Lake County Jail Staff   Did You Know?   Jail Tours

In 1882, a two-story sheriff's house and a jail were constructed on the Main Street site where they now stand. The jail featured 10 steel cells, six for men and four for women. Unlike its predecessor, this jail was built of masonry with a hardwood roof and floors.

In 1926, and addition was completed and a third floor added, increasing the capacity of the jail to 150. By contemporary standards, the jail was considered not just state of the art, but also escape-proof. That is until March 3, 1934, when much to the chagrin of the Sheriff Lillian Holley, John Dillinger made a highly publicized escape using a wooden gun he had carved from a washboard.

Despite it's apparent shortcomings, the jail remained in service for more than 40 years until the current jail was built in 1975. The old jail has now been placed on the National Register of Historic Places both for its historical significance and the beauty of its European Second Empire architectural style.

By the early 1990s, it became apparent that the existing jail was simply inadequate to meet the correctional facility needs of Lake County in the 21st century. The 619 permanent and temporary beds could no longer accommodate the increasing number of inmates. As importantly, the philosophy regarding how prisoners could be supervised in the most secure and cost effective manner had changed considerably since the 1975 jail was built.

A jail oversight committee was appointed, needs were assessed, and architects and builders were interviewed. By spring 1999, constructions was underway and the new addition was completed in October 2000.

Visiting Schedule for Inmates

Monday
1 pm -3 pm 4th Floor – Video Visiting
6 pm – 8 pm V – Pod

Tuesday
1 pm – 3 pm X – Pod
6 pm – 8 pm X – Pod

Wednesday
1 pm – 3 pm 3rd Floor
6 pm – 8 pm W – Pod

Thursday
1 pm – 3 pm 5th Floor
6 pm – 8 pm Y – Pod

Friday
1 pm – 3 pm Z – Pod
6 pm – 8 pm Z – Pod

Saturday
6 pm – 8 pm (only) Trustee’s