Go Directly to Jail: The Old Idaho Penitentiary

Go directly to jail.  Do not pass go.  Do not collect $200.

It turns out that you don’t have to commit a crime or play Monopoly in order to find yourself in jail.  At least if you’re in Boise, Idaho.

The Old Idaho Penitentiary State Historic Site was used as Idaho’s prison between 1870-1973.  Originally the prison was a single building, but grew to several buildings surrounded by a high sandstone wall.  Additions to the prison complex were constructed with sandstone that the prisoners quarried and cut, and then used in the construction.

As happened at many prisons in the 1970’s, the over-crowded conditions led to a prison riot, occurring here in both 1971 and again in 1973.  The result was moving the prison population and closing the old prison in 1973.  That same year the prison was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Prison exhibits include a video detailing the history of the prison, along with some of its notorious inmates, and some of the conditions of prison life.  You’ll also see an array of weapons (some very cool old swords), and an explanation of the history of prison tattoos.  You can also visit Siberia (solitary confinement) as well as Death Row.

Among all the stone and bars, however, the prisoners also maintained the grounds and a rose garden.  Today you’ll find both in the same condition as they were maintained my inmates in the early 1900’s.  There is beauty, even in prison.

The prison is located at 2445 Old Penitentiary Road in Boise, Idaho (map it).  It is open all year long (closed on holidays).  Summer hours (Memorial Day through Labor Day) are 10 am – 5 pm.  The balance of the year, hours are noon – 5 pm.

Admission is $5 adults; $4 seniors; $3 children ages 6-12.

NOTE:  You’re going to be doing a lot of walking over uneven territory, so good walking shoes are recommended.

Photo credit:  Peter Wollheim

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