Things to Do in Will County
Will County offers diverse attractions and activities for residents and visitors. From motorsports and historic sites to parks and entertainment venues, there's something for everyone.
Major Attractions
Chicagoland Speedway & Route 66 Raceway
Location: 500 Speedway Boulevard, Joliet
Premier motorsports complex featuring NASCAR races, drag racing, and other racing events. Chicagoland Speedway hosts major NASCAR events bringing thousands of fans to the region.
Activities: NASCAR races, NHRA drag racing, driving experiences, special events
Rialto Square Theatre
Location: 102 N. Chicago Street, Joliet
Known as the "Jewel of Joliet," this stunning 1926 theater hosts concerts, comedy shows, Broadway productions, and special events. The ornate architecture and grand lobby make it worth a visit.
Activities: Concerts, Broadway shows, comedy performances, guided tours
Old Joliet Prison Tours
Location: Collins Street, Joliet
National Historic Landmark featured in movies and TV shows including "The Blues Brothers" and "Prison Break." Guided public tours offer fascinating insights into 19th and 20th-century corrections history.
Activities: Guided tours (seasonal), special events, photography opportunities
Hollywood Casino Joliet
Location: 777 Hollywood Boulevard, Joliet
Gaming, dining, and entertainment venue featuring slot machines, table games, restaurants, and live entertainment.
Activities: Gaming, dining, live music, special events
Parks & Forest Preserves
Will County Forest Preserves
Over 22,000 acres of preserved land with trails, picnic areas, and natural beauty:
Plum Creek Nature Center
Location: Breen Road, Crete Township
Nature center with exhibits, hiking trails, and educational programs. Great for families and nature enthusiasts.
Isle a la Cache Museum
Location: 501 E. Romeo Road, Romeoville
Museum focused on French fur trading history in the region. Outdoor exhibits, trails, and scenic views along the Des Plaines River.
Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve
Location: Goodenow Road, Beecher
Hiking trails through prairie and woodland habitats. Nature center with educational displays.
Hammel Woods
Location: Joliet
Fishing, hiking, picnicking, and model airplane field. Popular for outdoor recreation.
I&M Canal Trail
Historic trail following the Illinois & Michigan Canal path. Perfect for walking, running, and biking. Passes through Lockport with access to historic canal sites.
Old Plank Road Trail
Multi-use trail stretching over 20 miles from Joliet to Park Forest. Popular for biking, walking, and rollerblading. Passes through Frankfort with access to downtown shops and restaurants.
Recreation & Sports
Golf Courses
Will County features numerous public and private golf courses:
- Harborside International Golf Center (Chicago/Joliet border)
- Bolingbrook Golf Club
- Prestwick Country Club
- Tamarack Golf Course
- Mistwood Golf Course
- Water's Edge Golf Club
Sports Venues
- DuPage Medical Group Field: Home of Joliet Slammers minor league baseball
- Parks & Rec Centers: Multiple communities offer sports leagues, fitness facilities, pools
- Ice Arenas: Ice skating and hockey rinks in various communities
Shopping
Major Shopping Centers
- Louis Joliet Mall: Traditional indoor mall in Joliet
- Promenade Bolingbrook: Lifestyle center with retail, dining, entertainment
- Downtown Districts: Unique shops in Frankfort, Lockport, Plainfield downtowns
Dining
Will County offers diverse dining options:
- Downtown Joliet: Restaurants, bars, and cafes in revitalized downtown
- Frankfort Square: Restaurants around historic village square
- Route 30 Corridor: Chain restaurants and local favorites
- Local Breweries: Craft beer scene growing in Joliet and surrounding areas
Family Activities
Movie Theaters
- AMC Showplace Joliet
- Marcus Cinema at Orland Park (nearby)
- Cinemark at Bolingbrook
Entertainment Centers
- Sky Zone Trampoline Park: Indoor trampoline park
- Bowlero: Bowling and entertainment
- Arcade & Gaming Centers: Various locations throughout county
Libraries
Will County libraries offer programs for all ages:
- Joliet Public Library
- White Oak Library District
- Frankfort Public Library
- Three Rivers Public Library District
Seasonal Activities
Spring & Summer
- Farmers Markets: Multiple communities host weekly markets
- Outdoor Concerts: Free concerts in parks
- Festivals: Community celebrations throughout season
- Disc Golf: Courses in forest preserves and parks
- Fishing: Lakes and ponds throughout preserves
Fall
- Pumpkin Patches: Multiple farms offer pumpkin picking
- Corn Mazes: Seasonal attractions at local farms
- Fall Festivals: Community harvest celebrations
- Haunted Attractions: Halloween-themed events
Winter
- Ice Skating: Indoor and outdoor rinks
- Holiday Light Displays: Communities decorated for holidays
- Winter Sports: Cross-country skiing, sledding in preserves
- Indoor Activities: Museums, theaters, recreation centers
Historic Sites
Lockport
Historic downtown along I&M Canal with 19th-century buildings, canal locks, and Illinois & Michigan Canal Museum.
Joliet Downtown
Historic architecture, Rialto Square Theatre, Union Station, and Route 66 heritage sites.
Frankfort Historic Square
Preserved village square with historic buildings now housing shops and restaurants.
Nearby Attractions
Within easy driving distance:
- Chicago: 40 miles north - world-class museums, dining, entertainment
- Brookfield Zoo: 30 miles north
- Starved Rock State Park: 45 miles southwest
- Indiana Dunes: 50 miles east
Visitor Information
For more information about Will County attractions:
- Heritage Corridor Visitors Bureau: Tourism information for region
- Municipal Websites: Each community provides local attraction information
- Forest Preserve Website: reconnectwithnature.org
- Chamber of Commerce: Local chambers provide business and attraction listings
Planning Your Visit: Check our Events Calendar for upcoming festivals and activities, and explore local businesses for dining and shopping options.