Haunted History Tours at Old Joliet Prison, Illinois
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves walking on uneven surfaces and stairs in some areas.
Overview
Step into the shadows of Old Joliet Prison where history and Hollywood collide. From self-guided walks to eerie flashlight tours, this Illinois landmark offers a rugged journey through America’s penal past.
Haunted History Tours at Old Joliet Prison, Illinois
Adventure Tips
Watch Your Step Inside
Bring sturdy footwear as uneven surfaces and scattered hazards are common throughout the prison grounds.
Book Guided Tours in Advance
Guided and themed tours, especially flashlight and architecture tours, run on limited dates and can fill up quickly.
Plan for Around 90 Minutes
The self-guided tour typically takes about an hour and a half to complete, so allocate enough time to fully absorb the site.
Bring a Flashlight for Night Tours
Flashlight and after-dark tours require your own light source to navigate safely through dim corridors and yards.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Urban birds like pigeons and sparrows
- Squirrels around the prison’s perimeters
History
Old Joliet Prison opened in 1858 and was operational for over 130 years, housing notorious criminals and serving as a backdrop for major film and television productions.
Conservation
Efforts focus on stabilizing aging structures to preserve the site’s authenticity while ensuring visitor safety and minimizing environmental impact.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy Walking Shoes
Necessary for safely navigating uneven floors, debris, and the prison yard surfaces.
Flashlight
Required for nighttime tours and helpful for darker interior spaces during any visit.
fall|winter|summer specific
Layered Clothing
Keeps you comfortable as temperatures vary drastically inside the stone buildings and outside.
spring|fall|winter specific
Water Bottle
Helpful for staying hydrated during longer tours, especially in warmer months.
summer|spring specific