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 relive the Old Pen’s exciting past of daring escapes, scandals and executions.
Please note:
- Admission must be pre-purchased online or via a mobile device before arrival.
- Masks covering noses and mouths are required within our facilities.
- Individual buildings and exhibits are limited to only 10 visitors at one time. Visitors must practice social distancing from other groups or guests.
- Open daily with timed entry available to 50 visitors per hour.
- Walk-up admission is available only when timed entry is not at capacity.
- Visitors must arrive within 15 minutes of their timed entry.
- Visitors arriving early will be asked to wait.
- Visitors arriving late are not guaranteed admission and may need to wait until the next available hour.
- Admission is currently self-guided only. Staff will be available to answer questions and encourage safe practices, including social distancing.
- These updates are contingent upon the Governor’s “Idaho Rebounds” stages of reopening plan.
HOURS
Monday-Sunday | 12 pm-5 pm
Last admission 4 pm
Summer Hours
Memorial Day through Labor Day:
10 am-5 pm
Closed most state holidays.
LOCATION
2445 Old Penitentiary Road
Boise, ID 83712
Free Parking Available
CONTACT US
(208) 334-2844
Nuestras Voces: Alice Mondragón Whitney – Mujer Latinoamericana pionera de Idaho
Adults (13+): $6
Seniors (60+): $4
Children (6-12): $3
Members: Free
Children under age 6 are eligible for free admission.
Last admission is at 4 pm.
From inside the walls of the Old Idaho Penitentiary comes a podcast about Idaho history, true crime, and the stories of the inmates who lived here, written and produced by two employees of the Idaho State Historical Society, Anthony and Skye. Named after a biography written by inmate Patrick Charles Murphy, Behind Gray Walls is a podcast that will bring humanity to the stories you may have heard while visiting the Old Idaho Penitentiary, and some that you most certainly have not. Each episode, you will hear the stories of two inmates, one male and one female. In a conversation between the hosts, the inmates’ lives, crimes, and time behind bars will be discussed in a way that will bring a new dimension to the Old Idaho Penitentiary and the over 13,000 men and 217 women who lived here, even if it was for a short amount of time.
If you would like to contribute directly to the costs associated with maintaining this important historic resource, visit the Idaho State Historical Society’s donation page.
Curious about the history of the Old Idaho Penitentiary or planning a visit? Here is our site’s most frequently asked questions – FAQs
Events
Cemetery Tours, Paranormal Investigations, Scavenger Hunts, and more! View a list of annual and upcoming annual events and programs from the Old Idaho Penitentiary. Learn More
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Idaho State Archives and Research Center staff are happy to help with questions. Researchers are offered 30 minutes of complimentary reference time per request. If your request requires additional research, staff can assist up to two hours of research at $38 per hour.