Know Before You Go...
Currently, tours of the Prison are primarily conducted outdoors, rain or shine. Visitors are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather conditions and wear comfortable, closed-toe footwear conducive to walking. While the majority of the tour is accessible, due to the age and condition of the site, certain areas of the tour may not be fully compliant with ADA standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where am I able to go? – Please note that due to ongoing construction necessary to stabilize buildings and structures within the Old Joliet Prison, the buildings and areas within the prison yard that guests have access to may change throughout the tour season. Please do not call the Old Joliet Prison to inquire about accessible tour areas, as you will receive a tour map upon check-in that will provide you with all accessible areas and applicable information.
- Am I allowed to take photos? – We encourage all of our guests to take photos and, we just ask that it not interfere with other guests experience and for personal use only. Please download FILM POLICY HERE
- Are their age limits on tours? – We do say that our Prison After Dark tours are not for small children.
- Are pets allowed? – Service animals only are permitted inside the prison walls.
- How accessible is the site? – With the historic nature of the site we are not fully ADA compliant but will make every effort to accommodate our guests while onsite. Both our self guided and guided tours are outside and approximately 90 minutes in length. The site has several benches for guest convenience.
- Do you offer field trips and group tours? – We do! Please email Susan at [email protected]
- Do I need reservations? – Yes reservations are required.
Clear Bag Policy - Please Read!
Each guest will be allowed to carry in one (1) clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bag that does not exceed 12” x 6” x 12” or one (1), one-gallon clear plastic bag. In addition to a clear plastic bag each guest will be allowed to carry in one (1) small clutch that does not exceed 5” x 8”.
Diaper bags (with a child age 3 and under) and bags carrying medically necessary items will be allowed after a visual inspection inside the bag is completed by security.
The following items are prohibited at Old Joliet Prison:
*JAHM and all historic sites and museums operated by JAHM definition of weapons includes but is not limited to the following: knives or blades of any length, metal nail files, tools, chains longer than 6 inches not made of precious metals (i.e. platinum, gold or sterling silver), firearms (authentic or replicated, including toys), clubs or extendable batons, any type of chemical irritant spray, stun guns or Tasers, spiked or studded jewelry, brass knuckle or any other item that could likely be used as a weapon or may cause injury if thrown or used improperly.
**Service animals as defined by the American with Disabilities act are welcome.
** Policies are subject to change at any time. Individual events may have additional safety / security restrictions.
Each guest will be allowed to carry in one (1) clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bag that does not exceed 12” x 6” x 12” or one (1), one-gallon clear plastic bag. In addition to a clear plastic bag each guest will be allowed to carry in one (1) small clutch that does not exceed 5” x 8”.
Diaper bags (with a child age 3 and under) and bags carrying medically necessary items will be allowed after a visual inspection inside the bag is completed by security.
The following items are prohibited at Old Joliet Prison:
- Bags/Purses larger than 5'' x 8''
- Backpacks, duffel bags, suitcases, etc.
- Weapons of Any Type*
- Banners
- Illegal substances
- Outside Food and Beverage
- Pets / animals**
- Beach Balls
- Laser Pointers/pens
- Video or Audio Recorders
- Cameras with detachable lenses
- Selfie Sticks
- Unauthorized noisemakers
- Stadium Seats
- Fireworks
- Frisbees
- Helium Balloons
- Cigarettes, Lighters, Electronic Cigarettes / Vape Pens
- Flasks
- Mace
- Tools: wire cutters, saws, etc.
- Signs
- Drones
*JAHM and all historic sites and museums operated by JAHM definition of weapons includes but is not limited to the following: knives or blades of any length, metal nail files, tools, chains longer than 6 inches not made of precious metals (i.e. platinum, gold or sterling silver), firearms (authentic or replicated, including toys), clubs or extendable batons, any type of chemical irritant spray, stun guns or Tasers, spiked or studded jewelry, brass knuckle or any other item that could likely be used as a weapon or may cause injury if thrown or used improperly.
**Service animals as defined by the American with Disabilities act are welcome.
** Policies are subject to change at any time. Individual events may have additional safety / security restrictions.
