Illinois is not just home to comic book superheroes, like Popeye in Chester or Superman in Metropolis. Illinois is home to real-life superheroes, like Iron Man. Or rather, Iron Men. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the City of Joliet attracted thousands of immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe to work at the second largest Iron Works in the US. These superheroes braved toxic fumes and intense heat to refine 2000 pig tons of iron on a daily basis. It is quite possible if you see a railroad in the U.S. that the tracks were produced at the Joliet Iron Works. These Iron Men literally stretched the boundaries of America’s borders with their strength of steel.
In the 1930s, the Iron Men lost their battle to their arch enemy, Iron Monger (the Great Depression) causing all operations to close for good. The massive Iron Works site languished and eroded for nearly 70 years. Then a new superhero entered the scene. Enter stage left, the Captain of Forest Preserves: Will County! The Captain of Forest Preserves took on this Incredible Hulk of a green space and slowly converted the Iron Works into an inspiring and engaging Historic Site. This location defines passive recreation. Visit this forest preserve to iron out your artistic eye for photography, steel your long distance running legs and view the Captain of Forest Preserves high quality interpretations of history and nature. Add this site to your day trip list. Make time to enjoy the paths of the Joliet Historic Site. “For heroes are made by the paths they choose, not the powers they are graced with.” -Iron Man
Visit: Joliet Iron Works Historic Site is located on Columbia Street, east of Route 53/Scott Street in Joliet, IL.
Forest Preserves of Will County: https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/preserves-trails/preserves/joliet-iron-works-historic-site
Consider: Additional big screen superheroes have left their mark in Joliet. Also consider visiting the historic Joliet prison, made famous by the Blues Brothers on a mission from God.
