In Illinois, we pronounce the ‘s’ at the end of Des Palines, by the way. Because of Illinois law, Harrah’s is a riverboat casino on the Des Plaines River. Harrah’s Joliet is south of Chicago, just over 30 miles and 50 minutes away from Midway Airport. If you’re a midwestern casino enthusiast, Harrah’s is worth a visit if you’re looking to add to your chip collection. Joliet has two of the best casinos in Illinois in Harrah’s and Hollywood. But there is a little more to the city beyond simply housing the now-closed Illinois State Penitentiary, namely gambling.

The city and the prison have a shared history. Joliet’s centerpiece is the old prison, an intimidating penitentiary palace famously loathed by Jake and Elwood.