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Old Idaho Penitentiary, Boise

4.7

#1 of 9 in Historic Sites in Boise

Historic Site · Tourist Spot

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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.

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Old Idaho Penitentiary reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

1,001 reviews

Google

4.7

By vickybQ1120TC

We had a super good tour guide. I forgot his name but ask for the guy who LOVES this place and all its history. He knew millions of stories and really brought the tour to life. If you come at a time..... more

We had a super good tour guide. I forgot his name but ask for the guy who LOVES this place and all its history. He knew millions of stories and really brought the tour to life. If you come at a time..... more »
By JoEllen D

This was a very interesting historical tour. You are able to have a guide or just follow path with posted information. The most memorable was seeing the gallows, the witness room, and the “drop...

This was a very interesting historical tour. You are able to have a guide or just follow path with posted information. The most memorable was seeing the gallows, the witness room, and the “drop... more »
By 765artisb

Excellent tour, very informative, you get to see the cells through various time periods, the women’s section was very interesting. We definitely enjoyed our time!!

Excellent tour, very informative, you get to see the cells through various time periods, the women’s section was very interesting. We definitely enjoyed our time!! more »

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By Jack Young

So awesome! So much history. Plus so much to explore. Best part is they let you your the prison by yourself, and have information plastered all over the place. Definitely worth the price. Gift shop is a tad speedy. But overall an amazing experience😁

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By Chelsea Allio

Awesome place to wander the grounds and learn a little history. The weapon museum on site is awesome as well! Dusty grounds and some stairs if you're feeling adventurous, so I don't recommend wearing sandles. Spent about an hour and a half here to see the main structure but there were more surrounding buildings we didn't get to.

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By Julie Stoltman

Wasn't open due to Halloween weekend evening events, but looked pretty cool from the outside. The Women's Ward was open & had very good historical information & stories. Only here for a day, but would've loved to get the guided tour!

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By Malcolm White

Very informative tour guide. Our guide was very animated with his stories about the prisoner life. Some of his stories have me goosebumps. After the tour when everyone left, we asked about if there have been any paranormal events. That's when it got really interesting. Highly recommended.

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By Tevin Hendess

A great historical site with plenty of interesting information. Inside the prison, there's also an extensive weapons collection on display for free. The $3 guided tour is 100% worth it. Our guide, Jack, was super knowledgeable and clearly cared about sharing information with us. The tour includes stories and background which you can't get from just the signs.

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