What to Bring (and What to Leave Home) for an In-Person Visit at River North
A smooth visit at River North comes down to three things: the right ID, the right clothes, and enough time to clear security. Here's your quick pack-and-plan checklist.
Bring at least one valid, government-issued photo ID, and make sure the information on that ID matches what you put on your visitation application. Staff use it to verify you’re the approved visitor, so even small mismatches can slow things down at check-in.
- ✓ Driver’s license
- ✓ Military ID
- ✓ Passport (only for visitors who do not reside in the United States)
- ✓ Other official photo ID issued by a federal or state agency
The dress code is straightforward: clothing must cover you from neck to kneecaps. Not sure if something's okay? Go with the more conservative choice - it's not worth getting turned away after making the trip.
Dress code must-haves: Appropriate underwear is required, and footwear has to be worn at all times.
Plan to arrive about an hour before your scheduled visit. River North requires that buffer for security screening and check-in - show up later and you risk missing your visit entirely.
No food or drinks: You can’t bring food or beverages inside, and there’s no access to vending machines.
Visiting through a Visitor Center? Don't assume you can get approved on the spot. Visitor Centers won't admit anyone without prior approval, so confirm your status before making the trip.
Once you're inside the Visitor Center visiting area, you can't leave and come back. Handle parking, restrooms, and anything else before you check in.
Need accommodations? VADOC provides reasonable accommodations for disabled visitors - just ask. I recommend contacting the facility before your visit so everything's ready when you arrive, especially if you have mobility needs.
- Check whether a service or guide animal can be permitted - permission depends on the circumstances, so don’t assume it’s automatic.
- Submit a request to the facility before you visit - prior approval is required.
- Follow any instructions the facility gives you after you request approval - handle this ahead of time so you’re not turned away at the door.
Quick Checklist
- ✓ Bring at least one valid government-issued photo ID that matches your visitation application
- ✓ Arrive one hour early to allow time for security screening
- ✓ Leave food and drinks at home (they aren’t allowed inside, and there are no vending machines)
- ✓ If you’re visiting through a Visitor Center, make sure you have prior approval before you go
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