You hear the word Illinois and your mind immediately leaps to Chicago without a second thought. While the Windy City is favored by tourists across the world, there is an unrecognized town that you may not have known about.
With a variety of talent stemming from Joliet, the city has been featured in a multitude of films and television shows. The unique landmarks offered by the town has turned Joliet into the hidden gem that tourists have become more eager to find out about. Want to know more? We have composed a list of facts and features that Joliet, Illinois has to offer the curious traveler.
Landmarks:
The Route 66 Raceway is the first drag racing stadium which debuted in 1998 and features a half-mile dirt oval track in addition to a quarter-mile drag strip. If you’re into racing cars, get your motors running and head out to the Route 66 Raceway!
The Joliet Prison was featured in the film The Blues Brothers starring John Belushi as “Joliet” Jake Blues. Other films the prison was featured in include Derailed and Red Heat in addition to television shows such as “Prison Break” and “Bones.” The facility was built in 1958 utilizing convict labor and made of limestone. For a look into the history of the Joliet Prison, explore the Joliet Prison Photographs publication.
The Rialto Square Theatre original functioned as a movie theater, but is now home to stand-up comedy acts, musicals, plays, and concerts. Opened in 1926 and restored in 1980, The Rialto Theater has been called “one of the ten most beautiful theaters in the nation.” The theater was a favorite of Al Capone and was featured in Stir of Echoes.
Talent from Joliet:
Anthony Rapp appeared in “All My Children” and the Broadway Musical “Rent.”
Tyler Christopher, known for his roles on “General Hospital” and in Out of the Black, the actor also appeared on “Days of Our Lives,” “CSI,” “Charmed,” “Angel,” and in The Pretender 2001.
Janina Gavankar appeared on "True Blood” and “The League.”
Nick Offerman has appeared in many television shows and films including Sin City, 21 Jump Street, “Parks & Recreations,” “Conan,” “CSI,” Taking Chances, and “Gilmore Girls,” just to name a few.
Vince Vieluf is best known for Rat Race and has appeared on “Friends” and in An American Werewolf in Paris.
The list of talent rising from Joliet goes on and on, but we are moving on to some fun facts.
The town is known as “The City of Champions” as a result of all the state and national awards acquired by the local high school, Joliet Township High.
There are 4 golf courses located in Joilet.
The list of notable people from the city is buzzworthy.
The city is featured in several films including Natural Born Killers, Public Enemies, The Blues Brothers, Derailed, and Weeds.
While in Joliet, guests breathe in the exhibits and absorb the history shown from within the museums. If you are interested in viewing some beautiful architecture with historical stories to tell, Joliet, Illinois is the place to visit. Who knows? Maybe you’ll make some history of your own. And of course, Navis Pack & Ship of Joliet will be able to ship your personal history for you.
Images courtesy of Joliet Prison and City of Joliet, IL
