Built in 1870, the Old Idaho Penitentiary is one of only four territorial prisons open to the public today. 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. Step inside the four walls of the prison yard and imagine a life of confinement as steel doors close behind you.
Guided Tours are available most days for an additional $2 fee. Due to unpredictable weather and staff availability, guided tour reservations are only available on-site at the Old Idaho Penitentiary front desk. Call 208-334-2844 close to your visit date for the most current information on guided tour times. Self-Guided Tours are available during all operating hours.
The site is mostly accessible to all guests. Some upstairs areas are open to visitors, but only accessible via stairs. Visual aids are available for guests unable to access these areas.
Please note: The Old Idaho Penitentiary does not allow professional photography during regular visitation hours. Please visit the site FAQs for more information on permits.
HOURS
Winter Hours
Monday-Sunday | 12 pm-5 pm Last admission 4 pm
Open Monday, November 11, for Veterans Day
Closed Thursday, November 28 for Thanksgiving Day
Summer Hours
Memorial Day through Labor Day:
Monday-Sunday | 10 am-5 pm Last admission 4 pm
LOCATION
2445 Old Penitentiary Road
Boise, ID 83712
Free Parking Available
CONTACT US
(208) 334-2844
Adults (13+): $8
Seniors (60+): $6
Children (6-12): $5
Members: Free
Children under age 6 are eligible for free admission.
Ask about AAA, Student and Veteran discounts, and the Museums for All program (discounts for EBT recipients), as well as the Blue Star Museums program for active duty military personnel.
Guided Tours are available most days for an additional $2 fee. Due to unpredictable weather and staff availability, guided tour reservations are only available on-site at the Old Idaho Penitentiary front desk.
Last admission is at 4:00 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.
Visit the Idaho State Historical Society’s Exhibits page for information on permanent and rotating exhibits, including Disturbing Justice, Faces of the Idaho State Penitentiary, and the J. Curtis Earl Memorial Exhibit of Historic Weaponry.
For more information about site rentals, click here: Rent our facilities
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
Shop Online
Browse an array of unique, Idaho-inspired items from the Old Idaho Penitentiary's Souvenir Confinement store and the Idaho State Museum's M Store.