Joliet started in 1833 as a village of 300 people on the west bank of the Des Plaines River. The town was first known as "Juliette" and was renamed "Joliet" in 1845. It was incorporated as a city in 1852 with a population of over 4,000. The town grew rapidly in the second half of the 19th century, reaching a population of over 40,000 by 1900.
During the twentieth century, Joliet became a major manufacturing center along several major railroad lines. It was also a major steel industry center, with several large steel mills in the city, such as the Joliet Iron and Steel Works. Joliet was also the site of the Stateville Prison, one of the largest and most notorious prisons in the United States. In the second half of the twentieth century, Joliet's population began to decline as manufacturing jobs left the city and suburbanization increased.
However, the city has experienced some population growth in recent years, as Chicago's urban sprawl has extended into the Joliet area. Joliet is considered a part of the Chicago metropolitan area. It is in the Illinois Technology and Research Corridor, just south of the Chicago city limits. It is also home to two major universities, the University of St. Francis and Lewis University.
Today, Joliet measures 65.82 square miles with a population of 147,000. While in this area, you will want to tour Rialto Square Theatre and Old Joliet Prison. The Joliet Area Historical Museum is a nice place for seeing art and buying gifts. Drive around the city to see its colorful eateries and lively entertainment venues.
Joliet Blues Festival – Join other attendees at the pavilion of Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park to have fun at this one-day event. It occurs in August every year and features live music.
Illinois State Fair – Attend this 10-day event in August. It always includes competitive eating contests, auto racing, food vendors, and entertainment.
Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm and Fall Fest – Have fun at this event held from September through the end of October, featuring multiple attractions, family-friendly activities, food, and other treats.
Joliet is 49 miles from its closest national park, Indiana Dunes National Park. Lake Michigan and various streams flowing through the park, such as the Little Calumet River, are ideal spots for water-based activities. Get a horse to maneuver through the numerous dune formations on the 15-mile Glenwood Dunes Trails System. Take a guided tour to the Great Marsh to see wood ducks, mallards, coots, and other avian creatures.
At 259 miles, Gateway Arch National Park is the second-closest national park to Joliet. You will want to see the illustrious Gateway Arch monument and even take a tram ride to its top viewing tower. You can also explore the museum under the monument exhibits covering 200 years of American history. Jog or stroll along the St. Louis Riverfront trail as you enjoy beautiful views of the famous Mississippi River.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is 360 miles from Joliet. It would be best to see the various waterfalls in this park, particularly the 65-foot-tall Brandywine Falls. Hike or bike the historic Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail as you learn how it was used to ferry products to the Ohio & Erie Canal. End your visit by taking a scenic ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad train.
Kankakee River State Park is in Bourbonnais. The park is a favorite area for fishing, swimming, and canoeing on the Kankakee River. You can bike and hike the available trails as you view wildlife animals. Visit this park during winter to try ice fishing and cross-country skiing. Try out metal detecting and archery range in designated areas.
Illini State Park is a beautiful Illinois park. Anglers can find bullheads, bass, crappie, and other fish species in the Illinois River. This park has good picnic and camping areas with tables, grills, water, and restrooms. You will want to explore his spot's ice skating pool during winter.
Shabbona Lake State Park is a haven for people who love water-based activities. The artificial Shabbona Lake is a haven for boating, fishing, and swimming. You will come across various plants native to the area, including horsetails, skunk cabbage, and turtleheads. Spend time in the hunting zones to try catching deer, doves, or turkeys.
You will love to visit the Pullman National Monument, which preserves the planned community established by George Pullman in the 1800s. Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a historical landmark following the edge of the last glacier in Wisconsin about 100 decades ago. You will love the panoramic views of lakes, hills, rivers, and ridges left behind by the glacier along the 1,200-mile path. The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is a must-visit landmark preserving the home of President Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln and his family lived here before he became president.
Blackwell Family Campground is an extensive place sprawling over grasslands, wetlands, and oak forests. It is pet-friendly and gives guests the opportunity to bike, hike, boat, ride a horse, and cross-country ski. Hollywood Casino Joliet RV Park is seasonal and operates between mid-April and mid-October. It features 80 RV sites, a laundry facility, a casino, and a restaurant. You will love Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park's basketball court, general store, campfire section, and gift shop. It has 409 RV sites, and its prices range between $48 and $71.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Joliet, IL, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Joliet?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Joliet from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Joliet?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
