Operating as the Kendall County jail for nearly a century, the Old Jail Museum preserves the region's history within its original 1887 structure.
Constructed in 1887, the Kendall County Historic Jail served as the active county jail for 99 years until its closure in 1986. The ground floor originally functioned as the living quarters and kitchen for the sheriff's family, while the upper level housed inmates. Following a restoration effort, the building reopened to the public as the Old Jail Museum in May 2021.
The Old Jail Museum features ground-floor exhibits on Kendall County history, including artifacts from the Apelt Armadillo Farm, the Newton Boys, and a recreated moonshine still. Upstairs, visitors can view the four original steel-clad jail cells and read stories about former inmates.
A visit to the Old Jail Museum typically takes about 30 minutes. The building is relatively small, consisting of ground-floor exhibits and the upstairs cell block.
The official municipal listing does not publish dependable current museum hours. Use its current contact number to call ahead before making a special trip.