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Menard Correctional Center

Anthony Wills, Warden

Facility Data

Menard Correctional Center
Opened: March 1878
*Operational Capacity: 2,389
Maximum Security Adult Male
Population Menard Correctional Center: 1,538
Population Menard Medium Security Unit: 320
Population Menard Reception & Classification Center: 67
Total Population: 1,925 (as of 6/30/24)
Average Annual Cost Per Individual: $44,230 (FY22)

*Operational capacity is the maximum number of beds a facility has; to include all health care, crisis, restricted housing, protective custody, isolation, R&Cs, and future beds that are down for repair. Data reflects a bed space capacity census that was conducted in August 2022.

Menard Correctional Center is the parent institution for Menard Medium Security Unit and Menard Reception and Classification Center.

Visitation

Visitor ADA Accommodations

IDOC Visitation Rules and Information -- please review before visiting

To visit Menard Correctional Center, you must sign up in advance. 

Video Visitation Hours

Video visitation hours for the General Division are Sunday through Friday 8:00a to 4:00p and Saturday 8:00a to 5:00p. Video visitation hours for the Medium Security Unit are Sunday through Saturday 8:00a to 6:00p. Visitors should log on 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.

Video Visitation Guidelines

Facility Address

Business Mail:
711 Kaskaskia Street
Menard, IL 62259

Individual in Custody Mail:
Individual in Custody Name & IDOC#
P.O. Box 1000
Menard, IL 62259

Phone:(618) 826-5071
Fax: (618) 826-1141

Facility Information

The mission of Menard Correctional Center is to confine adult male individuals in custody in a safe, secure and humane manner; preserve and promote individual rights and responsibilities; and in turn, ensure ultimate protection of society. Inherent within this purpose is the offering of program activities for individuals in custody housed within the institution. Individuals in custody are afforded the opportunity to explore and participate in programs designated to assist them toward a successful reintegration into society. ËœIt is essential that these functions be conducted within the realities of the security needs of a maximum-security correctional center.

Menard Correctional Center was established on the banks of the Mississippi River in 1878. The maximum-security facility changes in elevation over 200 feet and includes more than 2,600 acres with 41 acres enclosed by perimeter. The facility is comprised of 155 buildings totaling 1,294,000 square feet. Menard is the state's largest maximum security adult male facility. The center consists of five housing units, a receiving and orientation unit, segregation unit and a health care unit. Also included is the Menard medium-security unit.

Individual in Custody Programs

Academic:

  • Adult Basic Education (ABE)
  • Advanced Adult Basic Education (ADV ABE)
  • Adult Secondary Education (ASE/GED)

Career and Technical Education:

  • Building and Construction Maintenance
  • Small Engines

Industries:

  • Meat Processing
  • Janitorial and Cleaning Supplies
  • Knit and Sewing
  • Waste Removal and Recycling

Volunteer Services:

  • Religious

Other:

  • Anger Management
  • Chaplaincy
  • Community Work Crews
  • Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program
  • Leisure Time Activity
  • Library
  • Life Skills
  • Substance Abuse
  • Health Care Services