Joliet Iron and Steel Works, Illinois
- Historic building
- In Joliet, Illinois
- 0.3 mi from Route 66
- National Register of Historic Places
Joliet Iron Works Historic Site preserves the ruins of a mill that, at its peak, ranked as the nation's second-largest steel mill. It lies in Joliet, IL, close to the Route 66 corridor, and is run by Will County's forest preserve district. For Route 66 travelers it tells the industrial side of Joliet's story, a counterpoint to the theaters and mansions downtown, with open-air ruins to walk among.
What is Joliet Iron and Steel Works?
What remains today are the ruins of a huge iron and steel plant, kept as an outdoor historic site rather than rebuilt. Visitors walk among what is left of the mill, which hints at the scale of the works in their prime. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
It is managed by the county forest preserve district, which bought the land specifically to protect this piece of history, so it has the feel of a park with an industrial past rather than a museum building.
History of Joliet Iron and Steel Works
The ironworks began operating in 1869 and ran as Joliet Iron Works until 1936. At its height the complex ranked second among the country's steel mills. Over time the steel business stopped paying its way, and by the early 1980s every operation had shut down.
During the 1990s the county's forest preserve district bought the property with its ruins and opened it to visitors as a historic site, saving a physical record of the heavy industry that helped build the city.
Visiting Joliet Iron and Steel Works: tips
Allow 30 minutes to an hour to wander the grounds. Parking is on site, the site is listed as wheelchair accessible, and it is suitable for children, though keep an eye on young kids around old structures. Wear sturdy shoes.
The site is on Collins Street, less than a mile from the old road. Afterward, the Slovenian Women's Union headquarters is about 0.5 miles away, the Joliet YMCA building about 0.7 miles, and the Joliet Area Historical Museum about 0.9 miles, a good place for broader context on the city.
Practical info
- Address
- 927 Collins Street, Joliet, Illinois
- Phone
- +1 815-727-8700
- Hours
- We have no opening hours for this stop yet — check the official site.
- On site & nearby
Sources: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · Wikidata · official site — may be outdated. Suggest a fix
Where to eat near Joliet Iron and Steel Works
All diners on Route 66 →
On the map
Full mapJoliet Iron and Steel Works with the 6 closest stops and a place to eat (fork and knife). Tap a marker for details.
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Stops near Joliet Iron and Steel Works
All of Illinois.jpg/500px-Slovenian_Women's_Union_(49571798232).jpg)
0.5 mi from Joliet Iron and Steel Works
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0.5 mi from Joliet Iron and Steel Works
0.7 mi from Joliet Iron and Steel Works
0.9 mi from Joliet Iron and Steel Works
0.9 mi from Joliet Iron and Steel Works
1.0 mi from Joliet Iron and Steel Works
Questions about Joliet Iron and Steel Works
When did the Joliet Iron Works close?
Joliet Iron Works ran from 1869 to 1936, and all steel operations on the site had stopped by the early 1980s.
Who runs the site today?
Will County's forest preserve district, which bought the property in the 1990s.
Own or run Joliet Iron and Steel Works? Send us a photo or a correction.