Joliet IL

Joliet, IL – Nestled just 35 miles southwest of Chicago, Joliet blends small-town charm with rich history and lively attractions. Known for its historic Route 66 roots, thriving arts scene, and beautiful riverfront views, this city offers a unique slice of Midwest living. Whether you're touring the Old Joliet Prison, catching a show at the Rialto Square Theatre, or enjoying a day at Chicagoland Speedway, Joliet has something to surprise and delight everyone.

• Population: ~150,000
• Weather: Four seasons with hot summers (70–90°F) and cold winters (20–40°F); spring and fall bring mild temperatures.
• Places To Visit: Rialto Square Theatre, Joliet Area Historical Museum, Old Joliet Prison, Route 66 Park, Chicagoland Speedway.
• Top Activities: Exploring historic downtown, riverwalk strolls, casino gaming, live concerts, and family-friendly festivals.
• Famous Food: Deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, and local favorites like Merichka’s poorboy steak sandwich.

Joliet, IL is a growing city located just southwest of Chicago. Its economy is supported by strong industries such as manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, and education. Thanks to its ideal location, access to major highways, and local investments, Joliet continues to attract various employers. Below are some of the most in-demand jobs in the city.

Top 5 Jobs in Joliet, IL

Joliet, IL, offers a variety of cool spots that are perfect for students looking to chill, relax, and enjoy some good leisure time. Whether you prefer lively hangouts, outdoor spaces, or tasty food joints, there's always something fun happening around the city.

Joliet Route 66 Stadium – Home games for the Joliet Slammers baseball team create a lively atmosphere that's perfect for hanging out with friends. Enjoy hot dogs, popcorn, and memorable evenings under the stadium lights.

Pilcher Park Nature Center – Looking for some fresh air and quiet relaxation? This park offers trails, picnic areas, and beautiful spots ideal for nature walks, photo sessions, or simply unwinding.

Louis Joliet Mall – Shopping, grabbing snacks, or catching a movie at Cinemark theater—this mall has all your chill-day favorites under one roof, making it an excellent spot to hang out with friends.

Haunted Trails Family Entertainment Center – Mini-golf, go-kart racing, arcade games, and batting cages—this spot packs tons of fun into one location, offering excitement and laughs for groups of friends.

Chicago Street Pub – This cozy downtown pub is a local student favorite, known for a friendly atmosphere, delicious meals, and regular live music performances. Great for grabbing burgers and hanging out after class.

Bicentennial Park – Located along the Des Plaines River, this scenic park offers plenty of space to relax, read, or have a picnic with friends. Throughout the year, the park hosts concerts, festivals, and community events that students love.

No matter your mood, Joliet has plenty of cool spots where students can relax, unwind, and make memories with friends.

Joliet, Illinois, offers a range of reputable colleges and universities that provide students with quality education across various fields, such as health sciences, applied technology, liberal arts, and professional trades.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Joliet

Joliet Junior College (JJC) – Recognized as the first public community college in the United States, JJC offers a wide range of associate degrees, technical certificates, and transfer programs. It is well known for its nursing, culinary arts, and automotive programs.

Northern Illinois University (NIU) – Naperville & Other Satellite Locations – Although headquartered in DeKalb, NIU’s satellite campuses, such as Naperville, serve students in the Joliet area with programs in education, business, and public service.

College of DuPage (COD) – Serving the greater suburban Chicago area, COD provides residents of Joliet access to over 170 degree and certificate programs including healthcare, business, and liberal arts. Many students from Joliet choose COD for its affordability and transfer opportunities.

Moraine Valley Community College – Located nearby in Palos Hills, this college serves many Joliet residents. It is known for strong programs in criminal justice, information technology, and allied health.

Governors State University – Located in University Park, just a short drive from Joliet, this public university offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. It’s known for innovative programs in education, business, and healthcare fields.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Joliet

University of St. Francis – Based in Joliet, this Catholic liberal arts university offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. It is well respected for its nursing, education, and business degrees, and emphasizes ethics and leadership.

Benedictine University – Located in nearby Lisle, Benedictine is a Catholic university that draws students from the Joliet area. It offers strong programs in health sciences, business, and liberal arts, with a focus on leadership and service.

Lewis University – Situated in Romeoville, close to Joliet, Lewis is a Lasallian Catholic university known for strong programs in aviation, nursing, and criminal justice. It also offers graduate degrees in business and education.

North Central College – This private liberal arts college in nearby Naperville attracts many students from Joliet. Its personalized education model and strong programs in communications, psychology, and entrepreneurship make it a top choice.

Midwestern University – Located in Downers Grove, this graduate-level health sciences university is ideal for Joliet students pursuing careers in medicine, pharmacy, and physical therapy. Its focus on healthcare professions sets it apart in the region.

Joliet, IL is home to several great high schools that offer a solid education to prepare students for success in college and beyond. Whether public or private, these schools provide academic rigor, supportive environments, and extracurricular opportunities for growth.

Top Public High Schools in Joliet, IL

• Plainfield Central High School – Located near Joliet, this school offers strong academics, diverse clubs, and Advanced Placement (AP) options.
• Minooka Community High School – Serves students in the Joliet area with excellent student support services and a broad range of courses.
• Joliet West High School – Part of Joliet Township High Schools, known for its college readiness programs and robust athletics and arts.
• Joliet Central High School – Offers advanced academic programs, including honors and AP, and emphasizes student leadership development.
• Lockport Township High School – A large public school with a strong academic reputation and many activities to engage students.

Top Private High Schools in Joliet, IL

• Joliet Catholic Academy – A highly respected faith-based high school known for its academics, athletics, and college preparation programs.
• Providence Catholic High School – Located in nearby New Lenox, this private school offers strong academics and a nurturing community rooted in Catholic values.
• Victory Christian Academy – A small private school in Joliet that provides individualized attention and a Christian-centered education.
• St. Francis Academy (Formerly Sacred Heart Academy) – A historical all-girls Catholic school that continues to serve students with a focus on academic excellence and personal growth.
• Cornerstone Christian Academy – Focused on faith-based learning and small class sizes, this school emphasizes character and academic development.

Joliet, Illinois may not have major league professional teams like larger cities, but it has a dedicated sports community with beloved minor league teams and strong local sports culture. Located in the Chicago metro area, Joliet benefits from access to major league teams while also supporting its homegrown clubs that bring excitement and community pride to the region.

⚾ Baseball – Joliet Slammers (Frontier League)

• Joliet Slammers – The Joliet Slammers are a professional baseball team that plays in the independent Frontier League, which is a partner league of Major League Baseball (MLB). Since their establishment in 2011, the Slammers have become a fan favorite, winning the Frontier League Championship in 2011 and again in 2018.
• They play at the Duly Health and Care Field, a modern ballpark in downtown Joliet that offers a fun and family-friendly environment for baseball fans of all ages.

🏁 Motorsports – Chicagoland Speedway & Route 66 Raceway

• Chicagoland Speedway – Although currently inactive in hosting NASCAR events, Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet held major races from 2001 to 2019. It was home to events like the NASCAR Cup Series and IndyCar races, drawing fans from across the Midwest.
• Route 66 Raceway – Located adjacent to the speedway, this drag strip hosts various motorsport events, including the NHRA Nationals, attracting top drag racers and large crowds every racing season.

🏈 Nearby Major Teams – Chicago Bears (NFL)

• While Joliet doesn’t have its own NFL team, local residents are passionate supporters of the Chicago Bears, who play just under an hour away at Soldier Field. The Bears have a storied history with one Super Bowl win (1985) and stand as one of the NFL’s oldest and most iconic franchises.

🏀 Nearby Major Teams – Chicago Bulls (NBA)

• Chicago Bulls – NBA fans in Joliet often cheer for the Chicago Bulls, located nearby. The team rose to global fame in the 1990s with Michael Jordan, winning six NBA championships and helping popularize professional basketball around the world.

🏒 Nearby Major Teams – Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)

• Chicago Blackhawks – The Blackhawks are a major NHL franchise supported by many Joliet residents. They have won six Stanley Cup Championships, including three recent titles in 2010, 2013, and 2015, led by stars like Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane.

⚽ Nearby Major Teams – Chicago Fire FC & Chicago Red Stars (MLS & NWSL)

• Chicago Fire FC – MLS fans from Joliet often support Chicago Fire FC. The club has a strong following and won the MLS Cup in 1998 during their inaugural season.
• Chicago Red Stars – In the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), the Red Stars are among the top teams. They’ve made several playoff appearances and are known for featuring top U.S. soccer talent.

Joliet, Illinois, is a city full of rich history, entertainment charm, and unique local culture. Located just southwest of Chicago, Joliet has plenty of surprises that make it a city worth exploring. Here are ten fun facts about Joliet:

1. Hollywood of the Midwest – Movies like The Blues Brothers and TV shows such as Prison Break were filmed in Joliet, thanks to its historic landmarks and iconic prison building.
2. Joliet Prison Fame – The Old Joliet Prison opened in 1858 and became a tourist attraction after its closure. Its gothic architecture has drawn film crews and curious visitors alike.
3. Speed Thrills – Joliet is home to the Chicagoland Speedway, where NASCAR races draw fans from across the country for high-speed thrills and family-friendly events.
4. City of Stone – Joliet earned the nickname “Stone City” because of the rich limestone quarries in the area. Local buildings, including the old prison, are made from this stone.
5. Historic Route 66 – The legendary Route 66 runs through Joliet. You can still visit classic diners and stops along this piece of Americana right in town.
6. The Rialto Square Theatre – Built in 1926, the Rialto is known as one of the most beautiful theaters in the country and hosts concerts, plays, and comedy shows year-round.
7. Railroad Roots – Joliet has a strong railroad history and remains a key transportation hub with a beautiful historic train station still serving commuters today.
8. River City – The Des Plaines River runs right through Joliet, offering scenic views, boating, and inspiration for the city's development since the 1800s.
9. Sports Town – Joliet has its own minor league baseball team, the Joliet Slammers, who play at Duly Health and Care Field, a fun family experience in the heart of downtown.
10. Diverse and Growing – Joliet is one of the fastest-growing cities in Illinois and boasts a rich mix of cultures, making it a lively and welcoming place to visit or live.