Joliet Iron Works Historic Site: Relics of Steel
Explore the historic ruins of Joliet Iron Works, once a steel industry giant, and discover Joliet's industrial past along scenic trails.
Explore the remains of the Joliet Iron Works, once the second-largest steel mill in the U.S., now a historic site with walking trails and interpretive signs detailing its industrial past. Discover the foundations of blast furnaces and imagine the bustling activity of this once-thriving industrial complex.
A brief summary to Joliet Iron Works Historic Site
- 31 Columbia St, Joliet, Illinois, 60432, US
- +1815-727-8700
- Visit website
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking the paved and crushed limestone trails.
- Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
- Bring water, especially during warmer months, as there are limited facilities on the trail.
- Combine your visit with a walk or bike ride on the adjacent I&M Canal Trail.
Getting There
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Driving
From Interstate 80, take Exit 132 (Chicago Street) and head north. Follow the signs to the park, which is only a few minutes from the interstate. The parking lot is located off Columbia Street, just east of the Des Plaines River, near Hwy 53. Parking is free.
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Public Transport
The Joliet Gateway Center is the city's transportation hub, served by Amtrak, Metra, and Pace Bus. From the Gateway Center, the Joliet Iron Works Historic Site is approximately 2 miles away. Pace bus routes may offer connections to the vicinity, but check the schedules for the closest stop. Alternatively, taxi or ride-sharing services are readily available from the Gateway Center for around $8-$12.
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Walking
From downtown Joliet, head east on either Jefferson Street or Van Buren Street until you reach Collins Street. Turn south onto Collins Street and continue until you reach Columbia Street. Turn east onto Columbia Street, and the entrance to the Joliet Iron Works Historic Site will be on your right. The walk is approximately 1.5 miles and should take about 30 minutes.
Discover more about Joliet Iron Works Historic Site
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
First Dairy Queen Location
0.8 km
Explore the iconic First Dairy Queen Location in Joliet, Illinois, where soft-serve ice cream was first served, a true piece of Americana.
Joilet,IL 1896 Prison
0.9 km
Explore the infamous Old Joliet Prison, a historic landmark with imposing Gothic architecture and a rich, dark past, featured in movies and TV shows.
The Old Joliet Haunted Prison
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Experience the ultimate Halloween scare inside a real abandoned prison. Explore Joliet's haunted history, if you dare!
Bishops Hill
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Experience award-winning wines in a historic castle setting at Bishops Hill Winery, Joliet's unique destination for wine tasting and events.
Renaissance Center
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Experience timeless elegance at Joliet's Renaissance Center, a historic venue blending classic charm with modern amenities for unforgettable events.
Visitors Center
1.3 km
Discover the vibrant history and culture of Joliet, Illinois at the informative Visitors Center, your gateway to local attractions and insights.
Route 66 & Lincoln Highway Marker
1.4 km
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Louis Jolliet Statue
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Historic Louis Joliet Apartments
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Will County Historic Preservation Commission
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The Strange & Unusual Gallery
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Rialto Square Theatre
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Joliet Slammers Baseball
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Prison City Vintage
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Hiram B. Scutt Mansion
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Unmissable attractions to see
Joliet Iron Works Park
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Joliet Kicks on Route 66
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Route 66 Park
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Old Joliet Prison
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Haunted Trails Family Entertainment Center & Picnics
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Joliet Area Historical Museum
1.3 km
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Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66
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Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park
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Jacob Henry Mansion
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Mayor Art Schultz Park
2.1 km
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Nowell Park
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Pilcher Park Nature Center
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Paul E. Briese Park
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Blues Brothers Copmobile
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Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve
10.4 km
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Essential places to dine
Luna Mexicana Restaurant
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Mariscos La Laguna
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El Huichol De Don Memo
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Puerto Escondido
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Stefanich's Restaurant & Lounge
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El Primo Mexican Restaurant
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Sunshine Mexican Cafe - Restaurant & Catering
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Azul Celeste Bar and Grill
1.1 km
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La Villa Restaurant
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YURA NUNA (formerly K Ribs BBQ)
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Juliet's Tavern
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Vela’s Restaurant & Lounge
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Taco Truck
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Mousa
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Hey Hot Dog
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Damaris Boutique
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Joliet Jewelry Store
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Plaza Robles
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Western Wear
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Shop 1928
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Latino Illusion Cano
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Ready Set Zoe
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Amalove Boutique
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Dstylz n things
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ARTESANO STORE LLC
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It Is Amazing
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Western Grocery Store
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The Juncture
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Greg Spiess Antiques
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Clothingus
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Johnny's On Hickory
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Steel City Saloon
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Crybabies Tap
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Judge's Bar - Joliet
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Crow's Nest Tavern
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Thirty-Buck
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Izzy's LLC
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Mid Town Tap
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Bobby's Tap
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Eden Bar and Grill
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Longshots
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Saloon 2
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Sidelines Sports Bar
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On The Rocks Joliet
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Double J Sports Bar
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