Joliet Kicks on Route 66 is an outdoor Mother Road stop at 920 N Broadway St, Joliet, IL 60435, in the Broadway corridor north of downtown. Centered on Route 66 Park beside the Des Plaines River, it combines roadside Americana, local-history panels, and a short paved walk. Travelers come for river views, Blues Brothers photo opportunities, and a break along the highway established in 1926.
What to Expect at Joliet Kicks on Route 66
The main attraction is Route 66 Park, a seven-acre linear landscape with a roughly one-third-mile paved path, interpretive panels, and a small arboretum. This is an outdoor history stop rather than an indoor memorabilia museum. Follow the path through the planted grounds and pause at the riverside overlook, which looks across the Des Plaines toward the Old Joliet Prison area. Broadway belongs to Joliet’s historic Route 66 corridor, connecting the landscape to the road rather than simply commemorating it.
The neighboring Rich & Creamy ice-cream stand supplies the classic roadside image: figures of Jake and Elwood Blues stand on its roof. The connection is local, not arbitrary—the former Joliet Correctional Center appears in the opening of the 1980 film The Blues Brothers, and Jake carries the nickname “Joliet.” Start with the rooftop figures, then read the park’s panels before walking toward the overlook. Ice cream is an optional purchase, and the stand keeps its own schedule independently of the park.
- Blues Brothers figures: Photograph Jake and Elwood above Rich & Creamy from the public grounds without entering the roadway.
- Route 66 interpretation: Outdoor panels explain Joliet’s relationship with the highway and its changing roadside landscape.
- Riverside overlook: Look east across the Des Plaines toward the city’s former prison district and industrial surroundings.
- Paved walking path: The approximately one-third-mile route makes this a manageable leg-stretch between longer driving stages.
- Small arboretum: Planted trees soften the river corridor, offering seasonal foliage and some shade rather than an extensive botanical-garden experience.
Joliet Kicks on Route 66 at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 920 N Broadway St, Joliet, IL 60435 |
| Neighborhood / Area | North Broadway corridor, north of downtown, beside the Des Plaines River |
| Operating Hours | Plan a daylight visit; check city notices for access updates. Rich & Creamy operates separately. |
| Admission / Price Range | Free park admission; $ for an optional ice-cream stop |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 30 to 45 minutes |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Joliet Transportation Center: Metra Rock Island and Heritage Corridor trains, followed by a taxi ride; parking area off Broadway beside the attraction |
| Official Website & Phone | City of Joliet; 815-724-4000, city information |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive in morning daylight for a history-focused walk, or coordinate an afternoon stop with the ice-cream stand’s opening times. No park reservation or timed ticket is necessary. Drivers approach directly from Broadway; use the parking area rather than stopping along the road for photographs. Rail travelers can reach downtown Joliet on Metra’s Rock Island District or the more limited, weekday-oriented Heritage Corridor service, then take a taxi north. Consult Metra for schedules. The paved path accommodates rolling wheels better than the surrounding grass, although weather and surface condition matter; do not rely on the ice-cream business for accessible restroom access.
For immediate pairings, make Rich & Creamy your refreshment stop and walk approximately five to ten minutes south toward the Ruby Street Bridge, a movable bridge across the Des Plaines that adds industrial-river context. Stay on sidewalks and use marked crossings around Broadway. These are compact additions, not a full downtown walking circuit. Save Old Joliet Prison and the Joliet Area Historical Museum for separate stops farther afield. Summer brings exposed stretches despite the trees; autumn adds foliage, while winter ice can make the paved route unsuitable for an easy stroll.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit?
Choose daylight for reading the outdoor panels and seeing the river. Check city access notices before traveling, and check Rich & Creamy separately if ice cream is part of your plan.
Does Joliet Kicks on Route 66 require tickets?
The park is free, with no timed-entry reservation required. Budget separately for refreshments; this is a low-cost, $-tier stop rather than a ticketed attraction.
How long should I allow?
Allow 30 to 45 minutes for photographs, the interpretive panels, and the short path. Add time for ice cream or the walk toward Ruby Street Bridge.
Is the park suitable for families and wheelchair users?
The short paved route makes it practical for families, strollers, and many wheelchair users. Keep children close beside the river and parking area, and assess wet leaves, snow, or ice before proceeding.
When planning your Joliet travel guide or browsing verified parks in Joliet, pair this stop with standout local spots including Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66, Hamburgerseria, Juliet's Tavern, and Route 66 Park (0.1 km away).
