Romeoville: Nature, History and Recreation

Romeoville offers travelers a range of ways to shape their stay: river landscapes and nature preserves, cultural history, Route 66 and recreational activities. Whether you are interested in nature along the Des Plaines River, the region’s history or activities on the water, each theme gives your visit its own focus.

River Landscapes and Nature Preserves

The Isle a la Cache nature preserve encompasses woodland, prairie and wetland habitats along the Des Plaines River. The landscape brings together different habitat types along one stretch of the river. The Lily Cache Wetlands have a different focus: they protect wetland habitats and part of Lily Cache Creek. The wetlands are located in Romeoville and Bolingbrook.

The trails at Isle a la Cache also vary considerably in length. The Centennial Trail runs northeast from Schneider's Passage, also known as Isle a la Cache in Romeoville, to the Cook County border. The trail is 3.26 miles long, follows the Des Plaines River through woodland and features a historic swing bridge. Isle a la Cache also has a 0.12-mile natural-surface trail for hiking, running, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. In terms of length, this nature trail is much shorter than the Centennial Trail—a useful distinction when choosing between a short route through the preserve and a longer trail.

For activities on the water, Isle a la Cache has a canoe and kayak launch providing access to the Des Plaines River. No launch pass is required to use the ramp. This area offers both river access and trails of varying lengths and uses.

Cultural History and Route 66

The Isle a la Cache Museum explores the cultural heritage and natural history of the Illinois Country in the 18th century. Topics include the French voyageurs and Potawatomi traditions during the fur trade era. Public programs and rotating exhibits complement the museum’s interpretation. The exhibits thus focus on an earlier era in the region’s history.

Route 66 is another historical highlight. Romeoville was on the official Route 66 from 1929 to 1939, and afterward on its alternate route. The historic alignment ran along what is now Joliet Road, from St. James Gate to Bolingbrook Drive, and then along Route 53 to Renwick Road. Together with the museum, it offers a contrast in time: the museum covers the Illinois Country in the 18th century, while Route 66 highlights a much later period in the area’s history. The named road segments provide a specific guide to the historic route through Romeoville.

Recreation at the Romeoville Aquatic Center

The Romeoville Aquatic Center has a three-lane, 20-yard lap pool for continuous swimming. It also features a winding current channel and a vortex pool. Water volleyball and water basketball courts are available for games.

Another attraction is the 20-foot-high, 150-foot-long water slide. Visitors must be at least 48 inches tall to use it. This requirement is especially important to keep in mind when planning a visit that includes different water activities. The pool, current channel, vortex pool, game courts and slide offer a range of activities within the same aquatic center; the height requirement applies specifically to the slide.

Discover more destinations: Crete, Joliet, Mokena, Monee, Bolingbrook, Channahon.

For the main travel overview: Will County.