prison tour rawlins wy

Wyoming State Penitentiary

NEICOLE MOLDEN

DEPUTY WARDEN

GEORGE KIRKIKIS

About the Wyoming State Penitentiary

The Wyoming State Penitentiary (WSP) is a high custody facility for both general population and administrative segregation housing. WSP is one of the larger WDOC facilities and typically the location most in need of correctional officers. WSP offers an intensive Field Training Officer (FTO) program once candidates complete Basic Training Academy to ensure our staff are highly trained. The primary goal for the Education Department at WSP is to provide a basic level of education that will enable inmates to successfully engage with the world around them. Adult male offenders are offered a variety of classroom and video educational and vocational programs. The institution also has a growing correctional industries program.

Directions:

The Wyoming State Penitentiary is located in Rawlins, Wyoming.  Take Exit #214 off of Interstate 80 at Higley Boulevard.  Go South past T.A.'s Truck Stop and turn left at the security gates, parking in the Administration Building parking lot as posted.  

If you travel to Rawlins by bus, taxi services may or may not be available.  Before taking the bus, one should consult the phone book or online directory for taxi service.  

Youthful Offender Treatment Program (YOTP)

The Youthful Offender Program (YOTP), formally known as the Wyoming Boot Camp, was created by the Wyoming Legislature in 1987 in Wyoming Statute 7-13-1001 and the facility was opened in February 1990. The Youthful Offender Treatment Program, which can house up to 45 multiple custody inmates, is now located within the confines of the Wyoming State Prison at Rawlins, Wyoming.

The Youthful Offender Treatment Program was originally developed as a 90-day program. The program began with ten Boot Camp inmates. In April 1994, the Boot Camp program was expanded to 120 days and in October 2007 the program was expanded once again to the current 180-day program.

This is a highly structured program for first-time, male offenders, who have not attained the age of 30. These offenders must have a court ordered recommendation. The Youthful Offender Treatment Program gives the successful graduates an opportunity for a sentence reduction and serves as an alternative to long-term incarceration. 

The basic program is for 180 days and comprises four phases. The routine day begins at 4:00 a.m. and ends at 9:00 p.m. During each day nearly six hours of the inmates’ time is devoted to physical activity. Therapeutic and educational programs are the key component. Work ethic instruction is given through the teamwork concept, as various work details are conducted throughout each day. If needed, or possible, all inmates assigned to Boot Camp earn their GED prior to graduation. Upon completion of the program graduates are released to straight probation, Intensive Supervision Program (ISP), or to an Adult Community Corrections facility.

History of the Wyoming State Penitentiary

Wyoming Territorial Penitentiary

When Wyoming was established as a territory, Wyoming's first major penal institution was the Territorial Penitentiary, located on a portion of the abandoned Fort Sanders Military Reservation now the city of Laramie. The federal government built this facility in the fall of 1873 and received its first prisoner in December of that year. Today, the Wyoming Territorial Prison is operated as a museum and is part of the Wyoming Territorial Park historic site. 

Original Wyoming State Penitentiary

Looking toward eventual statehood, the Territorial Legislature in 1888 made provisions for some significant changes in its penal institution. While the Territorial Penitentiary was kept in operation, the legislature established the Penitentiary Building Commission, charged with site selection, procurement or architectural services and other preparations for a major penal institution near Rawlins. The National Territorial Building Act of 1888 authorized such a new territorial facility, at a cost not to exceed $100,000. Statehood came to Wyoming on July 10, 1890. The Wyoming State Constitution, Article 7, Section 18, and related statutes, established the Wyoming State Penitentiary and defined its functions. Article 7, Section 18 states that, "Such charitable, reformatory and penal institutions as the claims of humanity and the public good may require, shall be established and supported by the state in such manner as the legislature may prescribe. They shall be supervised as prescribed by law." In Article 7, Section 23, the Constitution states that "A penitentiary shall be located at or near the City of Rawlins, in the County of Carbon. The legislature may provide by law the location of other public institutions, including correctional facilities."  The original Wyoming State Penitentiary was opened in 1901 and operated until 1981. Called the Wyoming Frontier Prison, it is now open for tours and is operated by the Friends of the Old Pen, Inc.

In 1980 the "new" Wyoming State Penitentiary was opened with the first inmates placed in "C" Block. The original housing capacity was 550 inmates. From that date through 1995 additional beds were added so that the total capacity was approximately 825. It was eventually determined that the safe housing capacity was 780 inmates.

In 1983 the West Tower was constructed and put into operation. In 1984 the East Tower was added to the perimeter security of the facility.

In 1995 the Intensive Treatment Unit for long-term substance abuse was opened. During October 1998, the U.S. Department of Justice made the first of several site inspections under CRIPA (Civil Rights of Incarcerated Persons Act). When the DOJ issued their findings letter in Summer 1999, then State Attorney General Gay Woodhouse said that the factual information contained no surprises and that it documented issues that the department was working on before the DOJ visited the penitentiary. She added, however, that "while we disagree that any of the issues singly or together rise to the level of violating constitutional rights, we do agree with many of the recommendations in the letter. We will continue to work in cooperation with the Department of Justice to see that those recommendations are resolved."

When the High-Security Special Needs (HSSN) facility at the Wyoming State Penitentiary opened in Summer 2001, the 1980 facility came to be called the "North Facility," and the HSSN facility became the "South Facility."

At the time that the Wyoming Department of Corrections took possession of the new South Facility in Summer 2001 the department vacated the North Facility due to continuing life/safety issues that could not be immediately resolved. Inmates that would have been housed in the North Facility were moved to other WDOC facilities, to county jails, or to housing out-of-state.

In April 2002 the WDOC announced that the DOJ and the department had entered into a final agreement regarding the Wyoming State Penitentiary. It was noted that the State had one year to obtain substantial compliance with the terms of the agreement and one year to maintain compliance.  

2001 South Facility, Administration and Warehouse Buildings, Central Production Facility

When the High Security/Special Needs Facility (South Facility) was planned, a new warehouse and administration building were also planned. Both the warehouse and the administration building were designed to service the entire complex. These two buildings were occupied in March 2000.

The South Facility opened in July 2001 to house inmates that needed high security or had special medical or mental health needs.  The South Facility capacity including K-Unit/CPF is 826 inmates.  Due to the vacating of the North Facility, the South Facility currently also houses medium and minimum security inmates.

In August 2002 the new Central Production Facility opened (kitchen and laundry facility) and the original kitchen/laundry facility was closed in the North Facility. This brought an end to any occupancy of the North Facility.

Wyoming State Penitentiary 

2900 S. Higley Road

Rawlins, WY  82301

Phone:  328.1441

Fax:  307-328-7464

Helpful Links

Community Involvement & Volunteer

Money Transfer for Inmates

Offender Locator

Parole Board

Visitation Information

The Wyoming Department of Corrections does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. The following person(s) has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

For inmates: Facility Grievance Manager

For staff: Facility Human Resources Representative

For public: WDOC Public Information Officer, Stephanie Kiger

For further information on notice of non-discrimination, visit https://ocrcas.ed.gov/contact-ocr for the address and phone number of the office that serves your area, or call 1-800-421-3481.

Wyoming Frontier Prison

• Open: Memorial Day - Labor Day, 7 days a week. 9:00 am - 5pm. Off-season tours available by appointment.
• Location: Address : Wyoming Frontier Prison, West Walnut Street, Rawlins, Carbon County, Wyoming, 82301, United States Latitude : 41.7929257 Longitude : -107.24233557774832
• Phone: 307-324-4422
• Website: http://www.wyomingfrontierprison.org

Take a tour of the Wyoming Frontier Prison in Rawlins, Wyoming.

The Old Wyoming State Penitentiary in use from 1901 - 1981 is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and offers hour-long guided tours that take visitors through three cell blocks, the cafeteria, the grounds and the Death House. Convolutions of Statehood inspired plans for a State Prison of Rawlins, just one score after the Civil War. Construction of the old prison began in the summer of 1888 and when great slabs of rock and sandstone were dragged from the Larsen Stone Quarry south of Rawlins. After 13 years of major funding problems, and extraordinarily harsh Wyoming weather, construction was completed and prisoners were moved from the territorial prison on  December 12, 1901. Having served the State of Wyoming for over eighty colorful years the  old prison was abandoned September 6, 1981 when the prisoners were transferred to a new prison located south of Rawlins. 

If you are visiting Rawlins, Wyoming, you will definitely want to take a tour of this historic landmark.

The tours take about an hour and cost $12 for adults & $9 for children & seniors. On your tour you will explore 3 cell blocks and the spooky gas chamber where unfortunant prisonors met their end. Hear stories of the Old Pen from executions and lynchings to brilliant escapes. These tour is not for the faint of heart as some say that the place is haunted. The tours are also pet friendly so you can bring your "best friend" on the tour with you.

You will want to contact the Wyoming Frontier Prison staff for current tour schedules. There is also a gift store onsite where you can pick up souvenirs.

Around Halloween the Old Pen offers special Halloween tours guaranteed to give you goosebumps!

"old pen" tours at the wyoming frontier prison.

The eighty year history of Wyoming’s first state penitentiary, now known as the Wyoming Frontier Prison, is as colorful as a western movie! Listed on The National Registry of Historic Places, it offers tours to more than 15,000 visitors per year. If you are visiting Rawlins, Wyoming, you will definitely want to tour this historic landmark. Explore 3 cell blocks and the spooky gas chamber where unfortunate prisoners met their end. Tours are also pet friendly! Contact the Wyoming Frontier Prison for tour options & pricing.

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Wyoming Frontier Prison

• Address 500 West Walnut St. Rawlins, Wyoming 82301
• Hours Monday–Thursday 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.​ Monday–Thursday 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.​
• Phone 307-324-4422

Visit Wyoming Frontier Prison

The 80 year history of Wyoming’s first state penitentiary, now known as the Wyoming Frontier Prison, is as colorful and elaborate as the plot of a classic western movie. The cornerstone of the prison was laid in 1888, but due to funding issues and Wyoming’s notorious weather, the doors wouldn’t open for thirteen years. In December of 1901, the prison opened and consisted of 104 cells (Cell Block A), no electricity or running water, and very inadequate heating.

Throughout the prison’s operation, approximately 13,500 people were incarcerated, including 11 women. Overcrowding was an almost constant concern, and the first of several additions to the penitentiary was completed in 1904, adding 32 cells to the west end of the original cell block (Cell Block A). Women were housed in the prison until 1909. The addition of the second cell block (Cell Block B) in 1950 temporarily relieved the overcrowding, and also included solitary confinement cells, a much more efficient heating system, and hot running water which wouldn’t be installed in the original cell block for another 28 years. A maximum security addition (Cell Block C) was completed in 1966, adding 36 cells and was reserved for serious discipline cases.

The prison used two forms of execution. The first two executions were carried out using the “traveling” Julien Gallows which were used to hang Tom Horn in Cheyenne in 1903. In 1916, the penitentiary completed the addition of a “death house” which consisted of six cells to house inmates on death row, and a unique indoor version of the Julien Gallows. The building also housed the gas chamber when it was chosen to replace hanging as Wyoming’s execution method of choice in 1936. Ultimately 14 death sentences were carried out; nine men were hanged, and five were executed in the gas chamber by the use of hydrocyanic acid gas.

Memorial Day to Labor Day: Open daily with nine tours available each day.

Winter tour hours: Monday–Thursday 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

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Home » Listings » Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum

Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum

Rawlins | Rockies to Tetons

The Old Wyoming State Penitentiary in use from 1901 – 1981 is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and offers hour-long guided tours that take visitors through three cell blocks, the cafeteria, the grounds and the Death House.

While outlaws roamed the windswept high plains, canyons and mountains of post-Civil War Wyoming, the Territorial Legislature was planning a state-of-the art penitentiary at Rawlins in anticipation of statehood.

This new Wyoming State Penitentiary, which served from 1901 until 1981, would send a strong message to free-wheeling desperadoes: Wyoming would NO LONGER be a haven for the lawless.

The Old Pen, as the Wyoming Frontier Prison is affectionately called today, is “haunted by history.” Tales of great train robbers, wily escapes and of women driven to crimes of passion are told on the regularly scheduled guided tours offered daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Group tours and off season tours are also available.

Visitors may browse through history in the prison museum where historical information sits side-by-side with confiscated inmate-made weapons and an exhibit of the movie, “Prison,” filmed on location in 1987.

Learn more about Rockies to Tetons

500 W Walnut St

Rawlins, WY, 82301

(307) 324-4422

Much More to Explore

There are many ways to get out and explore all that Wyoming has to offer. Explore things to do and places to go and make your Wyoming vacation one to remember forever.

Wyoming Frontier Prison

Wyoming Frontier Prison, Rawlins, Wyoming 

The eighty year history of Wyoming’s first state penitentiary, now known as the Wyoming Frontier Prison, is as colorful and elaborate as the plot of a classic western movie. The cornerstone of the prison was laid in 1888, but due to funding issues and Wyoming’s notorious weather, the doors wouldn’t open for thirteen years. In December of 1901, the prison opened and consisted of 104 cells (Cell Block A), no electricity or running water, and very inadequate heating.

After serving the state for eighty years, the prison closed its doors, and sat abandoned until 1987 when a low budget movie titled “Prison” was filmed on location. The movie was one of Viggo Mortensen’s first and featured several other well known actors. Significant damage was done to the prison grounds during filming because it had yet to be considered a historic site. In 1988, a joint powers board assumed ownership of the penitentiary, dubbed it The Wyoming Frontier Prison, and established it as a museum. The Wyoming Frontier Prison has since been listed on The National Registry of Historic Places, and offers tours to approximately 15,000 visitors annually.

The Wyoming Frontier Prison includes guided tours through the Prison, an exhibit on the current Wyoming State Penitentiary, and our own prison museum. The Old Pen Gift Shop is also on site along with the City of Rawlins walking path that will take you up to the old prison cemetery. Pets are welcome but must be leashed. For Tour times, please check out our website at www.wyomingfrontierprison.org.

500 W. Walnut St.

Rawlins, WY 82301

http://wyomingfrontierprison.org/contact/

307-324-4422

Learn more about the Wyoming Frontier Prison

Tour The Eerie Wyoming Frontier Prison To Take A Look Back In Time

Explore the Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum in Rawlins to learn about the history of crime in the Wild West and hear tales of legendary outlaws.

Written by  

Wyoming's history is littered with tales of the wild, lawless west. Thanks in part to the remote nature of the state, thousands of outlaws made this their home, and thousands of lawmen came out west to track their targets. While many outlaws lived life on the run and escaped in the end, hundreds of others were not so fortunate. To hear their tales, visit the Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum, right in the middle of Rawlins.

One of the most interesting buildings you'll see in Rawlins is the looming, castle-like Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum.

The museum offers guided tours of three different cell blocks!

The Prison was known as the Wyoming State Penitentiary, and it was occupied by bandits, bank robbers, horse thieves and other criminals for 80 years - from 1901 through 1981.

On your tour, you'll get to see three cell blocks, the inmate's cafeteria and mess hall, the yard and grounds, and the infamous Death House.

Take a look at the guard towers when you step into the yard! These walls were designed to be too slick and straight for anyone to climb, and too thick to hammer through.

Here's an example of one of the "nicer" cells in the prison. A bed, a sink, and a toilet is all that was provided.

When you tour the Wyoming Fronteir Prison Museum, you'll learn all about the history of crime in the Wild West, hear about legendary outlaws who spent time here, and maybe even hear a ghost tale or two...

...so are you ready to go to prison? For more information about tours, hours, and operating seasons, visit their website right here .

By the way, the Prison is rumored to be haunted, and it's no wonder! To learn a little more about the horrors that unfolded behind these walls, read about how This Prison In Wyoming Has A Dark And Evil History That Will Never Be Forgotten .

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A Terrifying, Deadly Storm Struck Wyoming In 1949 And No One Saw It Coming

The deadly blizzard of 1949 in Wyoming was a historic weather event that caused significant loss of life and severe disruptions.

If you've spent any time here in the Cowboy State when winter rolls around , chances are high that you've experienced one or two blizzards in Wyoming. It's also likely that you've lived through a few doozies, but no winter storm in Wyoming's recent memory was quite as bad as the deadly storm of 1949. Many of us weren't alive to remember that horrible winter, but we've all heard stories from our parents and grandparents who were there to witness it. This historic snowstorm in eastern Wyoming was terrifying, deadly, and all-around one for the record books.

On the evening of January 2, 1949, a massive blizzard hit Wyoming, Nebraska and the Dakotas with little warning.

This early January storm wasn't predicted to be as bad as it turned out to be, and many people were caught off guard. Unfortunately, the initial storm was just one of many that would pummel the state over the next few months.

The January 2nd storm storm lasted three days and killed nine people in Wyoming. It was a record-setting storm in terms of cold temperatures and snowfall amounts, and the brutal winds made for incredible snow drifts.

The last three casualties discovered after the first storm were Mr. and Mrs. Archuleta and their five-year-old daughter, who were found about 3.5 miles from their home in Hillsdale, frozen to death in their car. Most of the others who died froze to death as well; one man had a heart attack.

Entire towns were snowed in, and all transportation was cut off. 3,300 miles of roads were covered in snow; many people who weren't able to reach their homes in time were trapped in their cars.

Because the roads were impassable, towns began to run out of groceries. Ranches were cut off from travel. The U.S. Army sent bulldozers to clear the roads, but as soon as they cleared them, another storm rolled in and covered the roads with fresh snow.

Thousands of cattle froze or starved to death. The U.S. Air Force dropped bales of hay to starving cattle; in some cases at drop-off points, and trucks dispersed the hay to nearby fields.

For the 45 days following the initial blizzard, new storms just kept coming. The temperature never climbed above zero during that time, and snowdrifts reached 20 to 30 feet tall. Winds raged at 30 to 80 mph. Entire homes were buried to their roofs; towns completely shut down for weeks.

The storms finally eased off in March, but it would be July until many of the largest snowbanks completely melted. In all, nearly 80 people died across Wyoming, Nebraska and the Dakotas.

Farmers were hit particularly hard by the livestock casualties, and it would be a few years before the ranchers were able to resume normal operations.

What stories do you have to share about the blizzard of 1949? Wyoming PBS even did a special about this historic blizzard in Wyoming: "Storm of the Century: The Blizzard of '49."

While our state is known for its winter wind chill in particular, snowstorms in Wyoming are pretty common. Luckily, most times when a blizzard in Wyoming shuts the state down, people are able to remain safe at home. When we have enough warning, it's easier to appreciate how the snow just makes everything look magical .

Check out even more historical places and unique Wyoming tidbits , then take some time to snuggle up in a cozy cabin that has immaculate views in winter and year-round!

This Is The Single Craziest Thing You Never Knew Happened In Wyoming

Wyoming's first governor, Dr. John Eugene Osborne, made shoes from outlaw Big Nose George Parrott's skin after a public lynching.

Wyoming has quite a wild past, and there are always fascinating stories of outlaws, rangers, and early frontiersmen to be told. By far, though, the strangest story in Wyoming history involves Wyoming's first governor, outlaws, doctors, and an angry lynch mob. Read on as we share with you the tale of  Big Nose George Parrott, one of the strangest stories you might ever hear!

The story began in 1878, when Big Nose George Parrott and his gang murdered two officers in Rattlesnake Canyon, near Elk Mountain.

Parrott was a well-known outlaw, but the murder of two officers put a bounty on his head. After a robbery in Montana, he was identified and located by western authorities.

Parrott was eventually captured in Montana and brought down to Rawlins to stand trial.

In Rawlins, he tried to escape the jail and was caught trying to strangle the jailer. When the town found out, they stormed the courthouse, took Parrott from his cell, and hanged him in a public lynching.

The area's most respected doctor, John Eugene Osborne, was in the audience. After seeing Parrott hang to his death, he took possession of the body.

He claimed he would use the body for medical experiments, and nobody really cared enough to question him.

It was only after Osborne made a pair of shoes out of Big Nose George's skin that people began to think twice about the Doctor's intentions.

It didn't really matter much to the people of Wyoming, though, who later elected Dr. Osborne to be Wyoming's first ever democratic Governor. Osborne wore the skin-shoes to his inauguration.

Lillian Heath was Dr. Osborne's medical assistant at the time, and he gifted her the top of Parrott's dismantled skull.

Heath kept the skull, which she used as an ashtray, door stop, and paperweight for some time. Heath later became Wyoming's first ever female doctor.

Today, you can find evidence of this strange Wyoming crime story at the Carbon County Museum, in Rawlins.

The museum has a display complete with the skull and shoes and tells some strange tales from other parts of Dr. Osborne's life prior to becoming governor.

Check out the display about Big Nose George at the Carbon County Museum. You can visit the Carbon County Museum website for hours and information, as well as the Carbon County Museum Facebook page.

Have you ever seen this display? If so, what was your favorite part? Would you agree that this story is among the weird things that happened in Wyoming? We'd love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

How crazy is the story of Big Nose George Parrott, John Eugene Osborne, and Lillian Heath? It's truly just one of the craziest stories in Wyoming history, read here for a few more:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/wyoming/wyoming-history-wy/

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Wyoming State Penitentiary

The Wyoming State Penitentiary aka “The Old Pen” in Rawlins, Wyoming was in use from 1901 – 1981. It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and offers must-see guided tours that take visitors through three cell blocks, the cafeteria, the grounds and the Death House.

During the tour, you will discover the science behind the water-operated “Julien Gallows” hanging method and have the opportunity to sit in a gas chamber where 5 men met their fate. You will also have the sobering opportunity to contemplate how difficult it must have been to be incarcerated in a bleak facility where there was no running water, heating or cooling system for all but the last three years of the prison’s operation. There is also a prison museum on site with historical information, confiscated weapons and an exhibit of the movie, “Prison” , which was filmed on location in 1987.

The Wyoming State Penitentiary is well-worth every penny of the $10 we spent on a very informative and creepy guided tour. As a plus, the prison is also dog-friendly for well-behaved, leashed pets!

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Wyoming State Penitentiary: Richly Historic Prison Facility

The Wyoming State Penitentiary (WSP) is a historic site that played a significant role in the state’s history. The original Wyoming Frontier Prison was opened in 1901 and operated until 1981. It is now open for tours and is operated by the Friends of the Old Pen, Inc. In 1980, the “new” Wyoming State Penitentiary was opened with the first inmates placed in “C” Block. The original housing capacity was 550 inmates.

The penitentiary complex is historically and architecturally important on both a local and regional level. The placement of the State Penitentiary in Rawlins reflected the political and economic realities of nineteenth-century Wyoming, and its construction and design were influenced by the prevailing attitudes towards incarceration and punishment at the time. The Wyoming State Penitentiary is one of Wyoming’s most significant historic sites, and its history provides a unique perspective on the state’s past.

Today, the Wyoming State Penitentiary houses more than 600 inmates and is responsible for the statewide supervision of adult probation and parole. The department also contracts with three adult community corrections centers in Casper, Cheyenne, and Gillette. The Wyoming State Penitentiary and the Youthful Offender Treatment Program in Rawlins are the two major correctional facilities operated by the Wyoming Department of Corrections.

History of Wyoming State Penitentiary

The Wyoming State Penitentiary, located in Rawlins, has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. The penitentiary complex is historically and architecturally important on both a local and regional level. The placement of the State Penitentiary in Rawlins reflected the political and economic realities of nineteenth-century Wyoming, and its construction and operation have played a significant role in the state’s history.

The original Wyoming State Penitentiary, also known as the Wyoming Frontier Prison, was opened in 1901 and operated until 1981. The prison was built in response to the need for a secure facility to hold the state’s most dangerous criminals. Over the years, the prison housed notorious outlaws such as Butch Cassidy’s Wild Bunch and the infamous murderer, Tom Horn.

In 1980, the “new” Wyoming State Penitentiary was opened with the first inmates placed in “C” Block. The new facility was designed to be more modern and efficient than its predecessor. Today, the Wyoming State Penitentiary is one of Wyoming’s most significant historic sites.

Before the Wyoming State Penitentiary, there was the Wyoming Territorial Prison, which opened as a U.S. Penitentiary in 1872 and later became Wyoming’s first State Penitentiary. For 30 years, it held violent and desperate outlaws. Now a museum, visitors walk through the building to discover the stories held behind the prison walls.

Walter E. Ware, a renowned architect, designed both the Wyoming Territorial Prison and the Wyoming State Penitentiary. His designs were influenced by the prevailing architectural styles of the time, and both buildings are excellent examples of their respective periods.

In conclusion, the Wyoming State Penitentiary has a fascinating history that spans over a century. The prison has played a significant role in the state’s history and has housed some of Wyoming’s most notorious criminals. Today, the Wyoming State Penitentiary stands as a testament to the state’s past and serves as a reminder of the importance of justice and the rule of law.

Locations and Surroundings

The Wyoming State Penitentiary is located in Rawlins, Wyoming, a small city in Carbon County. Rawlins is situated in the southern part of the state and is the county seat of Carbon County. It is located about 100 miles northwest of Laramie and 130 miles west of Cheyenne.

The Wyoming State Penitentiary is situated on the outskirts of Rawlins and is surrounded by open fields and farmland. The prison complex covers an area of approximately 200 acres and is enclosed by a high-security fence. The prison complex is located near the Rawlins Municipal Airport, which is about 2 miles away.

Rawlins is a small city with a population of around 9,000 people. The city has a few restaurants, shops, and hotels, but it is not a major tourist destination. The city is known for its historic downtown area, which features several buildings that date back to the late 1800s. The Carbon County Museum is also located in Rawlins and features exhibits on the history of the area.

Carbon County is located in the southern part of Wyoming and is known for its rugged terrain and scenic beauty. The county is home to several state parks, including the Seminoe State Park and the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. The county is also known for its mining industry, which has been a major economic driver in the area for many years.

Overall, the Wyoming State Penitentiary is located in a relatively isolated area of Wyoming, surrounded by open fields and farmland. The closest major city is Cheyenne, which is located about 130 miles away.

Departments and Units

The Wyoming State Penitentiary is one of the main units of the Wyoming Department of Corrections (WDOC). The WDOC is responsible for the statewide supervision of adult probation and parole, as well as the operation of six correctional facilities across the state. These facilities include the WSP, Wyoming Medium Correctional Institution (WMCI) in Torrington, Wyoming Women’s Center (WWC) in Lusk, Wyoming Honor Farm (WHF) in Riverton, Wyoming Honor Conservation Camp (WHCC) in Newcastle, and the Youthful Offender Treatment Program (YOTP) in Rawlins.

The WSP is the largest correctional facility in Wyoming and houses over 600 inmates. It is a maximum-security prison that provides custody, care, and treatment for male inmates who have been convicted of serious crimes. The WSP offers a variety of programs and services to inmates, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services.

The WMCI is a medium-security prison that is home to over 750 male inmates. It offers a range of programs and services to inmates, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. The WMCI also provides a variety of work programs to inmates, including agriculture, industry, and maintenance.

The WWC is a medium-security facility that houses over 200 female inmates. It offers a range of programs and services to inmates, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. The WWC also provides a range of work programs to prisoners, including agriculture, industry, and maintenance.

The WHF is a minimum-security prison that contains over 200 male inmates. It offers an array of programs and services to inmates, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. The WHF also provides a variety of work programs to inmates, including agriculture, industry, and maintenance.

The WHCC is a minimum-security prison that houses over 100 male inmates. It offers a variety of programs and services to inmates, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. The WHCC also provides a range of work programs to inmates, including forestry and fire suppression.

The YOTP is a residential treatment program for male inmates ages 18-24 who have been convicted of serious crimes. It offers a range of programs and services to inmates, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. The YOTP also provides an array of work programs to inmates, including agriculture, industry, and maintenance.

Inmate Life

Life inside the Wyoming State Penitentiary can be challenging for inmates. The prison has a maximum-security unit, which houses some of the most dangerous criminals in the state. Inmates are classified based on their criminal history, behavior, and other factors. They are placed in different housing units depending on their classification.

Inmates in the Wyoming State Penitentiary have access to a range of programs and services, including education, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment. The prison also offers religious services, counseling, and mental health services. Inmates are encouraged to participate in these programs to help them prepare for life outside of prison.

Visitation is an important part of inmate life in the Wyoming State Penitentiary. Family and friends can visit inmates on designated visitation days. Visitors must follow strict rules and regulations, including dress codes and behavior guidelines. Inmates are allowed a limited number of visits per month, and visits may be canceled for disciplinary reasons.

The Wyoming State Penitentiary also has a Boot Camp program for eligible inmates. The program is designed to provide inmates with a structured environment and intensive physical and mental training. Inmates who successfully complete the program may be eligible for early release.

Inmates in the Wyoming State Penitentiary are allowed to possess certain items, such as personal hygiene products and clothing. However, they are not allowed to possess weapons, drugs, or other contraband. Inmates are subject to regular searches, and any contraband found will result in disciplinary action.

Overall, life inside the Wyoming State Penitentiary can be challenging, but inmates have access to a range of programs and services to help them prepare for life outside of prison.

Programs and Services

The Wyoming State Penitentiary offers a range of programs and services to its inmates to help them with their rehabilitation and re-entry into society. These programs aim to provide inmates with education, job skills, and counseling to help them lead productive lives once they are released from prison.

One of the programs offered is the General Education Development (GED) program. This program allows inmates to earn their high school equivalency diploma and improve their chances of finding employment upon release. In addition to the GED program, the prison offers various educational programs, including vocational training, apprenticeships, and college courses. These programs help inmates develop job skills and increase their chances of finding employment upon release.

The prison also offers various rehabilitation programs, including substance abuse treatment, anger management, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. These programs help inmates address the issues that led to their incarceration and develop the skills they need to avoid future criminal behavior.

Career counseling is also available to inmates to help them identify their strengths and interests and develop a plan for their future. This counseling includes assistance with job searches, resume writing, and interview skills.

Overall, the programs and services offered by the Wyoming State Penitentiary aim to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society and lead productive lives.

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Wyoming Frontier Prison

500 W Walnut St, Rawlins , Wyoming 82301 USA

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“Guided tours through the Prison”

The Wyoming Frontier Prison includes guided tours through the Prison, the Wyoming Peace Officers' Museum, a new exhibit on the current Wyoming State Penitentiary, and our own prison museum. The Old Pen Gift Shop is also on site along with the City of Rawlins walking path that will take you up to the old prison cemetery.

Reviewed by Robert M.

Great tour, got a lot of the history to be told. Took it in June, and it was cool enough to understand what the prisoners endured in the winter. Tour guide Becky was very informative and gave... Read more

Reviewed by Torrey L.

If, for whatever reason, you find yourself in Rawlins you will kick yourself if you don't take this tour. So much history preserved in such an original state, and you get to tour almost all of... Read more

Reviewed by Carol F.

Desi conducted an excellent tour today! Very informative and thorough. We'd come back again! Read more

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Attraction:

Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum

Rawlins, Wyoming

"This is where there was a lot of screaming," says Kaitlyn, our smiling teenage guide. She's standing with us in the Wyoming Frontier Prison , in a small, concrete-walled room. A cement pole stretches from the floor to the ceiling.

"If the men misbehaved," Kaitlyn continues, "the guards would drag them in here and chain them to this Punishment Pole. Then they'd whip them with rubber hoses and leather straps. And as they screamed, all the men in A Block would hear them, and they'd know what would happen to them if they misbehaved."

Kaitlyn smiles apologetically. "People always tell me I'm too perky when I talk about the Punishment Pole."

Perky is something you wouldn't expect to find in the Wyoming Frontier Prison, which despite its name is a fortress-like 20th century penitentiary. The guides here have pep; we remember a similarly spunky teen from our tour 15 years earlier. The prison itself, however, has only grown more terrifying since then: concrete is crumbling, paint is peeling off ceilings, toilets are covered in crud (but they were that way even when prisoners were here). The contrast between the bleak surroundings and the guileless, youthful guides -- whose parents may not have been born when this prison closed in 1981 -- make this tour unique in the usually ominous universe of abandoned jailhouse attractions.

"We try real hard not to depress people," says Tina Hill, the prison's director, when we ask about the guides. "We have a lot of people who say, 'Oh, this place is horrible; oh, I don't want to go in there, it's too sad.'" Tina sighs. "Some people don't like it here no matter what we do."

Obviously, some people shouldn't tour abandoned penitentiaries. And some should, because it's creepy and educational.

Wyoming Frontier Prison provides all of the right sensory cues. Towering cell blocks. Clanging metal doors. Odors that you'd rather not investigate. It's also the only prison we know of that allows visitors to sit in a real gas chamber (in the same steel seat as five executed prisoners).

Kaitlyn, who's been giving tours here since she was 15, dispenses broad assessments backed with gritty detail. "This was a really bad place to be a lot of the time," she says as we walk along an open sewage trench. "They would put razors into the soap. They would break the light bulbs and put shards of glass in other people's food."

Despite the bleak narrative, Kaitlyn insists that the history of the prison doesn't bother her. The most difficult part of her job, she says, was learning to talk and walk backwards at the same time. She's also (perhaps unknowingly) adopted the soothing moves of a flight attendant describing crash preparation -- two arms gesturing in sync at symmetrical cell block features, a smile and a smooth pointing flourish towards the next horror...

We wind our way past the solitary confinement cells where prisoners were kept naked for up to six weeks ("I can shut you in there if you want," Kaitlyn offers), through the cafeteria with the pastoral prisoner-painted murals on the walls, and out into weedy, sun-baked industrial yard where the license plate and uniform factories once stood. It's a vast place; 13,500 inmates were kept here during the prison's 80 years of operation.

Kaitlyn walks us over to the prison's unique "humane gallows." A condemned prisoner would essentially hang himself by standing on a trap door that fell open when his body weight forced enough water out of counterbalanced bucket. "He could hear the water draining out the entire time," Kaitlyn explains, setting the scene. "It gave him time to think about what he did."

"Sometimes," she adds, "if the guards didn't like you, they'd make you fill your own bucket."

We ascend a long flight of stairs to the Death House, where the condemned convicts awaited their executions. In one corner stands the gas chamber, essentially a big steel tank with thick windows and an air pump. "You wouldn't BELIEVE all the little kids who like to go and sit in there," Kaitlyn says with a grin. We're similarly eager to take our turn. Kaitlyn obligingly closes the door slowly, with a long shriek of metal and a clanging thud of the locking lever. The stainless steel death chair isn't comfortable, but we suspect it was easy to clean with a hose.

The last stop on the prison tour is a door -- the only surviving relic from the affectionately-named Old Hole. This was a pitch black punishment cell whose tiny outline remains marked onto the concrete floor of C Block. "In solitary confinement you got a blanket, but here you were just naked with a bucket," Kaitlyn says. "If you were good they'd let you empty it four or five times a week. If you were bad you only got two or three."

Kaitlyn explains why the Old Hole was retired. "One prisoner that the guards didn't like, they changed his feeding schedule," she says. "Instead of three times a day, they fed him seven or eight, so he thought the days were going by faster. So when he thought his six weeks were up, he kept waiting and waiting and waiting for the warden to come let him out. But when he never did, he went completely insane."

Wyoming Frontier Prison has a small museum next to its gift shop, which acts as a useful air lock between the tour and the outside world. Highlights include a doll-sized working model of the humane gallows, a mounted display of rope samples from every successful hanging, and the hypno-wheel used by the prison psychiatrist.

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Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum

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Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum and its collection

The Wyoming State Penitentiary, located in Rawlins, Carbon County, Wyoming, is a historic prison that has been in operation since 1901. It is a significant part of the state's history and offers a unique insight into the evolution of the penal system in Wyoming.

Historic District of Wyoming State Penitentiary

The Wyoming State Penitentiary, which opened in Rawlins in 1901, is located in a historic district at 6th and Walnut Streets. This district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, further emphasizing the historical significance of the penitentiary.

The original 1901 building of the Wyoming State Penitentiary is now a museum known as the Wyoming Frontier Prison. Visitors have the opportunity to go on guided tours through the old prison and view exhibits about both the old and current prisons, as well as the Wyoming Peace Officers' Museum.

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Closed for Halloween Clean-Up November 2 - November 13 Closed for the following dates: November 18 - November 20 November 24 (Thanksgiving) November 25 - November 27 December 2 - December 4

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500 W. Walnut, Rawlins

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Wyoming Frontier Prison Ghost Hunt, Rawlins, Wyoming

US $ 129.00

Join a ghost hunt with Haunted Rooms America as we delve into the Wyoming Frontier Prison, where harrowing history and spectral whispers await in the darkness. Secure your spot now for a chilling encounter with the unseen, in a night that promises to haunt you long after you leave.

Event time: 8PM – 2AM MT

Limited Tickets! 

18 and over only!

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Event Details

Nearby accommodation, wyoming frontier prison ghost hunts.

Venture into the shadowy depths of the Wyoming Frontier Prison, where the echoes of a grim past blend with the chilling presence of spirits unseen.

Dare to tread the haunted halls of the Wyoming Frontier Prison, where the veil between this world and the next is perilously thin. This fortress of despair, soaked in the echoes of anguish and the restless spirits of those who met their grim fate within its walls, beckons the most intrepid ghost hunters to explore its cursed confines.

The gas chamber, a chamber of horrors where countless souls were forcibly ripped from this world, stands as the pinnacle of paranormal activity. Its ominous presence looms large, a testament to the countless lives extinguished within its bounds.

We pose a chilling challenge: Will you brave a solitary vigil in this room of final breaths? Imagine the lights dimmed, the door closed behind you, as you sit alone where the air itself is heavy with the specters of the condemned. This is not for the faint of heart but for those who seek to confront the ultimate testament of the prison’s dark legacy.

Amidst the spectral hotspots, the tale of an inmate’s cruel fate resonates with a bone-chilling intensity. Twice beaten and hung, his spirit is said to be trapped in an eternal loop of suffering—a haunting reminder of the brutality that once ruled this place. His anguished presence is palpable, a specter refusing to be silenced, making his cell a focal point for those who dare to communicate with the beyond.

The prison’s corridors and cells are alive with the whispers of the past—apparitions disappearing around corners, the unexplained sounds of chains and cries echoing through the night. Each step takes you deeper into a realm where the boundaries between life and death blur.

The ghost hunt at the Wyoming Frontier Prison is an experience like no other, promising not just a glimpse into the paranormal but an immersion into the depths of fear itself. As you navigate through the showers, where ghostly sobs and phantom footprints unsettle the bravest souls, and death row, where the air is thick with despair, ask yourself—are you prepared to face the shadows that dwell within?

This event is your invitation to pierce the darkness and confront the spectral inhabitants of one of the most haunted locations in Wyoming. If your heart races at the thought of a night spent amongst the echoes of the condemned, secure your place on this ghost hunt. The Wyoming Frontier Prison awaits your courage. Will you accept the challenge?

TICKETS ARE EXTREMELY LIMITED

LOW DEPOSIT OF $30 PER PERSON

Nestled in the rugged heartland of Wyoming, the Wyoming Frontier Prison stands as a monument to a bygone era of American penal history. Designed by the same visionary architects behind Alcatraz, this castle-like granite fortress began its imposing rise in 1888, with land acquired from the railroad.

Despite financial hurdles that delayed its completion until 1901, the prison soon became infamous as the abode for the most hardened criminals and those convicted of lesser crimes, previously held in Laramie. Almost immediately, it was plagued by overcrowding as it absorbed the influx of wrongdoers, marking the beginning of its storied and turbulent history.

The prison’s early years were defined by a punitive ethos aimed at breaking the spirits of its inmates. With 104 dark, cramped cells lacking electricity, running water, and adequate heating—a situation that persisted until hot water was introduced in 1978—the conditions were harsh and unforgiving.

In 1906, the introduction of a dungeon house for the most violent inmates highlighted the desperate measures taken to enforce discipline within its walls.

Security was a constant challenge, underscored by a series of dramatic escapes and tragic incidents, including the killing of Guard Ed Samuelson by an armed inmate in 1907.

The prison’s population was unruly and dangerous, necessitating the eventual construction of concrete walls and towers in 1915, which curbed mass escape attempts until a notable breach in 1927.

Throughout its operational years, the prison adapted, with new cell blocks and facilities added to accommodate its evolving role in the justice system.

Inmates contributed to national efforts, from manufacturing broomsticks and shirts to producing high-quality woolen blankets for the military during World War II—a contribution that earned the prison the Navy E award.

The shadow of death loomed large over the prison with the completion of the death house in 1912. Initially, executions were carried out using the Julien Gallows, a grim apparatus that often resulted in slow, agonizing deaths through strangulation.

This macabre method was replaced in 1936 by a hydrocyanic acid gas chamber, heralding a new, albeit equally grim, era of capital punishment that lasted until 1965.

After 80 years of operation, the Wyoming Frontier Prison closed its doors in 1981. Today, it has been transformed into a museum, preserved by the Old Pen Joint Powers Board.

Its dark history, marked by tales of suffering, brutality, and the ghosts of its past, continues to fascinate and horrify visitors. Now, it serves not only as a reminder of the penal system’s evolution but as a chilling destination for those drawn to the spectral remnants of its notorious legacy.

What’s Included?

For $129 you will enjoy the following:

• A full night of ghost hunting with the Haunted Rooms America team,
• Group vigils and experiments, guided by our experienced team,
• Use of our traditional and state-of-the-art paranormal equipment,
• Free time to investigate at the end of the night,
• Snacks and refreshments provided at intervals throughout the night.

Event Location: 500 W Walnut St, Rawlins, WY 82301

Event Time: 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM MT

Meet up at the location at the earliest 7:30 PM. There is ample parking available at the venue itself.

What to Bring?

Please bring with you a form of photo ID, and a printed off booking confirmation email (or show this on your phone).

We will be providing you with paranormal equipment to use, however, we will need something of value per group to hold onto as collateral (phone, car keys, watch, etc.)

We will be providing snacks and drinks at intervals throughout the night.

Other than that, just yourself and an open mind!

What Should I Expect on a Ghost Hunt?

Become a paranormal investigator for the night like the TV stars of Most haunted, ghost adventures or TAPS Ghost hunters.

Use some of the specialized equipment and be guided by experienced paranormal investigators who will share their knowledge, techniques and experiences of hunting for ghosts or spirits.

Feel free to bring along any of your own equipment including but not limited to EVP recorders, flashlights, cameras or video cameras.

Bring extra clothing as in some parts old buildings may get cold but please refrain from wearing clothing that can cause distracting sounds. Many old buildings have a story to tell and we will supply them to you along with of course the ghost stories.

There will be breaks and light refreshments are provided.

We are not out to try and convince the world of the existence of an afterlife. That’s for you to decide.

We can be Sceptical and logical yet open to other beliefs and prayers of protection will be carried out.

We do not perform tricks and will not be running around with sheets on our heads!

You will be with like-minded people looking for the answer “is there really an afterlife”?

However much we try unfortunately we can’t guarantee that members of the spirit world will make their presence known but we can at least guarantee that you will experience a fun and interesting night.

Do I receive an actual ticket?

The event is ticketless. Your proof of booking is your booking confirmation email.  You will also receive an email with important information prior to your event, usually the week of.

Is there any age limit of who can attend these events?

The age limit is 18 years and over.

Will there be a Medium at the event?

All events listed on Haunted Rooms are hosted by experienced Hosts and Professional Psychic/Clairvoyant Mediums. However sometimes a Medium(s) may not always be present – but as usual, you will be in very safe hands with our experienced Hosts who have a wealth of knowledge and are fully trained in all aspects of professional public ghost hunting events and experience nights.

Can I sleep at an event?

Unless it is otherwise stated, events don’t include sleepover.

Will I see a Ghost?

Unfortunately, the activity will not just happen on command, however using the various experiments and experienced hosts on the events, everything will be done to offer the best chance of spiritual activity.

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The prison where the ‘In Cold Blood’ killers were executed will soon open for tours

LANSING, Kan. (AP) — The shuttered Kansas prison where the killers chronicled in Truman Capote ‘s “In Cold Blood” were executed is now a tourist attraction.

Starting Friday, former wardens and corrections officers will lead two-hour tours of the stone-walled building in Lansing that first began housing inmates in the 1860s, The Kansas City Star reported .

The building, originally called the Kansas State Penitentiary, was without purpose after the Kansas Department of Corrections opened the newly constructed Lansing Correctional Facility in 2020. But instead of demolishing it, the Department of Corrections transferred control of the building to the Lansing Historical Society and Museum.

Upcoming events include a car show inside the prison walls later this month.

“We’re expecting the prison to open up to large crowds who want to know what went on inside those walls,” Debra Bates-Lamborn, president of the society, said after state prison officials handed over the keys this week.

For years, the prison carried out executions by hanging at the gallows — a site that visitors will not be able to access during tours. Since removed from prison grounds, the wooden gallows are now disassembled and under the state’s custody.

Among the notable inmates executed at the prison were Richard “Dick” Hickock and Perry Smith, who were convicted of murdering four members of the Clutter family on November 15, 1959, in the family’s home near Holcomb, Kansas.

Capote along with his close friend and fellow writer Harper Lee visited the prison while doing research for the book about the killings . Hickock and Smith were executed in April 1965, among the last inmates to be hung in the state.

One spot on the tour is the Chow Hall, where the late country music legend Johnny Cash performed for inmates in 1970.

“Johnny Cash has always said that audiences in prisons are the most enthusiastic audience he’s ever played to,” Bates-Lamborn.

The prison tour is modeled off of a similar tour in Missouri. About a year ago, a state lawmaker approached the Lansing Historical Society and Museum with the idea of preserving the prison by converting it into a tourist attraction.

Bates-Lamborn said she and another board member made the trip to Jefferson City to tour the Missouri State Penitentiary, which has been open for tours since 2009.

“Afterwards, I thought ours is a shoo-in and we’re so much better,” she said.

Tours of the facility will be held on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and are scheduled to run until Oct. 26. Since the facility has no heat or electricity, the tours stop over the winter and will return in the spring.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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Open 7 days/week 9AM-5PM / 6 Tours daily at 9:30AM, 10:30AM, 12:30PM, 1:30PM, 2:30PM, & 4:30PM

Halloween Night Tours

Tickets go on sale to October 1, 2024

THIS INFAMOUS HAUNTED TOUR IS NOT FOR EVERYONE! IT INCLUDES STEEP STAIRS, LOUD NOISES, LIGHTED DISPLAYS, AND YOU MAY BE TOUCHED. MATURE GUESTS OF SOUND MIND AND BODY, AGES TWELVE AND OLDER ONLY – NO EXCEPTIONS.

Event information, explore the lives of some of the notorious inmates of the past at the wyoming frontier prison. dive into their stories and uncover the darker side of history., rated the trip advisor #1 best thing to do in rawlins, listed on the national register of historic places., upcoming events, recent news.

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Well behaved leashed dogs are welcome!

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