Explore the fascinating Old Joliet Prison at your own pace with a self-guided tour. Discover historical insights and walk through iconic cell houses on this unique outdoor adventure.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; expect walking on uneven surfaces at a leisurely pace.
Wildlife
History
Old Joliet Prison operated for over 100 years and was one of the state’s primary correctional facilities before closing in 2002.
Conservation
Efforts are ongoing to preserve the site’s historic architecture while promoting responsible tourism and environmental stewardship.
Old Joliet Prison
Explore the fascinating Old Joliet Prison at your own pace with a self-guided tour. Discover historical insights and walk through iconic cell houses on this unique outdoor adventure.
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.
Use QR Codes to Enhance Your Experience
Scan the QR codes located throughout the tour to access additional historical details and multimedia content.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The site has uneven surfaces and outdoor walkways, so sturdy, comfortable footwear is recommended.
Bring a Flashlight for Dim Areas
Some prison cells and hallways may be dimly lit, so a small flashlight can enhance visibility.
Respect Site Rules and Historic Preservation
Stay on marked paths and avoid touching fragile structures to help preserve the prison’s historic integrity.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Supports walking on uneven and potentially rough outdoor terrain.
Weather-Appropriate Clothing
Dress in layers to adjust to varying spring temperatures and occasional rain.
spring
Portable Flashlight
Helpful for exploring darker interior areas of the prison buildings.
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during hotter summer days while touring the site.
summer