Joliet Prison, formally the Joliet Correctional Center, is the city's most distinctive sight. The limestone prison opened in 1858 and closed in 2002, leaving behind a severe Gothic-looking complex that feels built for a film set. It was used in The Blues Brothers and later became familiar to television viewers through Prison Break.
Tours focus on the prison's architecture, daily life, and long correctional history. It is a strong stop because the building is both locally important and visually memorable, not just another historic plaque.