Step inside the formidable walls of Old Joliet Prison, where history and pop culture collide. Choose from self-guided or themed tours that unveil the site’s grim past and cinematic fame.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires moderate walking on uneven surfaces.
Wildlife
History
Opened in 1858, Old Joliet Prison housed thousands of inmates over its operational years, including infamous figures like John Wayne Gacy and served as a filming location for classic movies and TV shows.
Conservation
The prison maintains careful preservation practices to protect its historic structures while providing safe access for visitors.
Old Joliet Prison
Step inside the formidable walls of Old Joliet Prison, where history and pop culture collide. Choose from self-guided or themed tours that unveil the site’s grim past and cinematic fame.
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.
Site Size
16 acres
Expansive historic grounds
Established
Opened 1858
Historic correctional facility since 1858
Tours Offered
11 unique tours
Guided and self-guided experiences
Languages Available
English, Spanish, ASL
Inclusive interpretation options
Reserve guided tours, behind-the-scenes access, or self-guided visits to explore Joliet's historic prison.
Wear sturdy footwear
Uneven surfaces and scattered hazards mean solid, closed-toe shoes are a must for safety and comfort.
Bring a flashlight for night tours
Flashlight tours offer a unique atmosphere but require a reliable light source to navigate safely.
Plan for about 90 minutes
Most self-guided tours take roughly an hour and a half; factor in extra time if doing guided or specialty tours.
Check tour availability and languages
Guided tours operate on set schedules and include options in Spanish; book in advance where possible.
Sturdy walking shoes
Protect your feet from uneven terrain and old concrete surfaces throughout the prison grounds.
Flashlight
Enhances visibility on after-dark tours and in dim areas of the prison.
Water bottle
Staying hydrated is important during warmer months while walking the outdoor areas.
summer
Layered clothing
Prepare for shifting temperatures as you move between outdoor and indoor sections.
fall