Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes, children can join the tour, but it is best suited for ages 8 and up due to historical content and walking involved.

Are the tours wheelchair accessible?

The Old Joliet Prison has some accessibility limitations due to the historic nature of the buildings, so please contact the museum for specific accommodations.

Can I take photos during the tour?

Yes, photography is allowed, but flash and tripods are not permitted to protect the historic site.

Are pets allowed on the tour?

Pets are not allowed on the prison grounds during the tour, except for service animals.

Is there parking available at the site?

Yes, free parking is available at the Old Joliet Prison parking lot close to the tour entrance.

How do I book a private group tour?

You can book private tours through the Joliet Area Historical Museum website or the provided referral link.

Guided General History Tours at Old Joliet Prison

Experience a unique 90-minute walking tour through the historic Old Joliet Prison in Illinois, led by expert docents from the Joliet Area Historical Museum. This guided adventure offers a deep dive into the prison's long history from its opening in 1858 until its closure in 2002. As you explore significant areas like the West Cell House and the original Cafeteria, you'll hear riveting stories about the prison’s past, its inmates, and its role in local and national history. This tour provides a rare chance to walk through one of America's infamous correctional facilities with informative commentary at your own pace, perfect for history buffs and curious travelers alike. Whether you're intrigued by architecture, criminology, or regional history, the Old Joliet Prison offers a compelling glimpse into an important piece of Illinois’ past.

About Old Joliet Prison

Old Joliet Prison is a historic correctional facility in Joliet, Illinois, preserved as a museum and event site that shares more than a century of penal history. Opened in 1858 and operating through 2002, the site encompasses approximately sixteen acres and includes landmark structures such as the Administration Building, East and West Cell Houses, Cafeteria, Chapel, and North Segregation. The museum offers a mix of guided and self-guided experiences, ranging from general history walks to specialized behind-the-scenes tours of artifact storage and preservation work.

Guided programming includes 90-minute docent-led history tours, Spanish-language tours, an American Sign Language (ASL) accessible tour, and themed options such as Prison After Dark, Flashlight Tours, and the Lucky Chucky narrative tour. Self-guided Twilight and daytime tours use on-site signage and QR codes to provide context for architecture and daily life at the prison. Additional limited-access experiences include an Administration Building hard-hat architecture tour and an artifact storage tour led by an anthropologist. Tours travel across the site and typically require comfortable walking shoes for the 1.5-mile routes. Interpretive staff and volunteers coordinate preservation efforts and educational programming in partnership with the Joliet Area Historical Museum and other conservation professionals. The site emphasizes factual history, preservation of material culture, and accessible interpretation. Visitors should review tour descriptions for accessibility details, language options, and seasonal schedules before booking to ensure the right experience for their interests. On-site staff advise visitors on photography guidelines, group rates, parking, tour duration to support planning and accessibility needs, including year-round availability.