The 19th century Old Idaho Penitentiary in Boise is today a museum. Visitors can tour the facility and see the jail cells which have not been used since the early 1970s. Some say the facility is haunted.

The Old Idaho Penitentiary State Historic Site is today one of the top attractions in Boise. A functional prison from 1872 to 1973, this building was also known as Territorial Prison. This prison was in operation for almost 101 years and is today open to the public to explore. Some of the prison building that are worth checking out include the Territorial Prison, a Chapel, the New Cell House, the Rose Garden, the Administration Building, the False Front Buildings, the many Cell House, and so much more.

Experience what prison life was like for the most notorious criminals of Idaho's "Wild West" and the guards that worked there at Old Idaho Penitentiary. The prison first received inmates in 1872 and remained a functioning prison for 101 years, housing a total of 13,000 inmates. Walk through buildings like the dining hall, women's ward, and the maximum security area--Cell House 5--which served as Death Row. If you are feeling brave, lock yourself into one of the solitary confinement cells to better understand the harsh conditions of the prison's past. You can also take a guided tour. The facility is home to multiple exhibits, notably the J. Curtis Earl Memorial Exhibit of Arms and Armaments, which features one of the nation's largest collections of military history from Medieval times, the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, World War I, and World War II. Old Idaho Penitentiary is just one of the many highlights you can arrange to see using our, international travel planner Edition.

This historical site in Idaho’s capital city is well worth your time if in the area, and especially for history fans. For just $5, visitors can walk around the 100+ year old facility and get a feel for the environment inmates lived in when the prison was open. It’s interesting to see how the maximum security cells differed from that of regular ones, where those on death row were hung, as well as where laundry was done. The architecture is fascinating as well. Additionally, there is a museum on the premise that details the evolution of weapons throughout the years. If you take time to go through all the buildings, it should take about an hour or so to cover the grounds.