Limestone fortress prison built 1858 by convict labor, closed in 2002, and famous from The Blues Brothers and Prison Break. Since 2018 the Joliet Area Historical Museum has operated it as a managed attraction, and guided history, photography, and night tours run regularly through 2025-2026. Access is fully legal via ticketed tours; the grounds are stabilized but you'll still sign waivers for decaying cellblocks, so wear closed shoes and follow guides. This is the model of a ruin gone legitimate.
Vestige documents abandoned & historic places for education and preservation. Always obtain permission before visiting and follow local law.