Stateville Correctional Center

The Stateville Correctional Center, located in Crest Hill, Illinois, has over a century of history as a major institution within the Illinois Department of Corrections. Established in 1925 as a maximum-security facility, Stateville originally housed 1,506 inmates and was envisioned as a modern replacement for the nearby Joliet Correctional Center.

Its most notable architectural feature, the “F-House” or “roundhouse” cell block, followed the panopticon design, allowing a central guard tower to monitor all cells directly. Though iconic, the roundhouse ceased operation in 2016.

Over time, Stateville expanded its capacity to accommodate up to 4,134 inmates, serving as a core correctional facility and a hub for new inmates entering the system. The Northern Reception and Classification Center (NRC) at Stateville continues to intake prisoners from northern Illinois, even as much of the main maximum-security facility has transitioned out of use. Another distinct component of Stateville, the minimum-security unit, or “Stateville Farm,” remains operational alongside the NRC.

Significantly, Stateville’s prisoner population dwindled following a 2024 court-ordered relocation; as of early 2025, just 23 individuals receiving medical care remained on-site before final transfers in March. Future plans for the site emphasize rehabilitative programming and community reintegration.

Visitation schedules, managed through the Illinois Department of Corrections, vary by facility. For accurate and up-to-date information regarding visitation at Stateville’s NRC or minimum-security unit, visitors should check the latest directives on the department’s website or contact the respective facility offices.

With its history, architectural significance, and evolving role, the Stateville Correctional Center remains a critical part of Illinois’ approach to corrections and rehabilitation.

For further information about the Stateville Correctional Center, including inmate records search and visitation details, individuals can refer to the official website of the Illinois Department of Corrections or utilize online inmate search platforms specific to the state of Illinois.