JOLIET GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
A 90‑Minute, 1.5‑Mile ASL‑Interpreted Walk Through Old Joliet Prison’s 16‑Acre Grounds
A certified guide and an American Sign Language interpreter lead a 90‑minute, 1.5‑mile exploration of the sixteen‑acre Old Joliet Prison site, with historians on hand to illuminate the prison’s past.
A 90‑Minute, 1.5‑Mile ASL‑Interpreted Walk Through Old Joliet Prison’s 16‑Acre Grounds.
Set on sixteen acres in Joliet, this guided tour moves at a steady, deliberate pace: about 90 minutes covering roughly 1.5 miles across open grounds. A certified tour guide and an American Sign Language interpreter present the site’s history while trained historians answer questions along the route.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Live interpretation and historian‑led context
Every tour includes a certified guide and an ASL interpreter, with knowledgeable, trained historians available to answer questions and bring the site’s history to life.
A substantial, walkable historic campus
The experience covers the expansive sixteen‑acre site and is designed as a roughly 1.5‑mile walk that takes about 90 minutes to complete.
Plan for sun and no utilities
Wear sturdy footwear and dress for the weather: there is very little shade on site, and the grounds lack heat, air conditioning, electricity and running water.
What the day feels like
What the tour feels like
The tour unfolds as a continuous, guided walk across the prison’s sixteen acres, with stops for interpretation and questions; expect roughly ninety minutes of walking and on‑the‑spot storytelling from guides and historians, with ASL interpretation throughout.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this tour — and who should plan accordingly.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The guided tour runs about 90 minutes and covers roughly 1.5 miles across the sixteen‑acre site.
Dress for the weather and wear sturdy footwear. Bring water and sun protection because there is very little shade and no on‑site running water or climate control.
Expect minimal facilities on the grounds — there is no heat, air conditioning, electricity or running water on site.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
About 90 minutes.
How far will we walk?
Guests can expect to walk about 1.5 miles during the tour.
Is American Sign Language interpretation available?
Yes — the tour includes an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter.
What should I bring?
Dress for the weather and wear sturdy footwear; bring sun protection and water because there is very little shade and no running water on site.
Are there facilities like restrooms or electricity on site?
No — the site has very little shade and lacks heat, air conditioning, electricity and running water.
How do I find available dates and times?
Check the operator’s calendar for available dates and times.
Who operates the tour?
The tour is operated by Old Joliet Prison.