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Joliet Area Historical Museum

204 N Ottawa St., Joliet, IL 60432
Phone: 815-723-5201 Website

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This is a great stop on your Route 66 journey. There's a lot to see here about the Mother Road and local area history. You could easily spend a couple of hours here. Since 2002 the museum and visitor center with its very nice gift shop has been located in what was formerly the Ottawa Street Methodist Church. It is open afternoons Tues-Sun. It is located at the intersection of Route 66 and Lincoln Highway (Ottawa and Cass Streets). The gift shop has all sorts of Route 66 merchandise. But there is much more to see here, so be prepared to spend a little time.

One of the very ppular Routee 66 photo ops stood out front when we went by in 2022.

This Motor Road sculpture at the museum entrance is a tribute to the historic road and even has the Santa Monica Pier on top. It is made of bronze with a mosaic-covered pedestal.

The Route 66 Attraction sign is across the street in the parking lot at Webster and Ottawa Streets.

An Route 66 Experience Hub is across the street at Ottawa and Webster Streets.

Photo(s): 2012, 2016