Joliet, IL, United States

The former Joliet Correctional Center, which operated from 1858 to 2002, is now a major tourist attraction. But don't expect the quaint charm of a Route 66 stopover - the prison's troubled history looms large, with gang violence and medical experiments on inmates serving as a sobering backdrop. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as evidenced by the prison's slow modernization over the decades. And with the facility's recent arson incidents, safety may be an ongoing concern for residents. This gritty, industrial city is likely best suited for those drawn to its unique history, rather than those seeking a picturesque Midwest getaway.