20 Attractions to Explore Near Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie

Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area, contains wooded areas as well as wetlands that provide habitat for local wildlife such as white-tailed deer, waterfowls and amphibians. Visitors can enjoy recreational activities such as fishing, hunting, birdwatching or simply taking in the tranquil beauty of the forest and all of its creatures. Facilities like primitive camping spots and a picnic area are also available to take advantage of the area's peaceful atmosphere.

Channahon State Park offers visitors the opportunity to experience breathtaking natural beauty. Covering over 2,000 acres, this state park is filled with sprawling prairies and marshes along with deep ravines and wooded areas. It provides a prime habitat for numerous plant and animal species throughout its diverse ecosystem. Outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, camping, walking trails and picnic areas allow visitors to fully appreciate the park's incredible ecological diversity.

The Des Plaines River winds through the forests and farmlands of Grundy, providing an important habitat for wildlife and a source of recreation for its residents. Popular activities along the river and in nearby parks include fishing, kayaking, camping, and boating. The area has many historical sites, such as old homesteads, mills and cemeteries that add to the unique beauty of this region. The Des Plaines River is an integral part of life in Grundy County and an essential part of its history.

Harrah's Joliet, is a popular entertainment destination for locals and tourists alike. This lavish casino and hotel resort offers a wide variety of gaming options such as slots, a poker room, table games like blackjack and roulette, as well as an onsite sportsbook. Visitors to Harrah's can also enjoy live music or comedy shows in Chicago Street Theater, shop at designer stores or relax at the 10th-floor pool.

The Hiram B. Scutt Mansion is an impressive property built in 1880 by the wealthy coal-mining entrepreneur Hiram B. Scutt. The mansion is a sight to behold with its intricate brickwork and ornate glasswork due to materials being imported from France. This estate consists of 40 rooms distributed over three stories and occupies 20,000 square feet of land in rural Illinois. The vast lawn contains several outbuildings such as a carriage house, gardener's cottage, summerhouse and more.

The Rialto Square Theatre is a beautiful building with a rich history. Built in the early 1920s to resemble grand opera houses of Europe, it features Baroque sculptures, velvet curtains and period balconies. The venue has seen performances from great performers such as Bob Hope, Lucille Ball, Tony Bennett and more. It remains one of the most iconic theatres in the Midwest and provides an unmistakable atmosphere for shows like symphonies, ballets and other live acts.

Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park is a perfect way to get out and explore nature. Located on historic Bluff Trail, the park offers a variety of recreational activities from kayaking and fishing to hiking and bird watching. With nearly 500 acres of land spreading out along both sides of the Des Plaines River, there's plenty to explore! The park also features multiple picnic pavilions, loaders for personal boats, boat beaches, a restroom building open during summer hours.

Shorewood Park is a great choice for a peaceful and picturesque getaway. It is 38 acres of breathtaking scenery, providing plenty of outdoorsy activities like kayaking, canoeing and fishing for experienced or novice visitors. The park also has an ADA accessible trail which takes visitors through the oak-hickory forest and past the pond overlooking the DuPage River. No matter if you are looking for a peaceful nature escape or an active day of recreation, Shorewood Park has something for everyone.

The historic Jackson Street Bridge has been a fixture in Will County, for nearly a century. Built in 1919, the truss bridge was the first publicly-funded structure of its kind in the area, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Spanning 80 feet across Fox Creek, it is not only a marvel of engineering, but also a cherished part of local history. With its inviting wooden railings and grand rustic design, this iconic relic has become an attraction to many visitors.

The Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area is an outdoor paradise full of unspoiled beauty and natural wonder. This protected land is comprised of over 6,400 acres, including swamps, quaking bogs, prairies, and marshes. Numerous species of plants and animals thrive in this diverse and delicate environment; among them is the state-endangered Mead's Milkweed along with other rare wetlands flora. Birdwatchers will also find plenty to be excited.

Joliet Kicks on Route 66 is a popular tourist site for those looking to journey along historic Route 66. The attraction is an Americana-style truck stop and diner that also houses a gas station and convenience store. Stop at Joliet Kicks to experience the nostalgia of traveling down one of America’s most iconic highways. With prices that are cheaper than traditional fuel stations, helpful staff, great service, delicious food, and vintage vibes.

The Joliet Iron Works Historic Site offers visitors a unique look into the area's rich industrial history. Built in 1873, this National Historic Landmark was once an active iron works that created an impressive number of mining tools and products for the area's booming mining industry. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of many of the site's buildings and machinery to gain a greater understanding of how the local economy operated during its heyday.

The Heidecke Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area offers a beautiful array of outdoor activities. Located just east of the Des Plaines River, the area consists of several acres of open land and a 200 acre lake and marsh. The lake is stocked with largemouth bass, walleye and panfish such as bluegills, crappie and catfish. Along with fishing, visitors can enjoy bird watching, hiking trails, hunting and camping. Nature lovers will also appreciate boat rentals for a tranquil sightseeing.

Old Joliet Prison was once a formidable structure that acted as a symbol of the power of the State. Founded in 1858 and closed in 2002, it served many economic and criminal justice functions within the region over its 144 year history. Originally constructed to ease overcrowding within the Cook County prison system, it eventually became a juvenile correctional facility during its later years. It housed some of the most dangerous criminals in Chicago and surrounding areas.

Kankakee River State Park is a state park in Kankakee County. The park is 4,000 acres in size and is centered on the Kankakee River. It includes the site of the Fort Scott Pioneer Memorial, a memorial to those who early settlers who fought in the Black Hawk War. The park also has a nature center with exhibits on the local flora and fauna, a campground with over 100 sites, and picnicking areas.

Hickory Creek Preserve, is a nature lover's paradise. This 748-acre public park contains some of the most stunning landscapes in the Midwest, many of which are protected by state and federal law. Visitors can take advantage of a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, wildlife watching, and even horseback riding on unique bridle trails. With two lakes for fishing as well as picnic areas and observation platforms for bird-watching.

Dellwood Park offers a unique opportunity for nature lovers by allowing its visitors to observe a wide variety of flora and fauna up close. This park is made up of nearly 500 acres of recreational land, including three ponds and an amateur disc golf course. The park also hosts fishing areas, picnic tables, hiking trails, open field spaces, nature play areas, and many more offerings to keep visitors busy throughout the day.

The Illinois and Michigan Canal is a historically important transportation route that has been connecting towns since the early 19th century. The I & M Canal ran for a distance of about 98 miles beginning in Bridgeport on the Chicago River and ending at LaSalle-Peru at the Illinois River. Some say the move from Native American portage trails to the canal was what enabled the Chicago area to become a center of commerce in the young United States of America.

The Illinois State Museum with its permanent exhibits feature ancient Native American artifacts dating back thousands of years as well as items from more recent civilizations that have lived in the area. Additionally, there are interactive displays that help visitors gain a better understanding of Illinois culture and development. Since it first opened its doors in 1974, this museum has been an invaluable asset in documenting and preserving the past for future generations to appreciate.

The Gaylord Building has a rich local history. Built in 1867, it was originally used as a general store and post office before being converted into the offices for many businesses in this growing area. Throughout the years it has seen many uses, including retail shops, service clubs, and professional offices. Recognized for its beauty and design, the Gaylord Building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998.