Old Idaho Penitentiary

The Old Idaho Penitentiary opened its doors in 1872 to some of the West’s most noteworthy incarcerations. 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 exhibitions including the J. Curtis Earl Memorial Exhibit of Arms and Armaments. Events and programs provide families, school groups, and visitors an opportunity to relive the site's storied past, daring escapes, scandals and executions.

Exhibits

Disturbing Justice
Explore the stories of the site's historic riots and disturbances, told through graphic novel style artwork.

Faces of the Idaho State Penitentiary
Find yourself among Idaho's historic inmates.

The J. Curtis Earl Memorial Weapons Exhibit

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