What are the opening hours?

Monday 10am - 4pm Thursday 10am - 4pm Friday 10am - 4pm Saturday 10am - 4pm Sunday 10am - 4pm

Joliet Area Historical Museum

Name: Joliet Area Historical Museum
Address: 204 N Ottawa Street, Joliet, IL, 60432, US
Telephone: (815) 723-5201
Price range: $
Rating: 4.9

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Joliet Area Historical Museum

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Located at America's historic crossroads, Route 66 and Lincoln Highway.
(664)

Located at the historic intersection of Route 66 and Lincoln Highway, the Joliet Area Historical Museum occupies the space formerly known as the Ottawa Street Methodist Church at the intersection of Cass and Ottawa Streets in downtown Joliet. Since its opening in the fall of 2002, the museum's main exhibition gallery serves as an introduction to the many stories of the Joliet area and its people. Exhibits are enhanced by state-of-the-art audio-visual presentations, life-size models, award-winning touch screen visuals, and even a step-in Lunar Lander Simulator for your interaction as you explore how the past shaped the world you now enjoy. Temporary exhibits and targeted educational programming provide additional interpretive opportunities. The Joliet Area Historical Museum has come into existence from efforts of the City of Joliet, the Joliet Area Historical Society, Joliet Junior College and Joliet citizens. The city purchased the church, and the Joliet Area Historical Museum was incorporated into a 501(c) non-profit organization in 1999.

10/15/2026

🍂It's finally starting to look like ✨fall✨ around here. 🍂

Let the cool, crisp, fall air guide you to the Joliet Area Historical Museum this fall. We are open from 10AM-4PM daily. Whether you're on the start of your fall Route 66 journey or a Joliet local looking for something to do, we have something here for everyone. 🍁🍂🍃

10/14/2026

The Joliet Area Historical Museum (JAHM) is opening the gates of the historic Old Joliet Prison for self-guided “Flashlight Tours” under the cover of darkness, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the site’s complex history in a unique way. The tours take place Thursday to Saturday between 6:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. through the end of October. Tickets are available at the gate, or pre-register at jolietprison.org to guarantee your admission time and expedited entrance.

10/05/2026

We had a blast today! Thank you everyone for your support in this incredible tradition! 🍇🇸🇮

10/03/2026

Tomorrow, the 5th annual Grape Harvest Festival ‼️‼️‼️

Sunday, October 4th, from 1-8PM.

Live music, great food, endless pours of b**r, face painting, community, and so much more. ✨🎶

Festival location: Croatian Cultural Club, 1503 Clement St. Joliet, IL, 60435.

The Martin & Emma Planinsek Grocery and Meat Market Museum will be open tomorrow from Noon-7PM with a free shuttle between the sites.

Festival admission is free. Come enjoy the weather and fellowship on a beautiful Sunday! ☀️🍇🇸🇮

09/30/2026

UPDATE! Due to weather the Cadillac Groove concert for tonight, Sept. 30th will be moved to the museum's Indoor Auditorium Theater. (815) 723-5201 questions/info.

09/26/2026

Happy Saturday! Are YOU at the Mother Road Festival in Springfield? Stop by, we’d love to see you! 🚗

09/18/2026

Only a few Outdoor Rooftop Concerts left!

Friday, Sept 18th - Robert Palmer Tribute Experience w/the 80's Ladies!

Saturday, Sept 26th - Chicago Blues Angels featuring Kid Ramos!

Wednesday, Sept 30th - Cadillac Groove is now SOLD OUT!

Go to www.jolietmuseum.org or call (815) 723-5201 to register and for more info, including more upcoming Indoor Concerts at the museum.

09/07/2026

All Joliet Area Historical Museum sites will be closed today, Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. 🔨

We’ll be back to our regular hours tomorrow. Have a safe and happy Labor Day! 🇺🇸

09/04/2026

Annnnnd... we're back! The 5th Annual Slovenian Grape Harvest Polka Festival! 🎉

Where: Croation Cultural Club, 1503 Clement Street, Joliet/Martin & Emma Planinsek Grocery & Meat Market Museum 1314 Elizabeth Street, Joliet.

📆When: Sunday, October 4th, 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🆓Admission: FREE
🚗Parking: Free onsite.
🎶Live Entertainment Schedule:
-Ray Koncar & The Boys: 1:00 – 3:30
-Program: 3:30 – 4:00
-Marela Slovenian Folk Dancers: 4:00 – 4:30
-Jeff Winard’s Polka Party Band: 5:00 – 8:00

Come enjoy great food, great drinks, and great community on October 4th! 🍻

09/03/2026

After counting the votes up from our last Public Domain Movie Night poll, the overwhelming winner of the next featured film is "All Quiet on the Western Front!" 🎥

We will be showing this film on September 25th, at 5:30PM at the Joliet Area Historical Museum in the auditorium.

Movie snacks and drinks will be available for purchase on site. Bring a blanket, wear your most comfortable clothes, and come join us as we enjoy this legendary film. 🎬

Museum members are free, general admission is $5! Purchase tickets below🔗
https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/jolietmuseum/items/749139/availability/-13678102/book/?full-items=yes

Address

204 N Ottawa Street
Joliet, IL
60432

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 4pm
Thursday	10am - 4pm
Friday	10am - 4pm
Saturday	10am - 4pm
Sunday	10am - 4pm

Telephone

(815) 723-5201

Website

http://www.jolietmuseum.org/

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