Old Joliet Prison – Haunted Prison in Joliet, Illinois

Once a fortress of punishment and confinement, the Old Joliet Prison stands today as a chilling monument to Illinois’ darker past. Built in the mid-19th century, this now-decommissioned penitentiary housed some of the state’s most dangerous criminals.

Over the decades, countless tales of violence, isolation, and death have given rise to stories of lingering spirits and unexplained phenomena—earning it a reputation as one of the most haunted places in the Midwest.

Historical Background

• Year Built: 1858
• Original Purpose: Prison
• Significant Events:
  • Home to infamous inmates like serial killer John Wayne Gacy and members of the Chicago Mob.
  • Numerous inmate riots, suicides, and violent deaths occurred within its limestone walls.
  • A massive fire in the 1910s destroyed parts of the prison, reportedly killing several inmates.
  • The prison officially closed in 2002, but tales of the supernatural have only intensified since.

Paranormal Activity Summary

Visitors and former staff report a wide range of unexplained activity.

• Disembodied voices echo through empty corridors.
• Sudden cold spots and flickering lights occur without reason.
• Doors slam shut on their own, and shadowy figures are seen darting across cell blocks.
• The most chilling reports describe a tall, dark figure in solitary confinement, believed to be a former warden or executioner.

Ghost Stories & Reports

• The Shadow Man of Solitary: This dark entity reportedly watches visitors from the corners of the solitary cells. Some claim to feel breath on their necks or hear low growling sounds.
• The Crying Inmate: Guests often hear a man sobbing in one of the upper tiers. No one is ever found.
• Ghost of a Female Visitor: Though the prison housed only male inmates, many report seeing a ghostly woman walking the perimeter—possibly the spirit of a grieving loved one who died tragically during a visit.
• Local Lore: One legend speaks of a prisoner who vowed to return after his unjust execution. His cell is said to remain icy cold, even in July.

Most Haunted Spot Inside

Solitary Confinement Wing is the most active area. Visitors feel overwhelming dread, and some have fainted or fled in terror. Paranormal teams often pick up EVPs and thermal anomalies in this wing.

Can You Visit?

• Open to the Public? Yes
• Entry Fee: Around $20 per person for standard tours
• Tour Availability: Guided history and paranormal tours are available. Ghost tours usually run Fridays and Saturdays at 7 PM.
• Photography Allowed? Yes
• Visiting Hours: Varies by season—generally 12 PM to 8 PM for tours

Best Time to Visit

Fall, particularly October, is considered the most active time for paranormal sightings—coinciding with cooler weather and atmospheric shifts.

First-Hand Accounts & Eyewitness Reports

• A former guard recalled hearing heavy bootsteps behind him, only to find the hallway empty.
• Paranormal groups have recorded chilling EVPs, including voices saying “get out” and “still here.”
• One guest claimed they were locked inside a cell during a tour—though no one was nearby and no tour guides had keys in that section.

Paranormal Investigations & Findings

Old Joliet Prison has been featured on major shows like Ghost Adventures and Destination Fear. Investigators have captured compelling footage of shadow figures, EMF spikes, and spirit box responses that directly referenced historical inmates.

Safety Warnings & Legal Restrictions

• Visitors are not allowed to wander freely. Only designated areas are open to the public due to unsafe structures in the older sections.
• Trespassing in closed-off areas is strictly prohibited and monitored by security.