Joliet Iron Works Historic Site IL
Motorcyclist Map
Places Filter: Historic
View In Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Bz8JREBAiD174A1x5
Description: The Joliet Iron Works Historic Site, located on Columbia Street in Joliet, Illinois, is a fascinating historical and recreational area managed by the Forest Preserve District of Will County. This 52-acre site, once home to one of the largest steel mills in the United States, operated from 1869 until it ceased operations in the early 1980s. The site was preserved and opened to the public in 1998, featuring a 1.5-mile paved trail that offers a self-guided interpretive tour through the ruins of the ironworks. Visitors can explore the foundations of blast furnaces and other structures, learning about the steel production process and the history of the area. The site also connects to the 7.57-mile I&M Canal Trail, suitable for biking, hiking, and other outdoor activities. In addition, the preserve includes a picnic shelter available for rental, making it a perfect spot for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers