The Old Joliet Haunted Prison 2022

The Old Joliet Haunted Prison
401 Woodruff Road
Joliet, IL 60432
https://hauntedprison.com/
Visited on: Friday, October 7, 2022

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

Being named as Haunted House Chicago’s Best New Haunted Attraction of the Year for 2021, is the Old Joliet Haunted Prison located in Joliet, Illinois. Designed and operated by the renowned 13^th Floor Entertainment Group, this attraction is located in an abandoned prison built over a century ago! If that alone doesn’t send shivers down your spine and make your skin crawl, then just wait till you hear what’s inside!

Now in their second year of operation, the minds behind this attraction were busy in the off-season and not only did they add more to each of their attractions, but they also added a 3^rd one to top things off! As we approached the prison from the road, the lights illuminated on to the front of the former prison entrance, showcasing what darkness awaited us inside. For those that have yet to make it here, 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.

If you are looking for fake façade or fake bricks, think again. Everything that was originally used to build this prison remains intact today, barbed wire included. As we entered the grounds of the prison, we are immersed into the midway. Here, patrons can spend some time mingling with friends and other guests, browsing their gift shop for goodies, as well as grab a drink or some food. Be careful though, escaped convicts are out roaming and fully make the idea of you being on prison grounds feel very real.

As we made our way to the first attraction, “Ghost Chamber”, we met many prisoners along the way, including Blockhead. As we waited to enter, the cool evening air made for the perfect night for the fog to loom over the grounds perfectly. Continuing the story from last year, a wealthy scientist took over the abandoned prison and turned it into a research lab, but this year, it was far out of his control due to the prisoners revolting.

Our journey began with a new path to enter the prison as prisoners lurked in the dark, with only the moonlight to guide us, we had no idea what type of chaos we were about to enter. Now again, let’s be clear – the doors, stairs and cellblocks are all REAL, don’t be confused with factory-bought façades here. We weaved our way through numerous scenes that put our group out of their comfort level. The use of sound, perfectly dimmed lighting, and very patient actors left our group wondering where the next attack would come from. Continuing on our path through the first and second story or cellblocks, we made our way through the infirmary and finally were able to escape through the padded cells, hoping the prisoners wouldn’t follow us out!

After narrowly escaping the prison, we were set off onto our next adventure within their second attraction known as “The Abominations”. Here, the craziness from within the prison has made its way to the outdoor prison yard. Here the research patients from inside the prison are now hungry for the taste of human flesh. Set with a great twist, guests are armed with laser guns and are sent to help defeat these escapees! Chased by inmates, zombies, and other creatures that have been created within the prison walls, adds a whole new portion of fear for you don’t know what corner, ceiling, or building these attacks come from, just make sure you aim for their heads!

If the changes that were made in the off-season weren’t enough to these two established attractions, we were undeniably in for a treat when we learned that there was a third attraction! Now, this is a special one that is near and dear to the 13^th Floor Entertainment Group, coming straight from the original “Slaughter House” that was originally located at House of Torment in Austin, TX. This attraction has been brought back to life here on the grounds of the prison, but they put its own spin on it, is “Tormented”. Here, patrons must make their way through numerous pallet mazes with the most perfect strobe lighting, and did we mention chainsaws? Everywhere you turned, the wielding of the saws hit you from each and every angle. We narrowly escaped the madness and bloody walls within!

Monsters of Note: Blockhead

The Bottom Line: In just their second year, this group worked hard in the off-season. Working with the use of the REAL prison cells and the original building that brings their nightmares to life, the story of the madness within the walls continued, and did it very well. This is definitely an attraction to experience and keep your eye on as the story continues to grow, we can’t wait to see what year three has in store!

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