This page is dedicated to the Old Joliet Prison and the museum staff that have been working to bring new life to an old historic site. The information below is from their website. WCHRRA is proud to have assisted the museum staff in recovering artifacts buried in the ground, some of which are on displayed in the museum. We look forward in working with the staff in future efforts to recover more hidden history from beneath the surface.

(From www.jolietprison.org)

The Old Joliet Prison is now open to the public!

The Old Joliet Prison tour program is primarily managed by the Joliet Area Historical Museum, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit entity, in partnership with the City of Joliet. The proceeds from activities will be used to expand the Museum’s mission to preserve and disseminate the history of Joliet, as well as to fund much-needed measures to secure and stabilize the site to allow expanded activities.

Pre-scheduled, guided tours are offered via the Joliet Area Historical Museum for select areas of the Prison “campus” from the months of April – October.  Tours last approximately 90 minutes.  Visitors should please note that because the site has been abandoned for over fifteen years, certain areas of the facility are off limits to the general public.

• To get member or resident discount, identification must be shown at check-in at the prison
• Tours are limited to guests ages 10 and older
• All participants will be required to sign a waiver of liability/hold harmless agreement prior to taking the tour
• Tours will meet at the Old Joliet Prison parking lot at 1125 Collins Street, Joliet, IL 60432
• Tours will last about 90 minutes
• Closed toe shoes should be worn and dress for the weather as tours will be happening rain or shine