Old Joliet Prison designated to National Register of Historic Places

The Old Joliet Prison, aka Joliet Correctional Center or Illinois State Penitentiary, in Joliet, Illinois, recently was designated to the National Register of Historic Places. The designation was effective Sept. 25, according to an email Friday from the National Park Service that administers the program. Two years ago, the City of Joliet received a $35,000 grant from … Continue reading Old Joliet Prison designated to National Register of Historic Places

Route 66 Experience at Illinois State Fair gets $500,000 grant; Old Joliet prison gets $250,000

The Route 66 Experience at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield will receive a $500,000 grant to help add to the exhibit, according to a news release from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The Old Joliet Prison in Joliet also will receive $250,000 from the same program for exterior illumination of the … Continue reading Route 66 Experience at Illinois State Fair gets $500,000 grant; Old Joliet prison gets $250,000

Dan Aykroyd, James Belushi to perform next month at Old Joliet Prison

Dan Aykroyd and James Belushi will perform at the Old Joliet Prison in Joliet, Illinois, on Aug. 19 as part of an elaborate Blues Brothers Con at the historic site. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Joliet Area Historical Museum, reported The Herald-News. “He [Dan Aykroyd] made a significant donation of his time to … Continue reading Dan Aykroyd, James Belushi to perform next month at Old Joliet Prison

Route 66 campaign, Joliet Area Historical Museum win Illinois tourism awards

The Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau earlier this month won an Illinois Excellence in Tourism award for Best International Marketing for its Route 66 campaign. The extensive Route 66 section of its website can be found here. Great Rivers and Routes Tourism concentrates on attractions in southwest Illinois. Great Rivers and Routes was honored … Continue reading Route 66 campaign, Joliet Area Historical Museum win Illinois tourism awards

Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway awards $5,000 in grants to various projects

The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway announced Thursday it has awarded grants totaling $5,000 to byway members for various projects. These are the grant awardees: Sky View Drive-In theater in Litchfield, Illinois: $1,000 to help repaint its screen;Old Joliet Prison in Joliet, Illinois: $1,000 to build a series of informative and interpretative banners and signage … Continue reading Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway awards $5,000 in grants to various projects

Old Joliet Prison to host 40th-anniversary party for “Blues Brothers” movie

The Old Joliet Prison, now converted into a tourism site, in Joliet, Illinois, will host a big bash in August to mark the 40th anniversary of "The Blues Brothers" movie, part of which was originally filmed there. The Herald-News, based in Joliet, reported the celebration will be a two-day event. Final dates aren't 100% set, … Continue reading Old Joliet Prison to host 40th-anniversary party for “Blues Brothers” movie

Old Joliet Prison draws 14,000 visitors since opening in August 2018

The Old Joliet Prison has drawn a total of 14,181 visitors for tours and events since opening to the public in August 2018, according to the Joliet Historical Museum. The 19th-century prison, known officially as the former Joliet Correctional Center, also generated $407,654 in revenue, a report in The Herald-News stated. The net revenue of … Continue reading Old Joliet Prison draws 14,000 visitors since opening in August 2018

Old Joliet Prison will be featured on Travel Channel’s “Ghost Adventures”

The old Joliet Correctional Center in Joliet, Illinois, now called the Old Joliet Prison, will be featured in upcoming episodes of "Ghost Adventures," the Travel Channel's most popular show. The "Ghost Adventures" team interviews locals and spends nights in allegedly haunted places, searching for paranormal activity. According to The Herald-News of Joliet: The piece will … Continue reading Old Joliet Prison will be featured on Travel Channel’s “Ghost Adventures”