Joliet museum acquires the site of the world’s first Dairy Queen

The Joliet Area Historical Museum in Joliet, Illinois, recently acquired space that housed the world's first Dairy Queen restaurant. That first DQ, which opened in 1940, was in a brick, two-story building at 501 N. Chicago St., though the building itself dates to the 1890s. Greg Peerbolte, the museum's executive director, talked to the Joliet … Continue reading Joliet museum acquires the site of the world’s first Dairy Queen

Old Joliet Prison designated to National Register of Historic Places

The Old Joliet Prison, aka Joliet Correctional Center or Illinois State Penitentiary, in Joliet, Illinois, recently was designated to the National Register of Historic Places. The designation was effective Sept. 25, according to an email Friday from the National Park Service that administers the program. Two years ago, the City of Joliet received a $35,000 grant from … Continue reading Old Joliet Prison designated to National Register of Historic Places

Joliet history museum to open Slovenian grocery store museum on Sunday

The Joliet Area Historical Museum on Sunday will open the circa-1920s Planinsek Grocery and Meat Market in Joliet, Illinois, as a house museum. The market at 1314 Elizabeth St. (map here) will have free admission that day. After that, the Planinsek Grocery will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday until … Continue reading Joliet history museum to open Slovenian grocery store museum on Sunday

Nat King Cole among new inductees at Illinois Rock and Roll Museum on Route 66

The Joliet-based Illinois Rock and Roll Museum on Route 66 recently announced its third class of inductees, and one of them made a key impact on Route 66 itself. That would be Nat King Cole, who was born in Alabama but spent his formative years in Chicago. He popularized "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66" … Continue reading Nat King Cole among new inductees at Illinois Rock and Roll Museum on Route 66

Illinois awards $6.6M in Route 66 and tourism marketing grants

The governor of Illinois and the state's Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced last week it would give 58 awards totaling $6.6 million through the Route 66 and Tourism Marketing Grant Programs to boost Route 66 tourism. The Route 66 grant program is awarding $3.7 million to seven recipients for the development of tourism, … Continue reading Illinois awards $6.6M in Route 66 and tourism marketing grants

New, Route 66-themed mural unveiled for Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet

The Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet, Illinois, recently held a private unveiling of the "Twin Centennial" mural that will be installed later this month outside of the historic theater. Dante DiBartolo's mural honors both the theater and Route 66, both of which will mark their 100th year in 2026. The theater showed what the mural … Continue reading New, Route 66-themed mural unveiled for Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet

Red Carpet Corridor festival adds second day, Bloomington-Normal to its itinerary

This year's edition of the Illinois Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor festival is going to be a two-day affair, with Bloomington-Normal added to its list of towns to visit. The May 6-7 event, which starts in Joliet, lengthens to 100 miles and 14 communities, according to a news release from the Illinois Route 66 Scenic … Continue reading Red Carpet Corridor festival adds second day, Bloomington-Normal to its itinerary

40-foot mural on Rialto Square Theatre will honor the historic venue and Route 66

The Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet, Illinois, next month will install a 40-foot-long mural that honors that historic venue and Route 66, both of which will be marking their centennial in 2026. The Herald-News reports the Route 66 Rialto Twin Centennial Mural will be placed on the left side of the theater's entrance. Artist Dante … Continue reading 40-foot mural on Rialto Square Theatre will honor the historic venue and Route 66

Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway announces $6,000 worth of grants

The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway this week announced the latest round of the Byway Project Funds program to provide financial assistance to byway members. Byway Project Funds are meant to support events, marketing and advertising efforts, and projects that help preserve the heritage of Illinois Route 66 and promote travel to Illinois Route 66 … Continue reading Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway announces $6,000 worth of grants

Giant guitar added to the side of Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 in Joliet

Gigantar, a 24-foot-long guitar that was fashioned for the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 in downtown Joliet, was installed and later dedicated during a lighting ceremony attended by hundreds of people on Friday evening despite near-freezing temperatures. Cheap Trick guitarist and co-founder Rick Nielsen, a member of both the Illinois Rock & … Continue reading Giant guitar added to the side of Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 in Joliet