Joilet,IL 1896 Prison
Old Joliet Prison
Old Joliet Prison: A Castle of Stone and Stories
Explore the imposing architecture and dark history of the Old Joliet Prison, a filming location for 'The Blues Brothers' and 'Prison Break'.
The Old Joliet Prison, a formidable limestone structure built in the 1850s, stands as a testament to a bygone era of incarceration. Once housing infamous criminals and serving as a backdrop for iconic films like 'The Blues Brothers' and 'Prison Break', it now offers guided tours through its historic cell blocks and imposing grounds.
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A brief summary to Old Joliet Prison
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
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Getting There
Walking
From the intersection of Collins Street and Woodruff Road, walk north on Collins Street for approximately 200 feet. The entrance to the Old Joliet Prison will be on your left. There is no fee for walking.
Public Transport
Pace Bus routes 832 and 834 stop near the prison at the Collins St & Woodruff Rd stop. From there, it is a short walk north to the prison entrance. A single ride on Pace Bus costs $1.75.
Driving
From I-80, take exit 130 for IL-53 N/Chicago St toward Joliet. Continue onto IL-53 N/Chicago St. Turn right onto Collins St. The prison will be on your right. Free parking is available in the lot next to the prison. Parking is free.
Local tips
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Purchase tickets online in advance to guarantee entry and streamline the check-in process.
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Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes as tours involve a significant amount of walking, often outdoors.
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Dress appropriately for the weather, as tours proceed rain or shine.
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Be aware that some areas of the prison may be off-limits due to ongoing restoration work.
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Consider a guided tour for a more in-depth experience and access to areas not available on self-guided tours.
Discover more about Old Joliet Prison
The Old Joliet Prison, located in Joliet, Illinois, is a hauntingly beautiful complex constructed primarily by inmate labor from locally quarried limestone. Opened in 1858, it replaced the overcrowded and inhumane Alton Prison, quickly becoming a symbol of the state's penal system. The prison's architecture, designed in the Castellated Gothic style by W.W. Boyington, evokes the image of a medieval castle, complete with turrets and imposing walls.For nearly 150 years, the prison housed thousands of inmates, including notorious figures like Leopold and Loeb, Richard Speck, and John Wayne Gacy. Overcrowding and unsanitary conditions plagued the facility, leading to disease outbreaks and a reputation for harsh treatment. Despite calls for its closure as early as 1905, Joliet Prison remained operational until 2002, when budget cuts forced its closure.After its abandonment, the prison fell into disrepair, becoming a target for vandalism and arson. However, in recent years, the City of Joliet and the Joliet Area Historical Museum have spearheaded efforts to preserve and restore the site. Today, visitors can take guided and self-guided tours of the prison, exploring its cell blocks, chapel, and other areas while learning about its history and impact. The prison has also become a popular filming location, with its imposing architecture serving as a backdrop for numerous movies and TV shows.
A brief summary to Old Joliet Prison
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