Joliet first came about as a small camp settlement, set up by Lois Jolliet and Father Jacques Marquette in 1673 along the Des Plaines River, southwest of Chicago. Built on a large hill, later flattened by mining, they first named it Mount Joliet. More than 100 years later, in 1833, someone erected a cabin on the west side of the river at Charles Reed, leading to the building of a townsite. Across the river, another settlement arose, driven by James B. Campbell, which was named Juliet. In 1837 this second settlement was incorporated as a village. Still, it was rescinded and was then incorporated as a city in 1845, returning the name to its original roots, becoming Joliet once again. Over the next few decades, city officials continued to develop the transportation systems, the Illinois and Michigan Canal, and the Rock Island Railroad, encouraging extensive expansion. An explorer discovered vast amounts of limestone rock in the region in the late 1800s. By 1890, the townsfolk in Joliet had established a quarry industry, sending 3,000 railway cars full of stone a month to the state capital. Authorities added the Joliet Penitentiary in 1858, along with the Joliet Steel Mill and quarry industry, attracting new feet into the city in droves, successfully expanding the economy, and growing the population. Joliet Junior College and NASCAR put Joliet on the map, and the city is a diverse and widely developed urban community with a thriving economy today.

Whether you are a tourist, looking to move, or are a long-term veteran, Joliet has a considerable amount to see and do.

It is close to impossible to scrape the bottom of the city's plethora of attractions and activities, never mind all the restaurants and shopping.

So as a guide to get you started, here are a few options that most people love and enjoy:

Chicago Speedway and Route 66 Speedway: This NASCAR experience will satisfy your need for speed in Joliet, Illinois. Come and watch a race or even drive your own NASCAR. Either way, you can get your thrill for the day here.

Friends of Community Public Art: Take a scheduled tour of all the gorgeous public murals and mosaic sculptures around the city or watch the art come to life as artists build the scene before your eyes.

Old Fashioned Pancake House: This wonderfully retro diner serves the absolute best of American comfort food. The food is delicious, while the décor is the epitome of an old-fashioned eatery with booths and counter seating.