The Old Joliet Haunted Prison 2021

The Old Joliet Haunted Prison
Joliet, Illinois
Visited on: Saturday, October 9, 2021

Vital Signs:
Opened: 2021
Building Originally Built: 1896
Number of seasons-to-date: 1
Number of attractions: 2
Setting: Indoor/Outdoor
Fun Fact: This is only one of the few attractions that has REAL history included in their storyline

The MOST talked about haunted attraction joining the Chicagoland haunt industry for the 2021 season is the Old Joliet Haunted Prison. Designed and operated by the renowned 13^th Floor Entertainment Group, this isn’t just your average haunted attraction. For those unaware, this attraction is actually located in an abandoned prison built over a century ago in Joliet, Illinois. If that alone didn’t make your skin crawl, then just wait till you hear what’s inside!

The illuminating lights on the former prison entrance bring a sense of eeriness to what is lurking inside. But make note that the entrance to the haunted attraction is actually on the backside of the building as you begin your journey within their courtyard area. There are definitely no façade or fake bricks here; the original cinderblocks that were used to build this prison still remain today. Fun fact we were informed of while we were waiting to enter, there is a wall that falls on the grounds that was actually built by the prisoners housed within, talk about a wonderful history lesson!

Upon arrival, we enter the midway. Full of food, drinks, and escaped convicts roaming the grounds you are immediately immersed into the prison environment – with an extra flair of freedom. With the prison looming you must prepare yourself for what’s to come!

The first attraction we entered was titled, “Ghost Chamber”. As we waited to enter, we were surrounded by chain link fences and barbed wire set above our heads. Make no mistake here, all of this is still real, with no fake-production set pieces. As we are entering the attraction, we learn that a wealthy and eccentric paranormal scientist bought and took over the abandoned prison turning it into a research facility. Using the prisoners as their experimental patients we are welcomed in to become their new candidates.

Weaving throughout the prison, the use of the real cellblocks, doors, and even the second story walkway give you a whole new perspective to admire. The use of animatronics, sound, and perfect lighting, tucked within those cells gives the prisoners the perfect opportunity to attack. They are unleashing their horrors, jumping from their cells, and hoping that the doctors will take us and release them.

As we escaped the prison cells, we were off onto our next adventure towards their second attraction. Known as “The Forsaken”, this attraction takes the madness from within the prison and watches as it spreads into the prison yard. Here, there is an all-out assault on the living with the attempt to escape their captivity.

With a twist on things, guests are armed with the latest in laser technology and patrons are sent on a journey through various industrial spaces. Here, we are chased by zombies and inmates, bringing a whole new type of fear! Just remember: think fast, aim quickly, and don’t miss your shot! (Don’t forget to double-tap!)

Monsters of Note: Blockhead

The Bottom Line: In it’s first year, the Old Joliet Prison brought an incredibly new experience to the Chicagoland haunt scene. With the use of the REAL prison cells and the original building working in their favor, there is darkness and eeriness everywhere you turn. (And a smell that we can’t quite describe.) Combining a building that has a lot of history of negative action with state-of-the-art modern haunted attraction equipment makes for a very entertaining and interesting scenario that kept our eyes peeled and our toes on the edge! We are so excited to see what they come up with in the off-season, considering the potential to expand and use even more of the building and outdoor grounds. This is definitely one attraction to experience and watch in the future!

But, don’t just take our word for it, check out media from our visit: