Old Idaho Penitentiary

The Old Idaho Penitentiary opened its doors in 1872 to some of the West’s most desperate criminals. Today, visitors can experience over 100 years of Idaho’s unique prison history with a visit to Solitary Confinement, cell blocks, and the Gallows.

The site features thirty historic buildings and special exhibits including the J. Curtis Earl Memorial Exhibit, a collection of historic weaponry. Events and programs provide families, school groups, and visitors an opportunity to re-live the Old Pen’s exciting past of daring escapes, scandals and executions.

The Old Idaho Penitentiary lives next door to the Idaho Botanical Garden so it may be worthwhile to see both these attractions in one day.