Metropolitan Chicago is one of the world's great economic centers, but we cannot afford to take our quality of life for granted. GO TO 2040 is the comprehensive regional plan to help the seven counties (including Will County) and 284 communities plan together for sustainable prosperity through mid-century and beyond.
GO TO 2040 exists as two documents: a full-length plan that is for policy experts, and a shorter plan that is for a broader audience. Both versions call on local officials, businesses, and other stakeholder groups to implement recommendations that -- while very specific -- have broad implications for residents' daily lives. To illustrate that point, CMAP has also created a series of portraits describing residents whose stories help to bring the plan to life.
MetroPulse is a web resource of the Regional Indicators Project for Metropolitan Chicago. This customizable site provides extensive data about issues that shape the livability of our communities.
Forest Preserve District of Will County
The Forest Preserve provides miles of interlinking trails that crisscross Will County and provide enjoyment to outdoor enthusiasts. These trails allow hikers, bicyclists, in-line skaters, joggers, equestrians, and cross-country skiers safe, scenic trails on which to exercise. Activities available at various parks include: biking, boating, camping, canoeing, cross country skiing, fishing, ice skating, sledding, snow shoeing, jogging, running, hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, and in-line skating.
The Forest Preserve District of Will County invites you to visit and enjoy our educational facilities. From environmental education to historical and cultural sites to unique nature settings, Forest Preserve visitor facilities offer a full range of experiences and information for young and old alike.
Heritage Corridor Convention & Visitors Bureau
When you visit the Greater Joliet Area from the Heritage Corridor, be sure to get up early because the area is jam-packed with activities! Great museums wait you to discover the history of this place. Wonderful architecture and charming shops will contribute to a unique experience. The antique furniture or vintage pottery and glassware will awake the treasure hunter within you!
History abounds in this area's canal towns with museums, architecture, mansions and more. Cruise down the historic Route 66 and stop off and get your picture taken in front of the Gemini Giant in Wilmington then "drive-in" to the Polk-a-Dot for a bite to eat. Fun awaits you with water parks, casinos, professional baseball, extreme sports or fun festivals. For casual to chic, the area features hundreds of restaurants.
There is no limit to the fun you can have in the towns of the Greater Joliet Area which includes Braidwood, Channahon, Crest Hill, Gardner, Joliet, Lockport, New Lenox, Plainfield, Rockdale, Shorewood and Wilmington.
Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau
Just minutes from downtown Chicago, the Southland offers outstanding restaurants, shopping and antiquing, plus a huge array of lodging and a variety of meeting and convention facilities.
Major attractions in the Southland include TOYOTA PARK, home of Chicago Fire Soccer and an outdoor concert venue; Balmoral Park, Illinois' premier harness racing facility; the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre for the top names in popular music and Standard Bank Stadium, home of Joliet Slammers and Windy City ThunderBolts Baseball clubs as well as the Midwest Collegiate League Will County CrackerJacks Baseball. Two children's museums call the Chicago Southland home, and with the metropolitan area's largest concentration of recreational forest preserves and an array of sports facilities and golf courses, the Chicago Southland is perfect for active lifestyles.
Will County CrackerJacks Baseball
The Will County CrackerJacks are a summer collegiate baseball club founded in 2010 to bring elite prospects from top division 1 and junior college baseball programs to Will County to play their summer collegiate wood bat baseball.
The CrackerJacks won both the regular and post season Midwest Collegiate League championships in 2011...their inaugural year!
They will be unveiling plans for a new multipurpose sports complex in Will County, to provide a facility for amateur and youth sports. It would also provide a venue to host community events.
Joliet Slammers Baseball
The Joliet Slammers are a professional baseball team and the 2011 Frontier League Champions...their inaugural season! Home games are played at Silver Cross Field.
Chicagoland Speedway
The Chicagoland Speedway is a 1.5-mile, D-shaped tri-oval that hosts NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series, IndyCar and ARCA events. It is part of a premier, multipurpose motorsports complex that that includes Route 66 Raceway, the NHRA-affiliated 1/4-mile drag strip, that hosts weekend ET Bracket Series racing, NHRA Jr. Drag Racing, NHRA Lucas oil Series and NHRA Full Throttle Series professional drag racing events.
Route 66 Raceway
The Route 66 Raceway property also includes a 1/2-mile dirt oval track. This complex is one of only 3 or 4 top venues for racing in the U.S. that has all 3 tracks: Oval, Straightway, Dirt.
Will County Lodging Association
The Will County Lodging Association can assist you with places to stay and attractions to see.
Harrah's Joliet Casino & Hotel
Harrah's Joliet is one of the most exciting casinos in Chicagoland. Inside, you'll find great dining, entertainment, shopping, a fitness center and much more!
Hollywood Casino & Hotel
Hollywood Casino has all the excitement of blockbuster hits, great food, A-list service, fame and fortune...just 35-minutes from Chicago.
Route 66 Association of Illinois
Route 66 is probably the most well known road in this country. It was created in 1926 with the rest of the federal highway system. Maps, tours, fairs and other information is available.
Red Carpet Corridor
90-miles of Route 66, promoting the 12 communities from Joliet to Towanda. Annual event: Red Carpet Corridor Festival
Balmoral Park
Located 12-miles south of the I-80/I-294-I-94 interchange on Route 394.