Go Beyond the Forbidden Walls

Built in 1858, the iconic Old Joliet Prison was built as a powerful showpiece. Now, you can walk in the footsteps of famous and fictional criminals with one of several different tours – including Historical, Photography and more.

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The Great Joliet Prison Break-In

August 24, 2019 – A fundraiser for the Old Joliet Prison, featuring The Ides of March, The Nikki Hill Band, and a lot more. It’s a Party on the Prison Lawn! Food trucks and beer vendors will be on site. Find out more and get your tickets by clicking the button.

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Take a Prison Tour

Go Behind the Forbidden Walls
of Old Joliet Prison

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Great Joliet Prison Break In

August 24, 2019
Featuring The Ides of March

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Art From the Ashes

Find out more about this unique exhibit at the Joliet Area Historical Museum.

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VIDEO: A Preview of Ghost Adventures from Old Joliet Prison

Oct 11, 2019

Earlier this year, the Ghost Adventures team came to explore the grounds of Old Joliet Prison. And, we have a preview of the episode that will air on October 12, 2019. Will paranormal investigators Zak and Aaron they find John Wayne Gacy, the killer clown? Join...

Thank you to everyone for attending, volunteering, and supporting The Great Joliet Prison Break-In

Aug 26, 2019

Thank you to everyone who helped with and attended Saturday's Great Joliet Prison Break-In. It was a great evening and we truly couldn't have done it without you and your support. The Heritage Corridor CVB has a quick video with some of the highlights from Saturday. ...

Get to Know “Snake Jailbird”

Aug 23, 2019

Part of the story of Old Joliet Prison is its abandonment. In 2002, the Prison was closed. You saw some use from the State of Illinois, some filming (such as Prison Break), and sometime after that - it was just a building surrounded by barbed wire.

Artist Preview: Dante DiBartolo of Dante DiBartolo Studio

Aug 23, 2019

The artists that painted these great works has a few more in store for the Artists Showcase at The 2019 Great Joliet Prison Break-In.

Tentative Music Schedule – 2019 Great Joliet Prison Break-In

Aug 22, 2019

We've got an approximate music schedule for Saturday's Great Joliet Prison Break-In. Please note, all times are tentative and are subject to change.

Solitary Confinement

Aug 21, 2019

We've got an approximate music schedule for Saturday's Great Joliet Prison Break-In. Please note, all times are tentative and are subject to change.

The Original Cell

Aug 16, 2019

Learn more about "North Sag," and how you can see this building during an upcoming Prison tour or the 2019 Great Joliet Prison Break-In.

Burnt District Artists – Progression of Sculpture Piece from Dave Wheeler

Aug 15, 2019

As part of touring Old Joliet Prison, or as part of attending the Great Joliet Prison Break-In, you will get a chance to see one of the original cells of the Prison. The cell was able to be 4' x 7' x 7', and would be used to house two inmates.

The Ides of March Will Be Rocking Out at the 2019 Great Joliet Prison Break-In

Jul 24, 2019

Dave Wheeler of Wheeler Custom Designs is working on a sculpture piece that will be displayed at the 2019 Great Joliet Prison Break-In.

The Nikki Hill Band Will be a True Highlight of This Year’s Great Joliet Prison Break-In

Jul 19, 2019

Rock out with Chicago's very own Ides of March Band at this years Great Prison Break In. These eight talented individuals came together to create music for their fanatic audiences all over the United States and Canada since the 1960s. The original members consist of...

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