Braceville IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Braceville, Illinois.
1. Two-Cell Jail
HISTORIC SMALL TOWN JAIL
The Two-Cell Jail in Braceville is a small historic jail that offers visitors a glimpse into the town's law enforcement history. Visitors can explore this well-preserved piece of local heritage that reflects the simplicity of rural justice systems from bygone eras. This attraction has received positive reviews and maintains a 4.3 rating from visitors.
2. The Shop on Route 66
ROUTE 66 MEMORABILIA SHOP
The Shop on Route 66 is a charming store offering authentic Route 66 souvenirs and memorabilia in Braceville. Travelers along the historic highway can stop here to purchase keepsakes commemorating their journey on America's most famous road. With a 4.3 rating, this shop provides a nostalgic shopping experience for road trip enthusiasts.
3. Top Fuel Saloon
LOCAL BAR AND GATHERING SPOT
Top Fuel Saloon is a popular local establishment in Braceville where visitors can enjoy drinks and socialize with locals. The saloon offers a genuine small-town Illinois experience with its welcoming atmosphere and friendly service. Rated 4.2 by patrons, this venue provides an authentic glimpse into local life along Route 66.
4. Wicked Cricket Bar and Grill
HISTORIC ROUTE 66 ROADHOUSE
The Wicked Cricket Bar and Grill is a historic roadhouse in Braceville that has been standing since at least the 1940s and operating under its current owners since 2017. This establishment offers visitors an authentic taste of Route 66 history in a building that has witnessed decades of highway travelers. Guests can enjoy food and drinks in a venue that represents the enduring roadside culture of America's most famous highway.
5. Sincerely, Salli's
CHARMING LOCAL BOUTIQUE
Sincerely, Salli's is a highly-rated boutique in Braceville that has earned a perfect 5.0 rating from visitors. This charming shop offers unique items and personalized service that make it a hidden gem along Route 66. Visitors appreciate the distinctive shopping experience that stands apart from typical souvenir stops.
6. Coal Mining Slag Piles
INDUSTRIAL MINING HERITAGE
The Coal Mining Slag Piles in Braceville stand as reminders of the town's rich mining history that once brought prosperity to the area. These distinctive geographic features resulted from the extensive operations of the Braceville Coal Company, which operated four mines in the area from the 1880s through the early 1900s. History enthusiasts can view these industrial remnants while learning about how coal mining shaped the development and eventual decline of Braceville's population.
7. Gemini Giant
ICONIC ROUTE 66 STATUE
The Gemini Giant is a beloved Route 66 roadside attraction near Braceville in neighboring Wilmington, standing as a 30-foot tall fiberglass statue of a spaceman holding a rocket. This whimsical landmark, named after the Gemini space program, has been delighting travelers along the Mother Road since the 1960s. With a 4.2 rating from visitors, this quirky photo opportunity represents the golden age of American road trips and the unique roadside culture that flourished along Route 66.
8. Hollywood Casino Joliet
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Hollywood Casino Joliet offers visitors near Braceville an exciting gaming and entertainment destination with slot machines, table games, and dining options. The casino provides a vibrant atmosphere for adults looking to try their luck or enjoy live entertainment in the Joliet area. Visitors can experience this 3-out-of-5 rated venue as a complement to their exploration of Route 66 and the surrounding region.
9. Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
RESTORED NATIVE PRAIRIE LAND
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie near Braceville offers visitors a chance to experience the restored landscape that once covered much of Illinois before European settlement. The prairie features hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and seasonal wildflower displays across its expansive protected lands. Nature enthusiasts can observe the ongoing ecological restoration projects, including the reintroduction of American bison to the landscape.
10. Mazonia-Braidwood State Fish & Wildlife Area
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
The Mazonia-Braidwood State Fish & Wildlife Area near Braceville offers outdoor enthusiasts access to exceptional fishing, hunting, and wildlife observation opportunities. Spanning thousands of acres, this conservation area features numerous lakes and ponds formed from former strip mining operations that now serve as prime habitat for fish and waterfowl. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing for bass and catfish, seasonal hunting, and peaceful hiking through diverse habitats throughout the year.
11. Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area
PRISTINE PRAIRIE ECOSYSTEM
Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area near Braceville showcases the largest remnant of native tallgrass prairie left in Illinois. Visitors can explore interpretive hiking trails that wind through this rare ecosystem while learning about prairie plants, birds, and the natural history of the region. The visitor center provides educational exhibits about prairie ecology and the cultural significance of these grasslands to both Native Americans and European settlers.
12. Grundy County Historical Society Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Grundy County Historical Society Museum near Braceville houses an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits detailing the rich history of the region. Visitors can explore displays covering Native American heritage, coal mining history, agricultural development, and the impact of Route 66 on local communities. The museum provides context for understanding Braceville's evolution from a booming coal town to its current state.
13. Kankakee River State Park
SCENIC RIVER RECREATION AREA
Kankakee River State Park offers visitors a beautiful natural escape with scenic views of the Kankakee River flowing through limestone canyons and forested areas. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, canoeing, hiking, biking, camping, and picnicking across the park's 4,000 acres of protected land. Wildlife viewers may spot deer, turkey, eagles, and numerous bird species while exploring the park's diverse habitats throughout different seasons.
14. Route 66 Raceway
PREMIER MOTORSPORTS FACILITY
Route 66 Raceway near Braceville is a world-class motorsports facility featuring a quarter-mile drag strip and state-of-the-art amenities for racing fans. Visitors can experience the thrill of NHRA drag racing events, specialty car shows, and other high-octane entertainment throughout the racing season. The venue's name pays homage to the historic highway while its modern facilities provide an exciting destination for automotive enthusiasts exploring the Route 66 corridor.
15. Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery
HISTORIC MILITARY BURIAL GROUNDS
Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery near Braceville serves as the final resting place for thousands of American veterans in a beautifully maintained setting. Visitors can pay their respects while walking through the immaculately kept grounds featuring aligned white headstones, monuments, and a carillon bell tower. The cemetery offers a peaceful place for reflection while honoring those who served in America's armed forces across multiple generations.