Where will the road take YOU?

Destination Diaries

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Joliet, Illinois

 

 

jolietbldg

 

By Angela Ash

 

Just minutes from the hustle and bustle of Chicago, the picturesque city of Joliet just begs to be explored!  Route 66 cuts straight through... leaving memorabilia and even a museum in its dust.  The Old Joliet Prison now boasts a park, outfitting the avid historian or Hollywood buff with plenty of information on this fantastic piece of architecture. 

I will definitely explore these fascinating options for time well spent in Joliet... but not now.  No... I have come to gamble! 

jolietslots

Harrah's Joliet is practically bursting at the seams with excitement.  The casino is proud to play host to over 1,100 slot machines, with every denomination imaginable right at your fingertips.  The hottest new slots are mixed seamlessly with classic favorites in this comfortable, single floor setting.

Harrah's Joliet also offers the Video Poker Zone... a true player's paradise.  All of the right games are here in one convenient area and, judging by the frenzied screams, these machines pay out!

Now, for the table game players, Harrah's Joliet has you covered!  Packed with all the games you know and love, there is never a dull moment here!  From craps to blackjack and everything in between, the action is just waiting. 

And for all the poker players out there, Harrah's Joliet is home to a beautiful World Series of Poker room. Along with a wide variety of games, tournaments and various promotions are also offered, including Bad Beat jackpots.

While offering plenty to keep even the discernible player interested, this is not a casino that you will get lost in... or have to walk ten minutes to reach a bathroom.  It is the perfect marriage of exhilaration and ultimate convenience.  And did I mention that it is part of Total Rewards, only THE best casino loyalty program in existence? 

jolietroom

And what could possibly complete this wonderful day? Well, to turn it into a night, of course!  Offering 200 premier rooms, this is a great place to unwind and rest.  With spacious tubs, the most comfortable beds on planet earth, and every amenity to make your stay memorable, this is a fantastic property!

So when planning your next casino getaway, think of Harrah's Joliet.  You may visit online to make your reservation, or call 1-800-CAESARS.

Make sure to also set aside time for the other attractions and fun things to do while in Joliet. Although some may originally visit Joliet for a visit to a Las Vegas style casino, the reason they may return time and time again may be for a different reason altogether. 

While it may sit empty, the Old Joliet Prison still offers visitors a wonderful insight into prisoners that were housed therein, conditions that they experienced, and a time or two when the prison graced the silver screen or the televisions in our living rooms. Using the adjacent parking lot as a type of "park", informational boards show photographs and provide information on the prison's colorful history.  And as if the "real life" activities are not interesting enough, scenes from movies and television programs are also depicted.  Yes, this is the prison where Jake Blues was released in the 1980's box office hit the Blues Brothers. And for those of you enthralled by the ingenious antics on Prison Break,this is indeed Fox River Penitentiary, also given a cameo in Breakout Kings.

If this isn't enough excitement, the prison is whispered to be terribly haunted. Rising into the sky like a medieval castle, it is easy to see why some visitor's may feel a tug on a sleeve, or goosebumps during a heat wave.

jolietprison

And want to get your Route 66 fix?  Visit the Route 66 Welcome Center, and envision what it was like to travel out west on the Mother Road!

Keep in mind that while Joliet has plenty to keep you busy, Chicago is not far away!  Home to many of the country's most inspiring museums and attractions, you may spend quite a bit of time choosing what to do, and then deciding what will actually fit into your travel budget.  It would be fantastic if someone actually did the research, rounded up the best attractions, offered them at a truly affordable price, and then allowed you to skip the line.

Oh wait... they did.  They call it CityPASS.

citypass

Honestly, in all of my travels, I have never come across ANYTHING that is as valuable when planning a getaway. This ticket booklet saves about 46% on VIP admissions to Chicago's five best attractions.  It can't get any simpler than that!

The first attraction not only provides VIP entry to the world famous Shedd Aquarium, but entry to an aquatic show, the Jellies exhibit, and your choice of a 4D movie experience.

Shedd Aquarium
1200 South Lake Shore Drive
 312-939-2438

The second attraction offers Fast Pass admission to the Ledge at the Chicago Skydeck. Are you brave enough to step out onto a glass floor balcony 103 floors over Chicago?  You'll find out soon enough!

Chicago Skydeck
233 South Wacker Drive
312-875-9696 

citypassskydeck

The third attraction offers an All Access pass to things you could never experience without inventing a time machine.  The Field Museum houses everything from Sue, the largest and most complete T rex ever found, to jewels and gemstones.  You can also see what life is like in a bug's world when you suddenly find yourself the same size and in the same environment.  To top it all off, see a 3D film.  Why not? It's included!

Field Museum
1400 South Lake Shore Drive
312-922-9410

citypassfield

The fourth attraction offers a choice. Visit the Museum of Science and Industry to explore an authentic World War II German submarine and things that will actually cause your jaw to drop, or see the views from 1,100 feet above the city at the John Hancock Observatory.

Museum of Science and Industry
57th Street and Lake Shore Drive
773-684-1414

John Hancock Observatory
875 North Michigan Avenue
312-751-3681

The final attraction allows you to choose yet again! You can spend the day exploring the universe at the Adler Planetarium,or view works from such artists as Monet or Picasso at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Adler Planetarium
1300 South Lake Shore Drive
312-922-7827

Art Institute of Chicago 111
South Michigan Avenue
312-443-3600

The CityPASS is the perfect way to see the best attractions at the best price... bottom line.  And my absolute favorite part is that the ticket book is valid for nine days from its first use.  Unlike other programs in other cities that force a choice between countless attractions, often in as little as one day, CityPASS makes it simple to visit the highest rated attractions at YOUR lesuire, not in a race against the clock.  This is why CityPASS is always my number one choice! Check out other locations that also offer CityPASS.

Whether you have come to visit Joliet, Chicago, or both, you can truly experience the vacation of a lifetime!