Tour resumes Fall 2025

Step into an cinematic expedition like no other. Chicago and Movies in Old Joliet Prison is a riveting 2-hour guided walking tour led by a Ph.D. in film and the knowledgable staff of the Joliet Area Historical Museum. 

Venture just 30 miles outside Chicago to the historic Old Joliet Prison, where the echoes of Illinois' penitentiary past and Hollywood intertwine. 

You'll start your 1.25-mile (mostly outdoor) exploration by passing through the barbed-wire gates of this former correctional center. Inside the prison's walls, you'll encounter the raw reality of its sally ports, imposing cellblocks, solemn chapel, once-bustling cafeteria, expansive yard, and haunting solitary confinement cells. 

Exclusive to Chicago and Movies in Old Joliet Prison, you'll also gain access to areas typically off-limits to the public, offering a rare glimpse into the hidden corners of this historic landmark.

As the tour reaches its climax, you'll settle into our makeshift movie theater inside the dimly lit gymnasium, where the story of Hollywood's century-long fascination with Old Joliet Prison unfolds. Delve into tales of cinematic history, from iconic sets to the profound impact of film on Illinois prison reform.

This guided tour from Chicago Movie Tours promises to be a memorable exploration of suburban Chicago's rich movie history. So get ready for an unforgettable and educational adventure with Chicago and Movies in Old Joliet Prison!

NOTE: This speciality tour—offered only a few times per year, usually in later summer and early fall—needs at least 20 guests to run. In the event we must cancel because of low ticket sales, we will notify you via email and then refund you in full.