This 1870s prison in Idaho is now a must-see museum
Visitors to the Old Idaho Penitentiary in Boise can explore a former prison with a history of escapes, crime and reported ghostly encounters.
Nathan DillerThe 1870s Old Idaho Penitentiary has been around longer than its namesake has been a state.
The facility is among only four U.S. territorial prisons – which predated an area’s statehood – open to the public as museums, according to the Idaho State Historical Society.
“During its 101 years of operation, the site saw escapes, scandals, and the effects of Boise’s transition from the ‘wild west’ to a mid-20th century capital city,” the website reads. The facility housed prisoners from 1872 to 1973, including Harry Orchard, who murdered former Idaho governor Frank Steunenberg, and Henry Meeks, believed to be a member of Butch Cassidy’s gang.
Location
Boise, Idaho
What to see today
Visitors can take self-guided or guided tours of the facility. “Step inside the four walls of the prison yard and imagine a life of confinement as steel doors close behind you,” the Idaho State Historical Society’s website said. Some have also claimed to hear voices, feel unexplained physical touch and more strange happenings. “We continue to leave it to the individual to decide for themselves whether this is a ‘haunted’ site or not,” the website said.
Local flavor
The Idaho Botanical Garden is located next to the penitentiary and boasts more than 30 acres of gardens. Those include the Dry Garden, showcasing sustainable landscaping practices; the Meditation Garden, where guests can find cooler temperatures and a tranquil stream; and an English Garden. The site also hosts concerts, educational programming and more.
Plan your visit
- When to visit: The penitentiary is open seven days a week – except major holidays – though hours vary by season.
- Admission: Admission costs $8 for visitors 13 to 59, $6 for those 60 and older and $5 for kids 6 to 12. Kids under 6 can enter for free.
- Getting there: Parking is available in designated spaces in front of the main entrance, with more parking in surrounding areas.
- Learn more: https://history.idaho.gov/oldpen/
Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].