You're driving through Plainfield or maybe just hitting the edge of Joliet, and you realize you forgot the one thing you actually went out for. It happens. Usually, it's a prescription, a gallon of milk, or a last-minute birthday card. If you find yourself at the intersection of Walgreens at 59 and Caton Farm, you’re at one of the busiest crossroads in the southwest suburbs. It's more than just a place to grab some Tylenol. This specific corner acts as a sort of gateway between the residential sprawl of Plainfield and the commercial pulse of Route 59.
Honestly, navigating this area can be a headache if you time it wrong. The traffic at Route 59 and Caton Farm Road is legendary for all the wrong reasons. But the Walgreens sitting right there? It’s a literal lifesaver for people living in the nearby subdivisions like Wesmere or Grand Prairie.
Why this location is a local anchor
Location is everything. The Walgreens at 59 and Caton Farm isn't just sitting in a random field; it's positioned at a critical junction where commuters from I-55 bleed into the local neighborhoods. Because it's a 24-hour location—though you should always double-check the pharmacy hours specifically, as those can fluctuate based on staffing—it serves as the midnight go-to for the entire area.
Most people don't think about their local pharmacy until they're staring at a "closed" sign somewhere else. Here, the layout is pretty standard for a modern Walgreens, but the volume of people it handles is massive. You've got the drive-thru pharmacy which is basically a necessity in the winter when that Illinois wind starts whipping across the flat landscape. It’s efficient, sure, but during the 5:00 PM rush, that drive-thru line can back up onto the side lot. You have to be patient.
The pharmacy factor and health services
Let’s talk about the pharmacy because that’s the heart of the operation. Dealing with insurance or waiting for a refill is never fun. At this specific branch, the pharmacists deal with a high volume of pediatric prescriptions because of all the young families in the Plainfield school district.
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They offer the standard suite of immunizations. Flu shots, COVID boosters, Shingrix—you name it. If you’re planning to head there for a jab, do yourself a favor: make an appointment online. Walking in might work on a Tuesday morning, but on a Saturday afternoon? Forget about it. You’ll be sitting in that little waiting area for a while.
One thing that’s actually pretty helpful is the Walgreens app. You can scan your prescription bottle and it tells you exactly when it's ready. No more calling and being put on hold while the "Blueberry Hill" instrumental plays for ten minutes. It’s those little efficiencies that make the Walgreens at 59 and Caton Farm manageable despite the crowds.
Shopping convenience versus the big box stores
Across the street, you’ve got competition. There are grocery stores and gas stations nearby, but Walgreens fills that middle ground. It's for when you don't want to walk through a massive 100,000-square-foot Meijer or Target just to get a bottle of eye drops.
- Photo Lab: Still one of the few places in the area where you can get high-quality same-day prints. Great for those school projects your kid told you about at 9:00 PM the night before they’re due.
- Beauty and Personal Care: Surprisingly deep selection. They carry brands you usually only find at Ulta, which is nice if you're in a pinch.
- Groceries: It’s "convenience store plus." Think milk, eggs, frozen pizzas, and an oddly large selection of seasonal candy.
The pricing is what you’d expect. You pay a little extra for the convenience of not having to hike through a parking lot the size of a football field. But if you use the MyWalgreens rewards, the "Walgreens Cash" actually adds up if you're a regular.
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Managing the Route 59 traffic nightmare
If you are going to the Walgreens at 59 and Caton Farm, you need a strategy for the car. Entering the parking lot from Route 59 (Division St) while heading north is fine. Trying to turn left out of the lot back onto 59 during rush hour? That’s a bold move. Most locals know to exit onto Caton Farm Road instead. It's safer and usually faster, even with the light.
The intersection itself has seen plenty of construction over the years to handle the growth of Joliet and Plainfield. It’s better than it was ten years ago, but it's still a bottleneck. If you're coming from the south, maybe from the Louis Joliet Mall area, stay in the right lane early. People get aggressive here.
What most people get wrong about this spot
A lot of folks assume every Walgreens is the same. It’s not true. The inventory at this location is heavily skewed toward what the neighborhood needs. You’ll find more household cleaning supplies and "emergency" grocery items here than you might at a downtown Chicago location.
Also, the "FedEx Dropoff" service here is a hidden gem. If you have a pre-labeled package, you can just hand it to the person at the photo counter. It beats driving all the way to a dedicated FedEx Office. Just make sure it’s not a giant box; they have limits on size.
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Actionable steps for your visit
To make your trip to the Walgreens at 59 and Caton Farm as painless as possible, follow these practical steps. First, download the app and link your phone number before you get to the register. This saves you from the awkward fumbling at the checkout line while people behind you sigh. Second, if you need a prescription, call it in or use the app at least four hours before you plan to pick it up. This pharmacy is busy, and they need that lead time.
Check the weekly ad online before you walk in. They often have "Buy One Get One" deals on vitamins or supplements that aren't always clearly marked on the shelves. Finally, if you're visiting during peak traffic hours (7-9 AM or 4-6 PM), always use the Caton Farm Road entrance and exit. It’ll save your nerves. This corner is a staple of the community for a reason, but it requires a little bit of local knowledge to navigate it like a pro.
Store your rewards information in your digital wallet so you can just tap and go. If you are picking up a controlled substance or a sensitive prescription, bring a valid ID every single time; they are strict about compliance here. Lastly, if the parking lot looks packed, don't park near the front doors; the spots further back near the Caton Farm side are easier to pull out of when you're ready to leave.