Joliet Convention & Visitors Bureau

The bureau offers an extensive selection of free printed materials that travelers can pick up in person or request by mail in advance. Core resources include the comprehensive Joliet visitor guide with maps, attraction listings, lodging directories, and restaurant recommendations; the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway brochure with route maps and key stops along the entire Illinois alignment from Chicago to St. Louis; the I&M Canal National Heritage Corridor guide for travelers wanting to combine Route 66 with the canal heritage that predates and parallels the highway; and various seasonal event calendars and special-interest guides covering topics from birding and outdoor recreation to industrial history and culinary trails.

Personalized trip planning is one of the bureau's most valuable services. Travelers can call ahead or walk in during business hours to consult with staff about specific interests, time constraints, mobility considerations, and budget parameters. Staff can quickly assemble customized itineraries that match travelers' priorities — whether that means a one-day Route 66 highlights tour for travelers passing through, a three-day deep dive into Joliet's industrial and Route 66 heritage, or a longer regional exploration combining Joliet with Lockport, Channahon, Morris, and other Heritage Corridor destinations. This service is free and is genuinely tailored rather than a generic recommendation list.

Group tour planning is also a bureau specialty. Coach tours, motorcycle clubs, classic-car cruises, and other organized group travel benefit from the bureau's ability to coordinate with multiple attractions, restaurants, and hotels simultaneously. Group rates, exclusive after-hours access at certain attractions, and customized programming can often be arranged with sufficient advance notice. The bureau maintains relationships with virtually every major venue in the area and can secure access and pricing that individual travelers cannot replicate. Group inquiries should be initiated by phone or email with at least four to six weeks of lead time for proper planning.

The 2026 Route 66 Centennial is the largest organized heritage-tourism event in Joliet's history, and the Convention & Visitors Bureau is the primary local coordinator for the city's contributions to the statewide and national programming. The bureau maintains the most comprehensive online calendar of Joliet Centennial events, ranging from the Rialto Square Theatre's May 24, 2026 centennial gala marking the 100th anniversary of both the theater and the highway, to special exhibits at the Joliet Area Historical Museum, themed events at the Old Joliet Prison, public art installations at Route 66 Park, and dozens of additional programs scheduled throughout the year.

Specific Centennial offerings include combination ticket packages for multiple Joliet attractions, themed hotel-and-attraction packages coordinated with Harrah's and other local lodging partners, and special after-hours events at major venues. The bureau also coordinates the city's participation in the Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission's broader programming, including signature events that move along the corridor throughout 2026 and special anniversary commemorations on November 11, 2026 marking the exact 100th anniversary of Route 66's commissioning. Travelers planning to attend major Centennial events should book accommodations well in advance, as several anchor weekends are expected to produce significant demand spikes.

Beyond the Centennial, the bureau coordinates ongoing Route 66 programming including the annual Mother Road Festival in early autumn, summer Friday-night classic-car cruises that gather downtown before parading along the original alignment, periodic open-house events at historic Route 66 businesses, and educational programs in partnership with the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway organization. The full annual calendar is available on the bureau's website and is updated throughout the year as events are confirmed.

First-time Route 66 travelers passing through Joliet should make the Joliet Area Historical Museum their first stop, as it serves as the official Illinois Route 66 Welcome Center and handles the bulk of in-person route consultation, passport stamping, and printed-material distribution. The Convention & Visitors Bureau office a few blocks away is most useful for travelers wanting more in-depth trip planning beyond Route 66, including I&M Canal heritage tourism, outdoor recreation in the Forest Preserve District of Will County, or specialized interests like industrial history, ethnic heritage, or culinary exploration. Both resources are complementary rather than redundant, and travelers will benefit from using each for what it does best.

For travelers planning their trip in advance, the bureau's website is the strongest first resource. Detailed pages cover all major attractions with hours, pricing, accessibility information, and contact details. Downloadable PDFs include the visitor guide, themed itineraries, and event calendars. An interactive map feature lets travelers identify attractions, restaurants, and lodging in specific geographic clusters, which is useful for travelers wanting to maximize multiple stops within walking distance of each other. The bureau also maintains an active social media presence with frequent posts about upcoming events, seasonal highlights, and travel tips.

For travelers needing real-time assistance during their visit, the bureau office at 30 North Bluff Street is open weekdays from 9am to 5pm with knowledgeable staff who can answer specific questions, provide printed materials, and offer personalized recommendations. Walk-ins are welcome and no appointment is needed for general consultation. For more complex group planning or specialized requests, calling ahead to schedule a more in-depth conversation ensures the bureau can dedicate appropriate time and resources to the inquiry. Phone consultations are available during business hours for travelers unable to visit in person.