Old Joliet Prison Park
Renovations
Media Coverage
Park Sponsored by
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Use logos Duke’s Landscaping, Waste Management, Wolf’s Sealcoating (in folder attached)
Park Hours:
Dawn – dusk daily
No access to the prison building at this time. … stay tuned!
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As a grant funded project by the Illinois Bureau of Tourism 
And the City of Joliet with special assistance from Councilwoman Susie Barber, The Old Joliet Prison Park is free public park located just outside the Collins Street Prison.
1125 Collins Street, Joliet IL 60432
You’ll be welcomed by colorful signage in all directions on your way to “Get Locked Up… At the Old Joliet Prison.”
Once you arrive, a HUGE Steel and Barbed Wire entry sign will beckon you in to a park unlike any other.
8 Information kiosks on offer an insight into the prison’s past and inmate history as well as the famous films that have been ‘shot’ here. You’ll also learn about the exciting Joliet attractions just down the road, like restaurants, hotels, and historic information too!
Pack a lunch and dine with a prison behind you at the scenic picnic area, or just come for some great photos with the ominous prison backdrop! Whatever you choose, Do Not Miss your chance to be locked up at the Old Joliet Prison!
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Renovations began in March 2009 to transform the parking lot of the Collins Street Prison into the Old Joliet Prison Park!
Dukes Landscaping of Joliet bulldozed pavement, towed in top soil, and manicured the area with historically accurate plantings that compliment the masculine feel of the prison’s architecture. Dukes later added sod, plantings and even flowers to the beautification project. A sponsor of the Old Joliet Prison Project, Duke’s Landscaping proudly maintains the grounds of the Old Joliet Prison Park.
Staff and consultants worked to compile accurate information for the eight kiosk panels that will not only provide information but entertainment value to the park. A combination of sources including “Joliet Prison Images In Time” by Robert Sterling, the Joliet Area Historical Museum, “Joliet Postcard History Series” by Davod A Belden Available from the publisher online at www.arcadiapublishing.com or by calling 888-313-2665. As well as the Historic Preservation Council of Joliet.
Kiosk panels contain information on not only Joliet attractions and ways to Get Your Kicks on Route 66 in Joliet, but also the prison itself! Historical information regarding the inmate’s history, building architecture and the timeline of reformation and tragedy at the prison are all represented with vivid photographs to illustrate the concepts. Kiosks also detail the prison’s film history from Blues Brothers to Prison Break and so much more!
Guests are reminded to bring their fedora for a great photo opportunity!
July 20, 2009
History Behind Bars - Herald News
July 18, 2009
Tourist trap? Prison park to open - Chicago Tribune
July 17, 2009
Joliet Prison Park Opens - Suburban Chicago News
July 15, 2009
Beautifying the big house - Herald News
July 10, 2009
Celebration planned at Old Prison Park - Herald News
July 10, 2009
Prison park offers a break -- free admission - Chicago Tribune
June 12, 2009
Come On In - Herald News (PDF)
May 27, 2009
Pretty Pretty Prison - Herald News (PDF)
May 26, 2009
City Embraces its prison past - Herald News (PDF)
March 3, 2009
Grant to draw tourists to prison - Herald News (PDF)
