Route 66 Park is a free roadside heritage park at 920 N Broadway St, Joliet, IL 60435, on the Broadway alignment of historic U.S. Route 66. Created as a compact salute to the Mother Road and Joliet’s role in The Blues Brothers, it draws road trippers, families and film fans for its black-suited Blues Brothers figures, Route 66 imagery, paved paths and the old-fashioned Rich & Creamy ice cream stand.
What to Expect at Route 66 Park
This is a short, self-guided stop rather than a large destination park: allow time to read the interpretive Route 66 displays, photograph the markers and take in the highway-era setting on North Broadway. Route 66 was commissioned in 1926, linking Chicago with Santa Monica, and Joliet’s north-side alignment remains a meaningful first Illinois stop for travelers leaving the Chicago area. The park’s visual centerpiece is its tribute to Jake and Elwood Blues, a fitting local reference to the 1980 film and its indelible Joliet connection.
Rich & Creamy gives the stop its classic roadside character. The small stand is known for old-fashioned ice cream service, making it an easy warm-weather pause during a Route 66 drive; its seasonal schedule and daily offerings operate separately from the public park. There is no admission desk, gallery route or formal tour. Treat the site as an outdoor photo stop, then continue north or south along Broadway to follow the historic corridor through Joliet.
- Blues Brothers tribute: Photograph the Jake and Elwood figures, dressed in the black suits, hats and sunglasses associated with the Joliet-set film legacy.
- Historic Route 66 markers: Read roadside interpretation that places Joliet on the 1926 Chicago-to-California highway.
- Rich & Creamy: Pair the visit with an old-school ice cream stop when the independently operated stand is open.
- Paved walking paths: Make a brief, level circuit through the compact landscaped grounds and roadside displays.
- Broadway alignment: Stand on a genuine urban segment of the Mother Road, useful for route photos and a Joliet driving itinerary.
Route 66 Park at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 920 N Broadway St, Joliet, IL 60435 |
| Neighborhood / Area | North Broadway / historic Route 66 corridor, north of downtown Joliet |
| Operating Hours | Outdoor park grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk; Rich & Creamy keeps separate seasonal hours. |
| Admission / Price Range | Free park admission; ice cream purchases are extra ($). |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 20 to 40 minutes; longer with an ice cream stop and photographs. |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Limited free on-site parking; Joliet Transportation Center is about 1 mile south for Metra, Amtrak and Pace connections. |
| Official Website & Phone | City of Joliet; 815-724-4000 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive in the morning for cleaner photographs and less roadside activity, or stop by mid-afternoon when an ice cream break fits naturally into a driving day. Motorists should use the small on-site parking area and take care when re-entering North Broadway. From downtown, the Joliet Transportation Center provides Metra Rock Island District and Heritage Corridor service, Amtrak trains and Pace buses; the park is roughly a 20-minute walk or a short ride north. Check the City of Joliet before a special trip for event or weather-related changes.
The park’s compact paved paths and generally level outdoor layout work well for strollers and many wheelchair users, with roadside curb crossings requiring normal street awareness. Seating is limited, so visitors who need regular rest breaks should plan a short visit. Pair it with the Old Joliet Prison, about a 10-minute walk northeast, whose imposing limestone walls are central to the city’s screen and correctional history. Downtown’s Rialto Square Theatre and the Joliet Area Historical Museum, both south along the Route 66 corridor, make strong follow-ups for travelers building a fuller half-day around Joliet heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Route 66 Park’s hours, and when is the best time to go?
The outdoor grounds are accessible daily from dawn to dusk. Go early for unobstructed photos of the Blues Brothers tribute and Route 66 signs, especially on weekends when road-trip traffic is heavier. Ice cream stand hours are seasonal and separate from park access.
Is Route 66 Park free, and do I need a reservation?
There is no admission charge and no reservation requirement for the park. Bring a small budget only if you plan to buy ice cream from Rich & Creamy; the park itself has no ticketed attractions or guided-tour desk.
How much time should I allow for a visit?
Most visitors need 20 to 40 minutes to see the displays, take photographs and walk the paths. Allow about an hour if you are stopping for ice cream or combining the park with a walk toward Old Joliet Prison.
Is Route 66 Park suitable for children and wheelchair users?
Yes. The movie-themed figures, open-air setting and ice cream stop give families an easy, low-commitment Route 66 experience. Paved, mostly level circulation supports strollers and wheelchair use, while the small scale and limited seating make it best for a brief stop rather than an extended outing.
When planning your Joliet travel guide or comparing verified attractions and parks in Joliet, pair this stop with standout local spots including The Reserve, Fairfield Inn & Suites Joliet North/Plainfield, Red Roof Inn Chicago – Joliet, and Joliet Kicks on Route 66 (0.1 km away).
