Route 66 Park, Joliet Travel Guide

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Get your kicks at Route 66 Park in Joliet, Illinois, a nostalgic tribute to the Mother Road with vintage charm and photo ops.

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Route 66 Park

Route 66 Park in Joliet, Illinois, celebrates the iconic highway with themed attractions, including a vintage ice cream stand, Rich & Creamy, a giant Route 66 shield, and interpretive signs detailing the road's history and Joliet's connection to it. The park offers a nostalgic glimpse into the era when Route 66 was a vital artery connecting Chicago to Los Angeles.

A brief summary to Route 66 Park

920 N Broadway St, Joliet, Illinois, 60435, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Route 66 Park.

Visit the Rich & Creamy ice cream stand for a sweet treat and a photo with the Jake and Elwood Blues Brothers figures on the roof.
Take advantage of the photo opportunities with the giant neon Route 66 shield and the "Greetings from Joliet" postcard.
Read the interpretive signs to learn about Joliet's history and its connection to Route 66.
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the paved path and explore the arboretum.

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Explore Route 66 Park on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Route 66 Park, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the Joliet Area Historical Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center at 204 N Ottawa St, head north on Ottawa Street, then turn right onto E Jackson Street. Turn left onto N Broadway Street; the park will be on your right in a few blocks. The walk is approximately 1 mile and should take about 20 minutes.
Public Transport

From the Joliet Gateway Center, take Pace Bus Route 507 Northbound. The bus fare is $2.25 cash, or $2.00 with a Ventra card. The Route 507 bus runs frequently. Exit the bus at the stop closest to Route 66 Park on N Broadway St. Check the Pace Bus website or app for the most up-to-date schedules.
Taxi/Ride-Share

From downtown Joliet, a taxi or ride-share to Route 66 Park will cost approximately $10-$15 and take about 5-10 minutes. Taxi services are available in Joliet, and ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft also operate in the area. Fares may vary depending on the time of day and demand.

Discover more about Route 66 Park

Route 66 Park, located in Joliet, Illinois, is a vibrant tribute to the historic U.S. Route 66, also known as the "Mother Road". This 7-acre linear park, part of the Broadway Street Greenway, offers visitors a nostalgic journey back to the heyday of this iconic highway.The park's attractions include the Rich & Creamy ice cream stand, a vintage-style building that has been serving travelers for years. A giant neon Route 66 shield and a large "Greetings from Joliet" postcard provide excellent photo opportunities. Interpretive signs throughout the park detail Joliet's history and its significance along Route 66. The park also features a 1/3-mile paved path, an arboretum, and a playground, making it a pleasant place for a stroll or a family outing.In 1991, the city began the Broadway Street Greenway project to enhance the northern gateway into the city. By the early 2000s, the area north of Ruby Street became a 7-acre linear park, incorporating the Kreamy Delight ice cream stand. In 2007, a state tourism grant enabled the city to add Route 66-themed elements, officially branding the site as Route 66 Park. The park has continued to improve, with a rededication ceremony in October 2024 highlighting new signage, landscaping, and a planned 8-foot-tall Steelman statue.Joliet itself has a rich history tied to Route 66. As one of the first cities travelers encountered after leaving Chicago, it became a hub for diners, motels, and gas stations. Today, Joliet is known as the "City of Steel" and offers a variety of attractions for Route 66 enthusiasts, including the Joliet Area Historical Museum and the Route 66 Welcome Center.