The trip from the LaSalle Street Station to Joliet takes just over an hour. The first thing you'll notice is the grandeur of Joliet Union Station. No wonder that it's on the National Register of Historic Places.
"It's a beautiful building, not only for transportation but also it has a grand ballroom in it that celebrates weddings, anniversaries. It's just a wonderful piece of Joliet history," said Rebecca Barker, owner, Pachyderm Marketing & Communications.
Blocks from the station is Silver Cross Field, home to the Joliet Slammers. I got a tour from their mascot as the minor league team prepares for opening day.
West of the tracks is the jewel of Joliet, the Rialto Square Theatre. Built in 1926, this palace for the people combines French, Greek and Roman architecture to create a stunning venue for all kinds of entertainment.
You can take tours here at the Rialto Theatre, learn more about the history and the beautiful architecture, but there's a special tour they do every month or so called Spirits with the Spirits. Yep, it's a paranormal tour.
"Now there's no guarantee you're going to see one on these tours, but we've had people who've taken pictures and all of a sudden there're images on pictures that can't be explained or a light orbs they'll see in the pictures," said Randy Green, general manager, Rialto Theatre.
Walking through downtown Joliet is like stepping back in time- from the turn of the century library building, to the candy shops and art galleries- and special events coming this summer.
"Every Friday we have a farmers market. Something new this year, we'll have entertainment at each of the markets," said Pam Owens, executive director, Joliet City Center Partnership.
Our visit to Joliet wouldn't be complete without some fun facts on the city's most famous street, Route 66. The Joliet Area Historical Museum has it all, from Jake & Elwood, to the maps, mileage and motorcars that hit the mother road. But the museum goes back even farther!
"Our principle exhibit is the I&M Canal scale replica, which in a lot of ways was the precursor to Route 66 and I-55, they all kind of follow in the same path," said Greg Peerbolte, executive director, Joliet Area Historical Museum.
Metra is making it even easier to take any of these one-track trips. Beginning in June, family fares are being extended from weekends and holidays to everyday. Up to three children 11 and under can ride free with a fare-paying adult every day from June 16 to August 30.