Joliet is located in northeastern Illinois in Will County (of which it is the county seat) southwest of Chicago along Interstate 80 on the banks of the Des Plaines River. It is situated in the I&M Canal National Heritage Corridor.
Area attractions include four riverboat casinos leading the city to claim that it is the "Gaming Capital of the Midwest". In addition, Joliet is home to the Chicagoland Speedway--a stop on the NASCAR tour.
Not ALL concrete and asphalt, the area boasts the Forest Preserve District where users enjoy fishing, camping, canoeing, hiking and other recreational pursuits.
Educational opportunities include University of St. Francis and Joliet Junior College.
The population estimate for 1998 was 92,000.