Old Joliet Prison
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Route 66 Park Broadway

4.3
·481 reviews·Joliet, United States

A nostalgic Route 66 stop with iconic photo ops, an ice cream stand, and views of the historic Joliet prison.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Afternoons

Ice cream shop likely open

CrowdMedium
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Old Joliet Prison

Route 66 Park Broadway

Best Time

Afternoons

Ice cream shop likely open

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A nostalgic Route 66 stop with iconic photo ops, an ice cream stand, and views of the historic Joliet prison.

4.3
(481 reviews)

"A neat little stop if you are in the area, but I wouldn't drive more than an hour just to see it."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Perfect Photo Ops

Don't miss the neon shield & postcard for iconic Route 66 pics!

🍦 Sweet Treat Stop

Grab an ice cream if the stand is open – it's a park highlight!

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Route 66 Neon Shield

Route 66 Neon Shield

Broadway Street Greenway

Snap a classic roadside photo with the iconic, light-up neon Route 66 shield. Perfect for your travel album!

"Greetings from Joliet" Postcard

"Greetings from Joliet" Postcard

Broadway Street Greenway

Strike a pose at this oversized postcard cutout for a fun, memorable snapshot of your visit.

Historic Prison Views

Historic Prison Views

Lookout point

Catch a glimpse of the historic Joliet prison from a designated lookout point. A unique historical perspective.

Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Stand

Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Stand

Park area

Cool down with a delicious treat from the park's ice cream shop. A sweet reward after exploring.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Roadside Charm

Route 66 Park Broadway offers a nostalgic stop with photo ops and an ice cream stand. It's a great spot for a quick break on your journey, especially if you're a fan of The Blues Brothers or classic Americana. Check if the ice cream shop is open before you go!

A Quick Detour, Not a Destination

While a charming stop for Route 66 enthusiasts and families, reviews suggest it's best as a brief visit. Don't plan your entire day around it, but enjoy the unique photo opportunities and a sweet treat.

Best Times

When
Afternoons
Why
Ice cream shop likely open
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
More family-friendly activities
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Have you visited Route 66 Park at the Broadway Street Greenway? The park now features new signs, landscaping, and great photo ops like a light up neon Route 66 shield and a “Greetings from Joliet” postcard. While driving along Route 66, be sure to stop and snap a photo in front of the "Route 66” signs and tag us! www.visitjoliet.com #visitjoliet #route66 #explorejoliet #roadtrip #route66roadtrip ...
visit_joliet
13 likes • 231 views

📸 Perfect Photo Ops

Don't miss the neon shield & postcard for iconic Route 66 pics! Instagram

🍦 Sweet Treat Stop

Grab an ice cream if the stand is open – it's a park highlight! Reddit

What a great rededication of Route 66 Park at the Broadway Street Greenway! We’re thrilled to have been apart of making this happen and can’t wait for everyone to enjoy it!🥳 #historicroute66 #jolietillinois #heritagecorridor #roadtrip
hcdestinations
4 likes • 368 views
✨ W E E K E N D P I C K S ✨ 🎅 FREE Sing-along with Santa at @myriadgardens 🎣 FREE @okcparks Trout Derby at Route 66 Park 👟 Merry Mitchmas benefiting @homelessalliance at Mitch Park 🎨 Holiday Drop-In Art at @okcmoa ❄️ FREE Lights on Broadway in @autoalleyokc Find all our #weekendpicks here: http://bit.ly/2EX5pTJ #okcfamilyfun #thingstodoinokc #oklahomacity #okc #december #winter #winterfun #h...
metrofamilyokc
11 likes • 1.1K views

🚶‍♀️ Scenic Stroll

Enjoy the paved walking path, great for a leisurely walk. Reddit

🚗 Easy Parking

Ample paved parking available, even for RVs. Reddit

reddit.com

First time to Route 66 raceway.

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Perfect Photo Ops

Don't miss the neon shield & postcard for iconic Route 66 pics! Instagram

🍦 Sweet Treat Stop

Grab an ice cream if the stand is open – it's a park highlight! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Scenic Stroll

Enjoy the paved walking path, great for a leisurely walk. Reddit

🚗 Easy Parking

Ample paved parking available, even for RVs. Reddit

🌳 Shady Retreat

Trees offer nice shade on hot, sunny days. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(481 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Route 66 Park Broadway a charming and convenient stop, especially for its photo opportunities and ice cream. While it's praised as a good spot for families and Route 66 fans, some feel it could benefit from more attractions and better maintenance.

"Was neat, could see the prison in the distance from a lookout, there's a small park, ice cream shop, and some cool picture opportunities. I would say that there could probably be a lot more cool things put in this area to see, and it could be maintained a little better. A neat little stop if you are in the area, but I wouldn't drive more than an hour just to see it."

Micheal Foster

"this park is a bike and watchin/visit with the kids paradise..Complete with bike trail, arborium, ice cream shop, playgroung and just a nice spot to sit when you want to think about things."

David Scurlock

"Great little park to check out. Nice walking path. Grab some ice cream if it’s open!"

Irene Estlund

What People Like

Iconic photo ops
Ice cream stand
Family-friendly atmosphere

What People Dislike

Could use more attractions
Maintenance needs improvement

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Route 66 Park is located along the Broadway Street Greenway in Joliet, Illinois. It's easily accessible by car, with ample paved parking available, suitable even for RVs. Reddit

While specific public transport routes directly to the park aren't detailed, Joliet has a Metra station. From there, you might need a local bus or taxi to reach the park. Reddit

The park offers views of the canal, railroad, and the historic Joliet prison. It's a stop along the famed Route 66. Reddit

Yes, the park is part of the Broadway Street Greenway, which includes a bike trail, making it a great destination for cyclists. Reddit

Absolutely! There is a large, paved parking lot available at the park, which can accommodate various vehicle sizes, including RVs. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Route 66 Park Broadway is a free public park. There is no admission fee to enter or enjoy its amenities. Reddit

As a public park, it's generally accessible during daylight hours. However, specific amenities like the ice cream stand may have their own operating schedules. Reddit

No advance booking is necessary as it's a free public park. You can visit anytime during park hours. Reddit

The ice cream stand's availability can vary. It's best to check local listings or visit during peak afternoon hours for the best chance of it being open. Reddit

Based on visitor feedback, restrooms were not readily visible or available. It's advisable to plan accordingly or use facilities before arriving. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The park features a light-up neon Route 66 shield and a "Greetings from Joliet" postcard cutout, perfect for classic roadside photos. Instagram

Yes, there's a lookout point within the park that offers views of the historic Joliet prison. Reddit

Definitely! The fun signage and open spaces make it a great spot for family pictures with a retro vibe. Instagram

Visitors often highlight the neon shield and the postcard cutout as must-have photo spots. Instagram

It's ideal for roadside Americana, nostalgic, and casual family photography. Instagram

🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy a leisurely walk on the paved path, take photos at the Route 66-themed installations, and grab ice cream. It's also a nice spot to relax. Reddit+1

Yes, it's considered a bike and watching paradise for kids, with a bike trail, playground, and a nice spot to sit. Reddit

It offers a nostalgic, old-time feel, reminiscent of classic Route 66 stops, with a relaxed vibe. Instagram

The park salutes the famed highway and The Blues Brothers, and offers views of the historic Joliet prison. Reddit

While there are no specific picnic tables mentioned, the park offers nice spots to sit and relax, which could accommodate a casual picnic. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Route 66 Park Broadway is a fantastic, free stop for families. Kids will love the playground and the bike trail that runs through the park. It's a great place for them to get some energy out during a road trip. Don't forget to check if the ice cream stand is open for a sweet treat! InstagramReddit

Parents can enjoy the shade from the trees and the relaxed atmosphere. The park's photo opportunities, like the giant postcard, are also a fun way to create lasting memories with your children. Just be aware that restrooms might not be readily available, so plan accordingly. Reddit

🚗 Route 66 Enthusiasts

For anyone traveling the historic Route 66, this park is a must-stop. It perfectly captures the spirit of roadside Americana with its iconic neon shield and 'Greetings from Joliet' postcard. It's a prime spot for nostalgic photos and a quick immersion into the highway's legacy. Instagram

Beyond the photo ops, you can enjoy views of the historic Joliet prison and the canal, adding a layer of local history to your Route 66 journey. The ample parking makes it easy to pull over, even with larger vehicles like RVs. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Allure of Route 66

Route 66 Park Broadway taps into the enduring nostalgia of the 'Mother Road.' This iconic highway, stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, represents a bygone era of American road trips, diners, and quirky roadside attractions. The park's design, featuring a neon shield and a 'Greetings from Joliet' postcard, directly appeals to this sense of Americana and the desire for classic photo opportunities. It serves as a tangible reminder of the highway's cultural significance and its place in popular culture, notably its connection to films like 'The Blues Brothers.' Instagram

For travelers, Route 66 Park Broadway offers a convenient and accessible way to experience a piece of this history. It's a place where you can pause, reflect on the journey, and capture memories. The park's integration into the Broadway Street Greenway also highlights its role as a community space, blending historical tribute with recreational use. Reddit

Family Fun and Relaxation

This park is a hit with families looking for a pleasant outdoor stop. The paved bike trail and playground make it an engaging spot for children to burn off energy. Parents appreciate it as a safe and enjoyable place for kids to play and explore. Reddit

Beyond the playground, the park provides a tranquil environment for relaxation. Visitors mention enjoying the shade from the trees on sunny days and finding it a nice spot to simply sit and think. The presence of an ice cream stand adds an extra layer of appeal, turning a simple stop into a mini-treat destination. Reddit+1

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