joliet prison

Well, with 4 walls around it and only about a 20 foot break where you can see in, there isn't much to see. Although the stone work is amazing!!! On the one side, they have a very small parking area with info boards for you to read about the prison, when it opened, the movies that have been filmed there. It's mostly famous for being in the beginning of the movie "The Blues Brothers".But seeing it either before or after you go to the Joliet Museum makes it worth it!!!

It is a shame the city and state has let this old prison degenerate. It is only a shell of what it used to be. While those new to the area see it as an imposing fortress where dangerous criminals were once housed, those of us from the area remember when it was still used and in decent shape.You cannot enter the prison, itself. You can only look at the exterior walls and read about the history of the prison on informational signs around the parking lot. It really is better that you can't go in. The interior grounds of the prison are in such disrepair that it has become a real hazard to even set foot inside. This place could have been so much more, but a lack of foresight and planning have all but destroyed the prison and the history surrounding it.

Love the architecture of this old building, such a shame they haven't worked on preserving it to use as a museum or something. They do have plaques that gives some history. And you are free to walk around and look. Makes you wonder what the inside just like to happen inside tour would be awesome.

A cool stop to see a prison of the past but also the very familiar sites of movies like The Blues Brothers and TV shows like Prison Break were shot here. Some detailed plaques give a great overview of the prison and its history. It was a fun stop on the book tour.

It could be so much more if someone would turn this into a REAL tourist attraction. As it is, you can take pics of the exterior of the building, and that's about it. It's getting run down. However, this place is still the site from the series "Prison Break", as well as being featured in The Blues Brothers movie. I love history, so I did enjoy reading the placards around the parking lot. Although the majority of them had nothing to do with the prison. There was no cost, so I shouldn't complain. We did get some great pictures of the ol' place.

I was only in Joliet for a day and decided to stop here. The historical exhibits around the outside were very interesting and as photographer I loved the photo opportunities. This is a must see attraction in Joliet. They may open a tour of the prison soon...

I spent about year researching places to visit and hotels to stay to fulfil an almost lifelong ambition to complete Route 66. Joliet Prison was first planned attraction on Route 66 after leaving Chicago en route to St Louis. I loved the iconic Blues Brothers movie and thought is a "must do". Despite it being a substantial sized building(s) we stumbled on it almost by accident. There didn't appear to be any signposts or advertising on the approach to the Prison. In fact I saw quite a few Route 66 bikers sail by it without noticing it.This is amazing when you consider Merrimac Caverns has advertising for about 200 miles before you reach it! I'm really glad we did find it. It is just as you see it in the movie but unfortunately its a little run down. While there's fencing and barbed wire around it you can park in an adjacent car park and wander around taking photos uninhibited. I'm really surprised that some entrepreneur hasn't opened a museum for visits and tours especially when you consider both the Blues Brothers and Prison Break was filmed there . I'm sure business would thrive from overseas visitors who seem to (like me) have a fascination for American films and TV. It would probably bring some life back to the local community too. If you're passing I would definitely recommend a stop. If you can find it!

Although this may be of interest to the casual tourist with a historical interest or passer-by, it will mainly be of interest to the tv and film buffs due to its connection with the already mentioned Blues Brothers and Prison Break. It’s a stark reminder of decades past, and the brutality that occurred within pervades the publically accessible perimeter.The main entrance shows signs of vandalism with broken windows. The building adjoining the main gate is where prisoners were processed in and out, and visitors entered. The east entrance next to the watch tower on the main road is the one used in the Blues Brothers film. You can drive all the way round to the back to see a rear entrance and an inspection pit to allow viewing of the underside of vehicles as they departed. There’s a car park with some tourist information boards.Whilst I was there I had a fortunate experience in being able to talk to an ex inmate who lives nearby and sometimes sits on the benches in the car park. He was sentenced to 30 years to life for murder and got out after 3 attempts following a review of the parole system. He told me some stories of what happened within, the stabbings, the murders, the riots, the serial killers, and how every day he was in fear of losing his life. If you see some old guy with some teeth missing who looks like an ex-con sitting on a bench, have a chat with him – if you dare. He’s ok. His name’s Frankie.

I enjoyed seeing Old Joliet prison however I think they should capitalise on this by making an Indoor museum area. The information boards outside direct you to the museum in downtown Joliet which was less interesting than the prison.

Wish there was more to see and do there but I thoroughly enjoyed what was offered, which is a good up close view of the outside of the facility and markers to read along the building.

The signs on Collins St by the prison really do make it seem like you can visit the prison. You can't, though. You can visit the prison parking lot, see the exterior wall, and read some wordy and incredibly boring informational signs in that parking lot. You can't even see into the yard. I think Joliet is missing an opportunity by not capitalizing on this attraction. Joliet is known for this place, for better or worse. They need to make it a priority to get at least part of the property ready for tours. I would definitely pay to tour it and I know many others would. In fact, we were prepared to tour/pay the day we stopped to read the lame-o signs. **heavy sigh**

What can you say good about a prison. I visited the friend of a friend once. The visitor procedure is inadequate, had to wait a long time in a room with a bunch of undesireables. As I walked corridor I was shouted at by prisoners who were just behind a gate.

If you like old prisions this one will work for you, still the original walls and towers. Has a very scary holloween fright night. Its good that you can leave when you want too.

Great visit to see the prison of my favorite show Prison Break. I hope they renovate parts of the prison so ppl would be able to visit and see the inside of it.

As a Blues Brothers Fan (original film) this was a "must see" location. Easy to find and park and plenty of informative boards around.Disappointing that it's not open for tours but if you walk around the side nearest the road you can find your own piece of cinema history. A piece of stone from the prison, which is a great memento of my visit.