Jail of the Dead Tour

The Yorkville Culture Commission is proud to announce the second annual “Jail of the Dead” Halloween haunted house.  The event will be held on October 21, 22, 28, and 29 at the 1893 old county jail at 111 W. Madison St. in Yorkville. 

The hours are from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (for younger children), and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for students and adults.  Admission is $4.00 for an individual and $14.00 for a family. Funds raised at the event are used to restore the building. 

The jail was in use until 1992 when a new corrections facility was opened, the City of Yorkville purchased the building in 2010.  Originally, the building not only housed criminals but it was the home for the sheriff and his family. 

The tour includes the lower portion of the residence along with the first floor men’s cell block and the second floor women’s cell block.  Students from Yorkville serve as unsavory inmates that everyone will encounter during the tour. 

The building is being restored and will be opened as a museum next year.  Funds raised at last year’s event were used for plastering, painting, and the restoration and replacement of first floor windows.  Upgrading of the electrical system is under way.  Anyone interested in helping with the restoration project can call the number below.

Volunteers are needed to serve as guides for this year’s Halloween event.  Anyone interested in working can contact Howard Manthei at 630-553-6287.