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A mid-1800’s architectural wonder helped make Chicago the city it is today. The 96-mile Illinois & Michigan Canal (I&M Canal) connected the Great Lakes in Bridgeport, Chicago to the Illinois River at LaSalle-Peru, and amazingly unique towns sprung up that maintain their authentic charm to this date.
READ ON!Freedom. The Open Road. The American Dream. All are still alive on The Mother Road. The nostalgia of diners, museums, tourist stops and neon lights are there for you to visit as you make the drive from Chicago to Santa Monica, CA. You can still get your Kicks on Route 66!
READ ON!A visit to Starved Rock State Park consists of many sights to behold, including breathtaking views of its many canyons and awe-inspiring scenes of eagles flying during the winter month.
READ ON!The Heritage Corridor is filled with events that are waiting just for you. Live music, fun festivals, learning programs, and active adventures await.
READ ON!Are you looking for a specific type of place to visit in the I&M Canal Heritage Corridor? If you're a craft beer fan, you will love the Heritage Corridor Ale Trail? Seeing a thrilling journey or just an escape, check out Adventure Outside Chicago. We've got all the info to unlock your next trip right here.
READ ON!Built in the 1850's with Joliet limestone, the Prison house infamous criminals both in real life and in movies/TV. Take one of their sheduled tours, or opt for a self-guided tour where you can walk around on your own.
Walk the site at your own pace. Informational signs are stationed throughout the grounds providing historical information and photos. The North Segregation Building, Cafeteria and East Cell house are open to walk through.
Tickets: $20
Children (ages 3-12): $10 (under 3 is free!)
Photography tripod fee: $10
A 90-minute walking tour covering the darker side of the Prison. This historical tour will cover some of the more macabre stories as you walk through the site at dusk. This tour takes you into the East and West Cell Houses, North Segregation, Cafeteria, Chapel, and the Honor Dorm.
Disclaimer: This tour does not involve ghost hunting or paranormal activity and is not recommended for small children.
Tickets: $40
A 90-minutes walking tour led by two docents who worked at the Prison while it was still in operation until its closing in 2002. You will hear about the daily life at the Prison during their time there – a more personal take on the site’s history. This tour takes you into the East and West Cell Houses, North Segregation, Cafeteria, Chapel and Honor Dorm.
Disclaimer: Adult themes and language used.
Tickets: $40
A 90-minute walking tour of the Old Joliet Prison lead by docents and trained tour guides from the Joliet Area Historical Museum. This tour talks about the general history of the site from when it was first opened in 1858 till its closure in 2002. This historic tour is a great introduction to the Prison and its history. This tour takes you into the East and West Cell Houses, North Segregation, Cafeteria, Chapel, and the Honor Dorm.
Tickets: $30
Reservations Recommended! Reserve your tour now.
Disclaimers: Certain areas are still off-limits for safety. At the current time, tours are not ADA approved. Old Joliet Prison Tours are closed on Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.