for some in-line skating sessions alone or with friends.<\/p>\n You can also rest at Joliet Iron Works Historic Site’s picnic shelters and have a bite while relaxing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Eddie J. Rodriquez \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n Pilcher Park Nature Center<\/a> is situated on Highland Park Drive.<\/p>\n This nature center is perfect for biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing.<\/p>\n Its nature trails will lead you to some of the most scenic spots in the area.<\/p>\n Pilcher Park Nature Center is ideal if you want to relax and take a day off from the stress of everyday life.<\/p>\n It also boasts a 640-acre of natural habitat for wildlife animals.<\/p>\n You can also set up your picnic blanket in its picnic areas.<\/p>\n Aside from nature tripping and fun outdoor adventures, Pilcher Park Nature Center is a go-to place for people looking for the best wedding venue.<\/p>\n A visit to this nature center is free, but there are also poles, skis, and boots for rent with children’s sizes available.<\/p>\n Mayor Art Schultz Park<\/a> is a small park nestled on South Broadway Street.<\/p>\n Your little ones will have fun in this park as it features several pieces of play equipment.<\/p>\n It has slides, swings, and a wide open play area.<\/p>\n While you let your kids enjoy and bond with other children, you can take a walk or run in this park’s spacious vicinity.<\/p>\n Mayor Art Schultz Park is also located near a river, providing a serene atmosphere.<\/p>\n Lower Rock Run Preserve – I&M Canal Access<\/a> is a 372-acre nature spot on Hollywood Road.<\/p>\n It was acquired between 1989 and 2003.<\/p>\n Lower Rock Run Preserve – I&M Canal Access is a major part of the Rock Run preservation system.<\/p>\n This spacious preserve is home to diverse habitats such as forests, savannas, prairies, and wetlands.<\/p>\n You’ll get the chance to spot some northern water snakes and eastern kingbirds as you explore deeper into this natural area.<\/p>\n Some of the most recommended things you can do here are hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.<\/p>\n Lower Rock Run Preserve – I&M Canal Access also has picnic areas and is ideal for geocaching.<\/p>\n Bird Haven Greenhouse & Conservatory<\/a> is a three-acre land situated on North Gougar Road, close to Pilcher Park and Higginbotham Woods.<\/p>\n It was constructed in the early 1900s.<\/p>\n It boasts an Italian Renaissance style designed by Lord and Burnham Company.<\/p>\n Here, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of colorful flowers that vary in shape and size.<\/p>\n Bird Haven Greenhouse & Conservatory also has a cacti room, tropical house, and show house, which can be visited at the end of the year.<\/p>\n This place is also suited for photography but requires a permit and permission beforehand.<\/p>\n Rock Run Greenway Trail<\/a> is an 11.24-mile paved trail with access to nearby nature preserves and spots in the city.<\/p>\n It runs from Crest Hill south through Joliet.<\/p>\n This trail will give you access to the Theodore Marsh, Rock Run Preserve \u2013 Paul V. Nichols Access, Rock Run Preserve \u2013 Black Road Access, Colvin Grove Preserve\/Joliet Junior College South Lot, and Lower Rock Run Preserve \u2013 I&M Canal Access.<\/p>\n Rock Run Greenway Trail also runs through wetland, prairie, and woodland.<\/p>\n This is ideal for biking, running, hiking, in-line skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.<\/p>\n West Park<\/a> is located on Wheeler Avenue and Belleview Avenue.<\/p>\n This is a good place to relax and have a peaceful time with nature.<\/p>\n You can bring your children and let them play at the playground, which features swings, slides, and more.<\/p>\n West Park also has hiking and walking trails.<\/p>\n You can use the tennis court or disc golf facility if you want to play sports.<\/p>\n This park is also suited for cross-country skiing.<\/p>\n Comfort stations, shelters, and picnic areas are also available.<\/p>\n Inwood Park<\/a> is another park situated on West Jefferson Street.<\/p>\n Just like all the parks in the city, this is a great escape if you want to have some peaceful and quiet time alone.<\/p>\n Inwood Park is surrounded by lush trees and a wide landscaped area, so visiting this park will make you feel recharged and closer to nature.<\/p>\n You can also explore the trails or play tennis and bocce ball.<\/p>\n Aside from these, Inwood Park also has play equipment suitable for little children.<\/p>\n You can bring your food and set up a picnic blanket in Inwood Park’s picnic areas.<\/p>\n Rock Run Rookery Preserve<\/a> is a 224-acre natural area on South Youngs Road.<\/p>\n It was a quarrying site before the district acquired the land where it sits.<\/p>\n Aside from forests and wetlands, Rock Run Rookery Preserve is also home to 84-acre and 13-acre lakes.<\/p>\n Here, you’ll see amazing creatures like the great blue heron, egret, and other bird species.<\/p>\n You’ll also spot various plant species in this natural area, such as marble seed, sedges, and pale beardtongue.<\/p>\n You can also try fishing for bluegill, bass, walleye, and catfish in its two lakes.<\/p>\n Rock Run Rookery Preserve also has a boat, kayak, and canoe launch.<\/p>\n If you’re not into water activities, you can do some biking, running, in-line skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skating in this preserve.<\/p>\n St. Joseph Park<\/a> is situated on Theodore Street.<\/p>\n This street is known for its lively atmosphere, especially during summer weekends.<\/p>\n St. Joseph Park hosts free music entertainment.<\/p>\n There is also a wide selection of shops where you and your friends can window shop.<\/p>\n This park is usually crowded, so it is one of the best places to meet new friends.<\/p>\n Dellwood Park<\/a> is a 150-acre park on Woods Drive.<\/p>\n The Chicago & Joliet Electric Railway Company built it from 1905 to 1906.<\/p>\n It quickly became one of the city’s best and most visited parks since its opening on July 4, 1905.<\/p>\n Dellwood Park boasts a grandstand that can fit up to 5,000 people.<\/p>\n It serves as a venue for different events like baseball games and races.<\/p>\n Dellwood Park is also a popular picnic spot and recreational area.<\/p>\n It features playgrounds, a disc-golf course, and trails.<\/p>\n During summer, the nearby lake can be used for boating and swimming, while in winter, it becomes a wonderland perfect for ice skating.<\/p>\n Preservation Park<\/a> on Taylor Road is a must-visit, especially for its free concerts.<\/p>\n The park is surrounded by big, lush trees, which gives more shaded areas.<\/p>\n Preservation Park has running trails as well as play equipment for your children.<\/p>\n There are also a lot of benches situated within the park, which you can use if you want to take a rest.<\/p>\n You can also bring food and have a snack while appreciating the beauty of the surroundings.<\/p>\nTake a Day Trip to Joliet Iron Works Historic Site<\/h2>\n
Go Hiking at Pilcher Park Nature Center<\/h2>\n
Let Your Kids Enjoy at Mayor Art Schultz Park<\/h2>\n
Engage in Outdoor Activities at Lower Rock Run Preserve – I&M Canal Access<\/h2>\n
See Beautiful Flowers at Bird Haven Greenhouse & Conservatory<\/h2>\n
Explore Nature via Rock Run Greenway Trail<\/h2>\n
Spend the Afternoon at West Park<\/h2>\n
Walk around Inwood Park<\/h2>\n
See Amazing Wildlife at Rock Run Rookery Preserve<\/h2>\n
Mingle with Friends at St. Joseph Park<\/h2>\n
Have a Picnic with Loved Ones at Dellwood Park<\/h2>\n
Watch Free Concerts at Preservation Park<\/h2>\n
Appreciate Various Plant and Animal Species at Hadley Valley<\/h2>\n