These Steel Mill Ruins In Illinois Are Fascinating To Explore

At one time, the Joliet Iron and Steel Works was the second-largest steel mill in the country, producing 2,000 tons of iron each day and employing 2,000 workers. It was operational from 1869-1932 and then lay dormant and forgotten for many decades until the property was acquired by the Forest Preserve District of Will County in 1991. In 1998, the Joliet Iron Works Historic Site was opened to the public as a place to explore and learn an important aspect of Joliet’s past.

This historic site sits on 52 acres and is part of the Des Plaines River preservation system, which protects over 2,400 acres of land.

Take a self-guided walk along the 0.59-mile paved pathway through the Joliet Iron Works Park. There are interpretive signs along the trail which provide the history and photos of the site during its years in operation.

When the United States entered World War I, demand for steel for weapons and vehicles increased exponentially. This facility reached its peak production during this time.

Since the mill's closing in the early 1900s, nature has been reclaiming the site ever since. This site is not restored but it is protected. It tells the story of what was once here and what was left behind as nature continues to reclaim the area.

Around the site, you will be able to view foundations of the blast furnaces, gas washers, and what's left of other dismantled structures that were once part of the factory.

When the iron works was closed and subsequently abandoned, debris from one of the blast furnaces was never cleared and remnants can be seen there today.

The park and site are open to visitors every day from 8 a.m. until sunset every day. Come here to discover why Joliet is known as the "City of Stone and Steel."

The preserve also provides access to the I&M Canal Trail where you can go hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Have you ever visited the ruins at the Joliet Iron Works Historic Site? If so, please let us know about your experience in the comments! For more information and to plan your visit, go to the webpage on the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s site or the Joliet Iron Works Historic Site Facebook page.

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75 Columbia St, Joliet, IL 60432, USA

Visit These Fascinating Steel Mill Ruins In Illinois For An Adventure Into The Past

Melissa Mahoney

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