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7 Prison Museums You Can Visit Across The US

With over 100,000 prisons and jails around the globe, historic jail cells and prison museums have become a huge draw for tourists, and the US is no different – the states has over a dozen historic prisons to discover. From Alcatraz Island’s remote location off the shores of San Francisco to Eastern State Penitentiary’s famous haunted cells, learn about the histories and tales that characterize the past of these seven U.S. prisons.

Alcatraz, california.

Alcatraz is reputed to have housed some of the most dangerous prisoners of the 20th century, including mobster Al Capone and gangster Alvin Karpowicz ; referred to as ‘the prison system’s prison,’ Alcatraz received the most difficult inmates. Built on an island off the coast of San Francisco, ‘The Rock,’ as it was nicknamed, made for a challenging escape, although over a dozen attempts were made – none of which were successful. Alcatraz was originally built in the 1850s as a U.S. military fortress and housed military prisoners until 1933, when it was renovated as a maximum-security prison. Alcatraz could hold 260–275 prisoners during its time of operation, less than one percent of the entire federal inmate population, but officially closed its doors in 1963 due to its high operating costs.

Book your trip to Alcatraz with these fascinating tours of the prison .

Eastern State Penitentiary, Pennsylvania

Eastern State Penitentiary (ESP) was part of a controversial movement in the early 1800s that advocated the use of solitary confinement and hard labor to alter the behavior of inmates. Designed in a ‘radial-style’ floor plan, ESP was one of the most costly buildings of its time, with vaulted ceilings, skylights, and 253 cells, each with its own toilet, running water, and heat. The layout and practices at ESP were so popular that they were replicated in over 300 other prisons worldwide; by the early 1930s, however, the prison abandoned the solitary confinement system, replacing it with other severe forms of punishment. Operating from 1829–1971, the prison held some of the nation’s most infamous criminals, including Al Capone (before his time at Alcatraz) and Willie Sutton ; today, it’s considered one of the most haunted buildings in the world.

Visit the prison in Philadelphia with these tours from the city .

Sing Sing Prison, New York

Home to the first electric chair (‘Old Sparky’), the famous Babe Ruth baseball game , and some of the nation’s most notorious criminals, like Albert Fish and David Berkowitz , Sing Sing is one of America’s most famous prisons. Built by 100 prisoners from another local prison, Sing Sing was one of the most impressive prisons of its kind upon its completion in 1828. Originally modeled after Captain Elam Lynds’ ‘silent system’ – the use of ‘hard work, community activity and silent reflection’ to alter inmate behavior – the prison eventually moved to a more modern approach that used sports to teach discipline, introduced by Warden Lewis Lawes . While the prison still holds more than 1,500 inmates today, plans for turning the prison’s 1939 power plant into a 22,000-square-foot museum are in the making. Visit the museum in the meantime, located in The Ossining Historical Society Museum .

Visit the prison among a number of other amazing attractions with these New York day trips .

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Ohio State Reformatory, Ohio

The Ohio State Reformatory , also known as the Mansfield Reformatory, was constructed between 1886 and 1910 to act as an ‘intermediate penitentiary’, or the half-way point between the Boys Industrial School and the Ohio Penitentiary. In the mid-1800s, the land was originally used as Civil War training grounds; in 1884, plans for the new prison were approved by the state. Designed by Levi T. Scofield, the reformatory featured Victorian and Romanesque architectural styles, believed to encourage inmates to get in touch with their spiritual side. In 1990, the Boyd Consent Decree deemed the prison overcrowded and unsanitary – over 200 inmates had died during its operation – forcing it to close its doors. Today, the prison operates as a museum, and has been included in many famous films like The Shawshank Redemption ( 1994).

Explore the history of Ohio with these historical tours .

West Virginia State Penitentiary, West Virginia

After separating from Virginia at the height of the Civil War, West Virginia lacked many public institutions, including a prison. After repeated denials, the West Virginia Legislature finally purchased the land for the West Virginia State Penitentiary in 1886. Completed using prison labor in 1887, the prison’s design featured stone walls and Gothic architectural elements like turrets and battlements, modeled after a prison in Illinois , and included a hospital and chapel, adding a school and library later on. There were other services, like a carpentry shop and bakery, that provided jobs for inmates, making the prison self-sufficient. Despite its good conditions at the turn of the century, the prison went into a state of decline: there were over 36 homicides, a prison break in 1979, and a riot in 1986. The prison was ordered to shut down by the Supreme Court in 1986; it officially closed its doors in 1995. It was listed as one of the US Department of Justice’s Top Ten Most Violent Correctional Facilities and played host to 94 executions from 1899–1959: 85 by hanging and nine by electric chair. It is also considered one of America’s most haunted prisons.

Discover the state of Virginia and all it has to offer with these amazing tour packages .

Old Idaho Penitentiary, Idaho

Old Idaho Penitentiary , once known as the Territorial Prison, was constructed in 1872 as a single-cell house; over the years, the prison expanded to include several buildings, as well as a 17-foot-high wall surrounding the complex. Over 101 years, until it closed in 1973, the Old Idaho Penitentiary received over 13,000 inmates, 215 of them women, and housed infamous convicts like Harry Orchard and Lyda ‘Lady Bluebeard’ Southard . The prison, however, was known for having unsuitable living conditions, and many inmates responded to these conditions with riots in 1971 and 1973. After its closing in 1973, the prison was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Experience Idaho’s history and culture with these day trips and tours .

Yuma Territorial Prison, Arizona

Yuma Territorial Prison , now a historic state park , opened its doors in 1876, and its first inmates were seven men who were responsible for constructing the prison. During its 33 years of operation, the prison housed 3,069 prisoners, 29 of them women, and despite its infamous reputation, it is said to have had humane conditions – prisoners made hand-crafted items that were sold at Sunday public markets and they received regular medical attention; the prison also had one of the first public libraries in the territory, where prisoners learned how to read and write. No executions took place here, but over 26 inmates escaped and over 100 died (most from tuberculosis). By the turn of the century, the prison was overcrowded, so a new facility was built in Florence, Arizona , and the prison officially ceased operations in 1909.

The prison, and other interesting sights, can be seen on these Arizona history tours .

About the author

Born to a Venezuelan surfer and a Napa Valley artist, Alexia has always been an avid traveler and fascinated with culture. After graduating from UC Santa Barbara, she sold every possession and spent nine months traveling around South America, writing about her adventures on a blog. She currently resides in downtown LA, pursuing her quest for all things delicious. She hopes to one day write for Food & Wine magazine.

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Five of the Most Fascinating Prison Museums in America

From Alcatraz to Cell Block 7, these jails now hold tours instead of prisoners

Jennifer Billock

Travel Correspondent

Since the 1980s, mass incarceration has become a booming business in the United States, with 670 people out of every 100,000 becoming a prisoner. And it’s not because we have more criminals, either—research shows that this change is thanks to alterations of sentencing law and policy. The boom has led to prison overcrowding , which in the 1990s meant we needed to build bigger and better prisons. Many states simply didn’t have the capital to remodel or demolish the prisons. So instead, they turned to dark tourism.

Dark tourism is the travel industry surrounding places that are linked to suffering or death—think Chernobyl and the Sedlec Ossuary , a "church of bones" in the Czech Republic. Abandoned prisons easily fell in line with that ethos, and so in order to save the costs of drastically altering or removing a building, prison museums began to open inside the former facilities. With some dating back 180 years, these prison museums offer a fascinating look into the lives of some of our country's most notorious prisoners.

Squirrel Cage Jail; Council Bluffs, Iowa

Built in 1885, this Iowa jail was one of the most unique styles in prison history. It’s a rotary jail—meaning the facility has a cylinder of pie-shaped cells attached to a central pole. When the warden turned a hand crank, the entire jail shifted, locking prisoners away without access to a door. It was meant to be a simple way to control an entire jail at once. Many of these types of jails popped up in the Midwest in the late 1800s. Squirrel Cage was the only one with three stories. This unique style of jail fell out of fashion thanks to accidental amputations when the cells turned, poor lighting and ventilation, mechanical issues and fire hazards. Only three of the original 18 or so built remain, and they all operate as museums: Squirrel Cage, Gallatin and Montgomery County (which is the only one that can still rotate).

Alcatraz; San Francisco, California

Alcatraz may only have operated federally from 1934 to 1963, but it quickly took its place as one of the most infamous prisons in the world. Al Capone faced time here, as did killer Robert Stroud. Prior to "The Rock" as we know it today, though, Alcatraz Island served as a military prison in the 1800s. Inmates consistently worked to build new cellblocks, and when the work finished in 1912, it was the largest reinforced concrete building in the world. The prison finally shut down in 1963, when it became too expensive to operate as the salty sea wind was causing buildings to deteriorate. Now, several tour options of the facility are available, and it sees about a million tourists come through each year.

The Wyoming Frontier Prison; Rawlins, Wyoming

When construction on Wyoming’s first state prison began in 1888, it was meant to handle the criminals of the wild west—but thanks to weather and funding problems, it didn’t actually open until 1901, when the wild ways were on the decline. Still, the prison stayed open for about 80 years and housed around 13,500 prisoners. In the beginning, it had no electricity, minimal heating and no running water. The Wyoming Frontier Prison (named so in 1988) was more than just cellblocks, though. It also had a dungeon, a punishment pole that men were handcuffed to and then whipped, solitary confinement cells, and a building with six cells for death row inmates called the death house. The penitentiary closed for good in 1981. Today’s tours include the prison itself, a museum about peace officers, a gift shop and the old prison cemetery.

Cell Block 7; Jackson, Michigan

To get to Cell Block 7 , you’ll have to actually go into the real State Prison of Southern Michigan. Its first iteration was built in 1839, a small log building that could only hold 35 prisoners. By 1934, though, the prison had evolved into a massive fortress housing more than 5,000 inmates. With Cell Block 7 included, it became the world’s largest walled prison, though it no longer holds that distinction. Cell Block 7 closed in 2007, and it now exists as a museum within the walls of the still working state prison. The museum today runs tours and holds a variety of permanent and temporary exhibits, like one about the prison farm and another on prison-made furniture.

Museum of Colorado Prisons; Cañon City, Colorado

The Museum of Colorado Prisons isn’t exactly inside a working prison like Cell Block 7, but it is adjacent to one—the Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility. This museum is in what used to be the women’s prison, and it shares a wall—and a tower with armed guards—with the current prison. The facility was built in 1871. Now, the former women’s prison houses 30 cells, all outfitted with unique exhibits related to incarceration in Colorado over the past 148 years. Visitors will also learn about famous past inmates, like convicted cannibal Alfred Packer , and see prison artifacts like a hangman’s noose and a gas chamber.

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Jennifer Billock is an award-winning writer, bestselling author, and editor. She is currently dreaming of an around-the-world trip with her Boston terrier. Check out her website at jenniferbillock.com .

TOP 5 PRISON MUSEUMS

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• Eastern State Penitentiary
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Daytime Prison Tours

Explore Eastern State's historic cellblocks. Learn about the history of the penitentiary and its relevance today.

Please visit EasternState.org for the current museum operating schedule. Hours of operation are subject to change.

Tickets are available  online  or at the door, subject to availability.

All of our daytime programming ( “The Voices of Eastern State" Audio Tour ,  Guide-Led Tour and Discussion , Mi ni Tours , artist installations , and  exhibits ) is included in one admission price.

Planning a visit to Eastern State? Be sure to check out our Plan Your Visit page . It includes information about when to arrive, where to park, what to expect of the tour, and much more.

Discounted tickets are available for groups of 15 or more .

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10 Abandoned Prisons Hiding Throughout The U.S. – And They Could Be In Your Backyard

Explore ten historic and abandoned prisons in the US, each with unique stories and haunting beauty.

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The history of crime and punishment in America is a fascinating and complex narrative. As attitudes towards incarceration and criminality shifted over the years, many historic penitentiaries fell silent. These abandoned prisons in the US are equal parts eerie, heart-breaking, and hauntingly beautiful.

1. Pennsylvania: Eastern State Penitentiary, Philidelphia

Eastern State Penitentiary operated from 1829 to 1971. When first constructed, the prison was the largest and most costly public structure ever built. Many parts of the prison have been left exactly as they were in the past. The prison's old barber chair is still rooted to the floor of the barber shop. The plush cell of Al Capone, American gangster and former inmate, is one of the most fascinating spots in this prison. Today, Eastern State Penitentiary is a National Historic Landmark and open to the public.

2. Ohio: Ohio State Reformatory, Mansfield

Also known as the Mansfield Reformatory , this prison opened in 1886 and closed in 1990. The East Cell Block is still the largest free-standing steel cell block in the world. This was the prison used to to film a large part of "The Shawshank Redemption" (1994). Restoration of the prison is ongoing, though much of the structure is still in a state of decay.

3. West Virginia: West Virginia State Penitentiary, Moundsville

This Gothic-style West Virginia prison operated from 1876 to 1995. At least 94 men were executed at this prison. "Old Sparky," the prison's electric chair, was actually built by inmate Paul Glenn. Today, the prison is open for tours. It also serves as a training facility for law enforcement officials.

4. Wyoming: Wyoming Frontier Prison, Rawlins

Wyoming Frontier Prison began operating in 1880 and contained about five-hundred medium-security prisoners. Inmate Henry Ruhl was executed at the Frontier Prison in 1945. To date, he is the only person to be put to death by the Federal Government in Wyoming. The building is now a museum and offers guided tours. Visitors can also check out exhibits about the old prison.

5. California: Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, San Francisco

Alcatraz was built in 1912 as a military prison and operated as a federal prison between 1934 and 1963. Due to its location in the San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz was considered America's most isolated and secure prison. However, 36 prisoners made 14 escape attempts over the lifetime of the prison. The escape of inmates Frank Morris, John Anglin, and Clarence Anglin in 1962 was the only successful attempt.

6. Idaho: Old Idaho State Penitentiary, Boise

This Idaho prison operated from 1872 to 1973, and is only 10 years younger than Idaho itself. The prison was built to hold about 600 people, and saw over 13,000 inmates over its lifetime.

7. Tennessee: Tennessee State Prison, Nashville

Tennessee State Prison opened in 1898 and closed in 1992. Much of the prison was actually built using inmate labor. Prisoners worked for up to 16 hours a day on little food. Riots and uncontrollable prisoner violence contributed to the facility's closure.

8. Georgia: Atlanta Prison Farm, Atlanta

This prison held many low-level offenders who were serving time for ordinance or traffic offenses. Prisoners spent their time farming, caring for livestock, making canned goods, and helping with the operation of the prison dairy. The prison closed in 1995 after 50 years of operation. A fire destroyed much of the prison in 2009, as firefighters decided that extinguishing the blaze was not worth the risk in the case of this old structure.

9. New Jersey: Old Essex County Jail, Newark

This jail (also called the Newark Street Jail ) was built in 1937 and closed in 1970. It's a popular spot for urban exploration, though the interior is unstable and not guaranteed to be safe.

10. Ohio: Roseville State Prison, Roseville

Opened in 1927, the Roseville State Prison was originally meant to serve as a satellite prison to the Ohio State Penitentiary. The prison closed in 1967 after two violent criminals escaped while working in the prison's brickmaking operation.

Have you ever been to any of these abandoned prisons in the US? How about these 19 abandoned cities and towns in the US ? Terrifying!

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The 15 Best Travel Gifts You Can Order on Amazon

Take a look at some of the best gifts on Amazon with your favorite traveler in mind.

Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.

My mom always said that you could never buy presents too early, especially with the holiday season on the horizon. I say, the sooner the better, and buying online, to me, is ideal. I am a busy single mom of two kids, so convenience is key. With a few clicks of the mouse, you can throw the perfect items for your friends, coworkers, and loved ones into a virtual cart, pay with your credit card, and sit back as the boxes, almost like magic, start appearing at your door or in your mailbox within days!

These days, most of us use Amazon for its convenience, deals, and hard-to-find items you most likely won’t find at brick-and-mortar stores. Whether you start your holiday shopping now or wait until somewhat last minute (but not too last minute, or you might not get what you ordered in time!), we are taking a bit of a headache out of the decision-making process and helping you out with some of our favorite travel products that make great holiday gifts. Here are some of the best gifts on Amazon with your favorite traveler in mind:

Best Gifts Under $25

A good gift doesn't have to be expensive, and luckily, there is an endless inventory of unique and useful travel gifts under $25 on Amazon. Whether it's a journal or an item that will make traveling easier, these inexpensive travel gifts are sure to delight the recipients.

1. Travel Journal

If you're anything like me, you document your travels. I can't tell you how many travel journals I have filled over the years — it's a lot! And yes, I am still delighted when someone gives me a brand-new travel journal as a Christmas gift. I revel in the excitement of travels I have not yet been on. Not only is a travel journal a must-have item for any traveler in your life, but it can also be a great source of inspiration to them.

What I like about this particular journal is that it's organized so that you can include 10 trips. There's also a keepsake pocket for each trip, where you can add ticket stubs, photos, and other memorabilia.

2. Luggage Travel Cup Holder Attachment for Suitcase

Nearly every time I'm at the airport for an early morning flight, I find myself wearily making my way to a coffee shop in the terminal for a caffeine fix. Almost always, I have a rolling carry-on with me. After getting my coffee, I have to hold it in one hand while rolling my luggage behind me. But how's this for convenience — a luggage travel cupholder for a suitcase ? To me, this is a game-changer! Not only can this handy item hold a coffee cup but also a water bottle, your phone, and even a tablet. I'll be adding this to my holiday wish list this year. How about you?

3. Scratch-Off Map of the United States

If someone you know needs a visual to see how many states they've visited, then a scratch-off map is the perfect gift! Not only that, but it's incredibly satisfying to scratch off a destination after visiting. I have a scratch map and absolutely love seeing how many places I've visited and all the places I have yet to go. This U.S. scratch map by TRAVELISIMO comes with 25 accessories, including stickers and flags, and is conveniently packaged in a tube to prevent the map from getting wrinkled or damaged.

4. Lighted Compact Travel Mirror

I've been looking all over for a compact mirror with lights that I can travel with, and I finally found it! This Lighted Travel Makeup Mirror is only 4x4.9 inches, so it can easily be stowed in a handbag or a makeup bag. It can also be magnified up to 10 times, has LED lights, and can be recharged with the included charger. How convenient!

Best Gifts Under $50

The next few items are among the best travel gifts from Amazon under $50. These gifts are still quite affordable for a nice present that's both useful and takes a bit of the headache and discomfort out of traveling.

5. Airplane Pocket Organizer

Whether you're on a short or a long-haul flight, organization is the key to comfort. I often find myself getting up to search my stowed carry-on for something I need, but I wouldn't need to do that if I had this Airplane Pocket Organizer . Just slip it over your seat's tray table and organize everything you need for your flight (i.e. phone, chapstick, earbuds, tablet, water bottle, etc.). It's also water-resistant and machine washable, so you can clean it between flights. Speaking of clean, this convenient item provides a clean space for working and eating since it slips easily over the tray table. This may be my new favorite travel item from Amazon.

6. Wayfarer Travel Wrap

Of all the travel accessories I own, this Wayfarer Travel Wrap by Happyluxe, a small business that happens to sell on Amazon, is among my favorites. Made of TENCEL™ fabric, it's super soft and great for taking a nap on a plane or in a car on a long road trip. This 68-inch-by-35-inch wrap can be used as a shawl, a blanket, a poncho, or a scarf and comes in a variety of colors. Not only do I love its super soft feel, but its multiple functions. This is a must for any traveler!

7. Odyssey Travel Pillow

The Odyssey Travel Pillow , also by Happyluxe, is soft, machine-washable, and perfect for any avid traveler. It can be used as a neck or head pillow for comfort. At 17-by-13 inches, it can be compressed for easy packing.

8. Wondery Original National Parks of the USA Bucket List Travel Water Bottle

I never knew I had water bottle envy until a friend of mine pulled out this water bottle. I was amazed! Like a scratch map, this  National Parks of the USA Bucket List Water Bottle  allows you to track the national parks you've visited. But instead of scratching them off, you'll add one of the included waterproof stickers. Pretty awesome, right? This water bottle is made by Wondery Outdoors, a small business led by women.

Best Gifts Under $100

If your gift-giving budget is a little higher, let's say for a child, a parent, or your favorite aunt or uncle, here are a few of the best travel gifts from Amazon that are under $100:

9. Travel Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are another essential for any traveler in your life, and this set comes in a variety of colors and designs including U.S. National Parks. With seven compression cubes in the set, your favorite traveler's luggage will be well-organized.

10. Earbuds

Tech is always a good gift to give during the holidays, especially something like new earbuds. Not as pricey as Apple AirPods but working just as well are these Soundcore Sport X20 Earbuds by Anker that cost under $100. Not only are they noise-canceling, waterproof, and sweatproof, but they can rotate and hook around the ear which prevents them from falling out. Any frequent flier would love these on a plane!

11. Carry on Travel Backpack

Enjoy both style and function with this roomy WITZMAN Carryon Travel Backpack . This great gift item is made with nylon fabric on the outside and has a black polyester lining along with decompression foam to keep electronics safe. With several pockets, you can pack your laptop, a tablet, and many other items for traveling. With a removable strap, it can even be converted into a duffle bag. Best of all, it has an external USB charger port and an internal charging cable to attach your own power bank for keeping your electronics charged at all times.

Best Stocking Stuffers

One of my favorite parts about Christmas morning is seeing what I got in my stocking. I love finding all sorts of wonderfully small gifts, don't you? If you're on the hunt for fun and functional travel-related stocking stuffers for family and friends, take a look at these:

12. International Travel Adapter

If you know someone who travels internationally, this International Travel Adapter is a must-have. I used to carry around a bag of adapters and plugs in my luggage, but this is really all you need when traveling overseas. This is the only adapter I brought with me during my last trip to Europe, and my only regret is that I hadn't purchased it sooner. This adapter covers 160 countries, has four USB slots, a power range between 100V and 250V, and can charge up to five devices at once.

13. Charging Station for Multiple Apple Devices

If you know someone who owns Apple products like an iPhone, an iWatch, or AirPods, this  3-in-1 charging device  is the perfect stocking stuffer. It's foldable, portable, lightweight, and compact, making it ideal for travel .

14. National Parks Field Notes

Do you know someone who loves visiting U.S. National Parks? Well, maybe they'd like a set of field notes in their stocking! Measuring 3.5 inches by 5.5 inches, they can easily be carried in a backpack or even a pocket. Each one has 48 pages and is covered in leather. There are also several national park field notes 3-packs to choose from, or you can order the entire collection!

15. TSA-Approved Toiletry Bottles

This highly-rated toiletry bottle set is TSA-approved, BPA-free, and leakproof. The squeezable bottles are made of silicone and come in a clear bag for easy packing. There's also a wide variety of colors to choose from for the perfect stocking stuffer.

Remember, the holidays will be here before you know it! We hope that this guide to the best gifts on Amazon helps make gift-giving a breeze this year.

If you need even more ideas for gifts for travelers, our editors have hand-picked their favorites ! Happy holidays!

Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts

If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.

There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.

Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.

Best Travel Gifts of 2024

She's planning another trip candle.

Why We Love Them : How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them : Shop this candle and more on Amazon . Price (at time of publication) : $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.

Bob and Brad EyeOasis 2 Eye Massager

Why We Love It : We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager ? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It : Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)

Kizik Sneakers

Why We Love Them : It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes , especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them : Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website . Price (at time of publication) : $149

Y'ALL Baseball Cap

Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap , I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers , too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It : Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication) : $32

Why We Love Them : The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them : Yoto is available on their website and Amazon . Price (at time of publication) : $69.99 for player

Vuori DreamKnit Performance Joggers

Why We Love Them : The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply ... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel ! Where To Buy Them : Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94

Why We Love Them : If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them : Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website . Price (at time of publication) : $131.75

Portable Hammock

Why We Love Them : I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them : Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication) : $69.99

Wear Your Roots Clothing

Why We Love Them : All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them : Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication) : Varies by Product

TOBIQ Colorado 30L

Why We Love It : It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L . An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag ; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."

Where to Buy Them : Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication) : $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)

Zestt Travel Scarf

Why We Love Them : The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them : Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication) : $50

Patagonia Women's Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket

Why I Love It : This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshell five years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus : The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It : Buy it now on REI . Price (at time of publication) : $179 (both men's and women's)

Walk With Me New York Photograph Book

Why We Love Them : I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City . Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them : Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon . Price (at time of publication) : $19.78

Welly First-Aid Kit

Why We Love Them : A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them : Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication) : $9.70

OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker

Why We Love Them : The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them : Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110

BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask

Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks . These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It : I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication) : 3/$15.00

Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle

Why I Love It : I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle , especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them : The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon . Price (at time of publication) : $27.95.

Packing Cubes

Why We Love Them : This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them : There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set . Price (at time of publication) : $16.99 for 8 cubes

Bei s Backpack

Why We Love Them : I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned . It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips.  Where to Buy Them : Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication) : $88

Accessory Organizers

Why We Love Them : We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them : Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication) : $17.66

Away Everywhere Zip Backpack

Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication) : $195

Sterling Pacific 40L Cabin Travel Case

Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-tested this high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It : Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150

Anker Power Bank Portable Generator

Why We Love It : Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication) : $149.99

If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...

Our Ultimate Gift Guide for Travelers (with over 75 ideas!) Gift Ideas for the Outdoor Traveler Gift Ideas for the Road Trip Enthusiast Gift Ideas for the Frequent Flyer Gift Ideas for the Budget Traveler Gift Ideas for the Beach Lover Gift Ideas for the Family Traveler Advent Calendar for Travelers Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Only In Your State a commission.

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Book your history or ghost tour this 2024 season | March - November

Prison Tours in Jefferson City, MO

All tours are guided – reservations suggested.

The 2024 Tour Season will run March – November.

Choose Your Fate

Once the oldest continually operating prison west of the Mississippi River, the Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP) operated for 168 years before decommissioning in 2004. It now serves as a great historic landmark in downtown Jefferson City welcoming thousands of guests annually from all over the world. Whether visitors choose to take a history or ghost tour, they will walk through historic housing units, the upper courtyard and the gas chamber where 39 men and 1 woman were executed. Our paranormal investigations share the first-hand ghostly sightings at MSP and allow guests to hunt for the unexplainable activity. Lock up your tour and do time in Jefferson City!

History Tours

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Ghost & Paranormal Tours

Student tours, our most popular tours.

• Most Popular History Tour
• Tags History
• Hour Glass 2 hours
• Users 5 and Under Not Permitted

2-Hour History Tour

Step back in time and discover the intriguing history of the infamous Missouri State Penitentiary on this guided tour! Hear about escape attempts, riots, female inmates, and more.

• Most Popular Ghost Tour
• Users 13 and Under Not Permitted

2-Hour Ghost Tour

Tour the spooky halls of the Missouri State Penitentiary and experience a fascinating part of Jefferson City’s history as you walk through the dungeon cells and other areas of the prison.

Voted the #1 Activity in Jefferson City on TripAdvisor

"The three hour history tour did not disappoint! I have been two other times for the ghost overnight but I was really wanting to learn about the history of people and the spaces we were allowed to walk through. I definitely recommend this for all! I learned a lot and had a ton of fun."

"The tour was great. Our guides, Green and Fred were awesome. The best of both worlds. Heard stories from the perspective of a guard as well as a former inmate. Could not ask for better inside information. Both were passionate about the grounds and the different experiences they each had. A MUST do if you visit Jefferson City."

"Did the 3 Hour Paranormal Tour and I am anxiously waiting to go again when tours start back up. Would definitely say the most activity I experienced was in the Dungeon (Building 4) and Death Row (Basement of Building 2 I believe). The staff was BEYOND excellent and very knowledgeable and were kind enough to give little insider tips about what they have experienced and where. 10/10 would recommend."

"What a fun tour. Loved the personal stories of our tour guide who had worked in the prison! The prison played an exciting role in Missouri’s history!"

"My sons and I had a great time! We learned a lot about the prison and walking around it was really cool. The haunted tour at night was a blast! I can’t promise you’ll see ghosts but I know what I saw and heard. Go and enjoy the tour. And maybe you’ll experience the unexplained as well. It’s definitely worth it!!"

"This place was so impressive and mind-boggling. To think we were touring buildings predating the Civil War by decades. Such an education in the extremes of correctional facilities over the years. We had a lot of kids, teens, and adults in our group and everyone enjoyed the tour. So much history, so many stories, so many lives gone in and out of the Penitentiary over many eras. I can't wait to go again for the longer history tour! Our guide, Randy, was a wealth of information and made our visit extra enjoyable. Nadine was great too! Can't recommend enough!"

100 Years Older Than Alcatraz

Tour one of the longest-running prisons in the U.S. that closed after 168 years.

Infamous Inmates

Walk the same halls as notorious prisoners like James Earl Ray & Sonny Liston.

Home of the Gas Chamber

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"Bloodiest 47 Acres in the US"

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7 U.S. Penitentiaries That Are Eerie To Visit

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• Some of the most haunted and historically significant prisons you can visit in the United States:
• Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, PA
• West Virginia Penitentiary, Moundsville, WV
• Yuma Territorial Prison, AZ

The history of the American criminal justice system is just as long and complex as the history of the United States itself. Going back to the earliest colonial days, Americans have always needed to try and figure out how to deal with criminals, convicts, and other misbehaving members of society. From early stone jails to modern supermax prisons, the history of American criminal justice has produced a great number of historic penitentiary buildings that represent what "justice" looked like at different times.

Many of these historic penitentiary buildings still stand today as historic landmarks, museums, or monuments, while some former prisons now even operate as luxury hotels . Still, historic penitentiaries of this nature tend to be among the more "eerie" tourist attractions. After all, historically, many prisons have been places of violence and suffering.

Many historical prisons held infamous criminals at some point during their operational history, and most were the sights of tragic violence and suffering for decades. When you combine these factors with their often dark, Gothic architecture and foreboding exteriors, historic prisons are prime destinations for "dark" tourism.

Unsurprisingly, fans of the supernatural regard historical penitentiaries as top destinations for paranormal investigations. Many of these historical prison sites do indeed offer official ghost tours for visitors, while others allow third-party groups to hold their own.

Other historical prisons try to focus more on the educational aspect of their current state of preservation but still serve as dark and foreboding tourist attractions in their own right. From old museums to places of supposed hauntings, here are some of the eeriest historical penitentiaries in the United States today.

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These historical sites are the spots of terrible tragedies, horrific crimes, or otherwise eerie events - and they're all open to the public.

7 Eastern State Penitentiary

Philadelphia, pennsylvania.

Philadelphia's Eastern State Penitentiary represents a history that goes back to the early 19th Century. Beginning in the 1820s, prison reform advocates around Philadelphia began advocating for new, more "humane" forms of incarceration that emphasized rehabilitation over punishment. The Eastern State Penitentiary was built for this purpose, and from its earliest operations in 1829, used incarceration tactics that came to be known as the "Pennsylvania System."

Unfortunately, though these tactics were intended for humanitarian effect, they ended up being anything but. Many of the ideas of prison reform that drove the creation of the prison emphasized "separate incarceration," where inmates were kept in near constant isolation for "quiet reflection," with little outside interaction with others.

The result was thousands of inmates kept in solitary confinement in dark, dank conditions behind the prison's walls. Variations of these tactics continued for over 100 years, until the prison's final decommission in 1971.

Today, Eastern State Penitentiary operates as a historical site and museum that explores the history of criminal justice, and the future of more human incarceration. But despite these lofty goals, the building itself still retains an extremely "dark" character. Even without knowing the prison's history, one look at its dark stone walls and macabre, castle-lake facade is enough to give one chills.

Visiting the Eastern State Penitentiary today lets people see what went on there, book tours of the historic cell blocks, learn about various inmates who served time there, and explore interactive exhibits on the history, present, and future of criminal justice.

The Eastern State does not currently offer regular ghost tours, but paranormal-minded visitors can often find more macabre-themed events throughout the year. For example, each October, the Eastern State Penitentiary hosts several spooky and fun Halloween events , including haunted houses, performances, and specialized prison tours.

6 West Virginia Penitentiary

Moundsville, west virginia.

One reason why prisons built in the 19th Century are particularly spooky today is the popularity of a foreboding Gothic architectural style, which enhances the already dark character of a working prison. Few historical prisons embody this dark, Gothic style more than the historical West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville, West Virginia.

First opened in 1876, West Virginia Penitentiary displays an ominous Gothic Revival architectural style that broods over the surrounding landscape. The prison itself has a fairly dark history to match its exterior.

Though conditions were reported to be "good" during the first few decades of its operations (at least by 19th-century standards), the prison eventually became more violent and more dangerous in the 20th Century. Overcrowding, assaults, and several murders are reported in the prison logs, and at one point the US Department of Justice listed the West Virginia Penitentiary as one of the 20 most violent prisons in the country.

These deteriorating conditions came to a head in 1986 when 20 inmates staged a violent riot and took several guards and workers hostage. Though the riot was eventually resolved following a visit from the West Virginia governor, three inmates did lose their lives. This event spelled the beginning of the end for West Virginia Penitentiary, which finally ceased all operations in 1995.

Today, the prison serves as a museum, training center, and filming location. Visitors can book both regular tours exploring the prison's history and architecture, as well as "paranormal" tours that investigate the prison's supposed hauntings.

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5 Ohio State Reformatory

Mansfield, ohio.

Even if you've never been to the Ohio State Reformatory prison complex, you have likely seen it in one form or another. Thanks to its camera-worthy layout and accessibility, the penitentiary has served as the filming location for several movies and TV shows set in prisons (including when the prison was still housing inmates!).

Most notably, much of the filming for the 1994 film The Shawshank Redemption was done at Ohio State Reformatory, making it a popular destination for both film buffs and dark tourists. Still, the glamor of Hollywood does not conceal the prison's darker history.

First opened in 1896, the Ohio State Reformatory was designed in unusually ornate Romanesque architecture that was meant to encourage inmates to live more "spiritual" lives than their previous lives of crime. Of course, much of the prison's construction used prison labor from the very convicts who would eventually be incarcerated there. During the nearly 100 years of the prison's operations, the site saw numerous instances of violence and trauma, including an estimated 200 murders.

The Ohio State Reformatory ceased all operations in 1990 following a court order . Today, the Ohio State Reformatory Preservation Society is in the process of restoring the building to its original appearance. At this time, groups offer both historical tours of the prison and ghost tours for more paranormal-minded visitors. And anyone with unique tastes can even rent the prison out for weddings, banquets, or other events!

4 Missouri State Penitentiary

Jefferson city, missouri.

Alongside Eastern State Penitentiary, Jefferson City's Missouri State Penitentiary is one of the most historic of the old prison sites that still stand today. First opening in 1836, the prison was, for much of its existence, the oldest operating penitentiary in the United States west of the Mississippi River. Despite its origins in the 1830s, the prison continued operations into the 21st Century, with its last inmates finally transferred out in 2004.

With a history this long, the prison unsurprisingly held several famous (or infamous) inmates during its centuries of operation. The prison's lengthy list of inmates includes several notorious criminals, including Depression-era bank robber "Pretty Boy" Floyd and Martin Luther King Jr. Assassin James Earl Ray. However, the prison also held inmates of a less sinister character, including famed boxer Sonny Liston and revolutionary activist Emma Goldman.

Today, the Missouri State Penitentiary Museum operates adjacent to the prison and offers guided tours of the former prison site. Fans of the paranormal will likely enjoy the museum's intricate ghost tours of the former prison facilities. However, even the museum's regular history tours are fairly macabre in and of themselves.

On these tours, guests can explore the dark stone corridors and eerie cell blocks that once housed thousands of inmates. Visitors can even walk through the prison's preserved gas chamber, where 39 death row inmates were executed between 1938 and 1965.

7 Dark Tourism Destinations To Add To Your Bucket List

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3 Old Montana Prison

Deer lodge, montana.

The penitentiary site now known as Old Montana Prison has a history extending even earlier than the state of Montana itself. First opened in 1871 and commissioned several years earlier, the prison began its operations when Montana was still a territory of the United States, (nearly 20 years before it became a state).

As such, the prison's origins forge a connection to the infamous lawlessness, vigilantism, and character of the Old West. The prison's entire existence stems from an attempt to quell the "rough and tumble" violence of the Montana Territory. In 1867, Congress allotted funding to try and create a more "proper" incarceration facility in Montana, which led to the creation of what was initially known as the Montana Territorial Prison (eventually renamed the "Montana State Prison" when Montana became a state in 1889).

Unfortunately, lawlessness and violence did not end with the prison's construction. Throughout the early 20th Century, resource constraints combined with increasing overcrowding led to deteriorating conditions in the prison. These conditions came to a head in 1959, when inmates staged a violent riot and took control of the prison for a good 36 hours.

In 1979, the original prison was finally closed in favor of a new, more modern prison facility nearby. The original Montana State Prison site is now known as the " Old Montana Prison ," and operates as a museum and historical site. Visitors can buy tickets to both historical tours and ghost tours.

In addition to tours of the former penitentiary grounds themselves, the site also houses a museum complex that preserves information about the prison's history and many of its most notable inmates. And for those visitors who don't have much of a taste for the site's dark history, the prison also features a car museum!

2 Old Idaho State Penitentiary

Boise, idaho.

Like the Old Montana Prison, the Old Idaho Penitentiary predates its state's existence by several years. As such, it's one of only four preserved territorial prisons in the United States today, hearkening back to a time that predates the state criminal justice system it eventually came to serve.

The prison's architectural history reflects its evolution from a small territorial prison to a large state penitentiary complex. When it was first constructed in 1870, the prison was only a single cell room and a few walls. However, over time, the prison added more and more buildings and grew into the main prison complex in Idaho.

Unfortunately, despite all the growth, conditions in the prison were rarely good. Most infamous, the prison saw at least 3 violent riots between 1952 and 1973 over substandard living conditions. Alongside these riots, the prison also saw numerous successful escapes by inmates. These problems persisted until the prison was finally closed down in 1973, following the last of its many riots.

Today, the prison is maintained by the Idaho State Historical Society , which offers guided tours of the old prison complex and runs an adjacent museum. Unlike other preserved historical prison sites, many of the Old Idaho State Penitentiary's buildings are still in various stages of damage and disrepair.

This includes the former prison dining hall, which was burned and severely damaged during the final riot. But this state of disrepair adds to the prison's dark and somber character, giving it the appearance of eerie ancient ruins rather than a mere historical preservation site.

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1 Yuma Territorial Prison

Yuma, arizona.

Both the Old Montana Prison and Old Idaho State Penitentiary provide important historical links to the "Wild West" days of America's western territories. But when it comes to heavy Old West vibes and deep historical significance, few preserved penitentiary sites beat Arizona's Yuma Territorial Prison .

The Yuma Territorial Prison site first opened in 1876, right at the height of the region's famous "Old West" days. Like the Old Montana Prison and Old Idaho State Penitentiary, Yuma Territorial Prison was built when its state was still a United States territory.

But unlike those other two territorial prisons, the Yuma Territorial Prison was never transferred to a state criminal justice system. The prison ceased operations in 1909, three years before Arizona became a state. As a result, the prison's entire operational history spans the untamed days of the Old West, making it a particularly immersive historical time capsule in a way that no other historical prison can match. Even the town of Yuma itself is one of the many places in America that still feel like Old West towns .

The prison now exists as a historical site and state park managed by the Arizona government. Visitors can book tours of the prison's "Old West" style cells and courtyards, and explore many of the artifacts held in the prison's museum.

Despite the prison's unofficial status as one of the most haunted destinations in America, the museum currently does not offer regular ghost tours. However, those interested in exploring the site's possible paranormal activity might be able to find special ghost-themed events held at certain points throughout the year.

• United States of America

10 Abandoned Prisons You Can Visit

From cavernous and decrepit to preserved pieces of history, touring one of these prisons might be one of the most unusual experiences you’ve had all year.

This article was subjected to a comprehensive fact-checking process. Our professional fact-checkers verify article information against primary sources, reputable publishers, and experts in the field.

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies .

Iron-cage confinement cells, gas chambers and gallows, and prisoners forced to build the facilities imprisoning them — these are the vestiges of the cruelest period in America’s penal history. And they’re open for public tours. These now decommissioned prisons, often housed inside architecturally significant — even beautiful — buildings, saw some of the country’s most notorious criminals. Some say these prisoners still haven’t left the building, with disembodied whispers and shadows lurking in their cells.

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Most of you have heard of Alcatraz, the island prison in San Francisco Bay, and it’s one of the top tourist destinations. Whether you’re interested in a piece of America’s history or want to chase down some ghosts, these 10 abandoned prisons that are open for tours make perfect destinations for the curious traveler.

Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, CA (1934-1963)

Alcatraz — ”the Rock” — is possibly the most famous federal penitentiary. Originally built as a military base in the 1850s, it became a prison in 1934. Now a museum operated by the National Park Service, Alcatraz is a designated National Historic Landmark. Among the famous “residents” at Alcatraz was Al Capone, the Chicago mob leader, who lived well on the Rock, with a carpeted cell and a radio. His family lived in a hotel nearby and it is said Capone had many visitors every day.

Alcatraz is such a popular tourist destination that reservations are recommended for all the tours. The ferry and day tour costs $39.90 per adult, and the Park Service suggests planning to spend three hours touring the prison and surrounding area, including the recreation yard. The Cellhouse Tour has an audio component so visitors can go at their own pace. The night tour costs $47.30 and often sells out. Another tour option is “Alcatraz Behind the Scenes,” which is limited to 20 people and costs $92.30. This two-hour tour is conducted by a National Park Service ranger, requires lots of steep climbs, and is limited to people over age 12.

Ohio State Reformatory, Mansfield, OH (1886-1990)

The castle-like buildings and leafy, manicured grounds of this Richardsonian Romanesque and Queen Anne-style prison are simply stunning — a stark contrast to the decrepit and inhumane facilities inside. At six stories high, the cold and cavernous East Cell Block is the largest free-standing steel cell block in the world. Ultimately it was the prisoners themselves who forced the prison to close, by suing the state of Ohio for housing them in overcrowded and unlivable conditions. The Ohio State Reformatory was the setting for the movie Shawshank Redemption and its tours capitalize on both its Hollywood history and reputed hotbed of paranormal activity, with special events and numerous niche tours.

Guided tours start at $35 and are approximately 1.5 hours.

Old Idaho Penitentiary, Boise, ID (1872-1973)

Located on the outskirts of Boise where the high plains turn into foothills, the Old Idaho Penitentiary almost looks quaint, with its sandstone facade, turrets, and landscaped grounds. But on the inside, it’s decrepit, with towers of nearly lightproof steel lattice cells, honey pots for toilets, and the rose garden? It actually used to be an execution site. Among its former prisoners are an 11-year-old boy who murdered his mother, and Lynda Southard, a.k.a. Idaho’s Lady Bluebeard, who was convicted of poisoning four different husbands. The prison was closed in 1973 after its second mass riot in which prisoners set fire to several buildings.

Regular guided tours are $8. There are also special tours, like the cemetery tour, and nighttime paranormal investigations.

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Squirrel Cage Jail, Council Bluffs, IA (1885-1969)

This curious three-story rotary jail operated like a giant “Lazy Susan,” by which the jailer could turn a hand crank and bring the prisoners’ cells to him. Hyped as a more cost effective — more cells could fit into this cylindrical shape — and secure — it allowed a singular jailer to more easily see what the prisoners were doing at any time — design, it was not exactly safe. Body parts could get easily caught as the 90,000-pound structure rotated, and the mechanism was prone to malfunctions. When the device broke down in 1960 and they were unable to retrieve the body of a prisoner who had died of natural causes, the rotary feature was disabled.

Museum admission is $7 and tickets to paranormal events can be purchased through the Historical Society of Pottawattamie County.

Missouri State Penitentiary, Jefferson City, MO (1836-2004)

This imposing four-story limestone Gothic-style penitentiary overlooking the Missouri River was known as America’s deadliest prison, due to the sheer number of violent assaults committed here. In 1954, 2,500 prisoners were involved in a two-day riot with multiple buildings set ablaze; in the end, four prisoners were killed and over 60 injured, many after being fired upon with machine guns by prison guards. Notable prisoners at Missouri State Penitentiary include Emma Goldman, who was serving one of numerous sentences for crimes such as birth control advocacy and opposing World War I, and Charles “Sonny” Liston, who won the World Heavyweight Championship title after his release.

Guided paranormal, history, and photography tours are anywhere from 2-8 hours and start at $25.

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Wyoming Territorial Prison, Laramie, WY (1872-1903)

Located at the end of the so-called “Outlaw Trail,” Butch Cassidy once had a stay at the Wyoming Territorial Prison, where every aspect of incarcerated life was about discipline and hard labor. Upon arrival at the sandstone and wood fort, prisoners' heads were shaved to encourage assimilation. According to park staff, the prisoners at the time were actually well-fed, because the prison was a workhouse, and well-fed prisoners produced more work. Punishment for bad behavior included forcing prisoners to wear a ball-and-chain, shackling them to their cell door, spraying them with a waterhose, or taking them to an actual whipping post.

Guided tours are provided during the summer months on scheduled days and admission is $9 for adults.

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Fort Delaware, Delaware City, DE (1861-1866)

This pentagonal fort in the middle of the Delaware River was a Union prison camp during the Civil War. Situated on the marshy and difficult-to-escape Pea Patch Island, at one point there were more than 12,000 Confederate soldiers imprisoned here. During its brief operation, over 2,500 prisoners died at  Fort Delaware , mostly from malnutrition and disease. Some desperate prisoners even resorted to eating rats, which were, er, plentiful, with one hired ratcatcher claiming to have caught 16,000 in one day at the fort. Fans of Ghost Hunters will recognize the location, and you may find your own paranormal experience while wandering the underground tunnels.

General tours start at $12 for adults, and special tours — including the longer ghost-hunting tours — range from $50-110.

West Virginia Penitentiary, Moundsville, WV (1866-1995)

While in operation, the Gothic and foreboding West Virginia Penitentiary was often cited as one of America’s most violent prisons. Today, it often makes “most haunted” lists and has been featured on several TV shows for its paranormal activity. Over the years, 94 prisoners were executed here, and until 1931, these executions were open to the public. That changed after one particularly gruesome hanging during which the trapdoor opened and the prisoner was instantly decapitated. The prison was closed in 1995 after the West Virginia Supreme Court ruled that conditions present — 5-by-7-foot cells, subzero temperatures, and raw sewage — were tantamount to cruel and unusual punishment, violating prisoners’ constitutional rights.

General tours are 1.5 hours and $14, while specialty tours, like ghost hunting and photography, run anywhere from 45 minutes to six hours and range in price from $20-100.

Yuma Territorial Prison, Yuma, AZ (1876-1909)

Built into and on top of stone cliffs abutting the Colorado River, the Yuma Territorial Prison looks like it was built in another age. Former notorious prisoners include several polygamists and Pearl Heart, who with her partner was the last person convicted of robbing a stagecoach. While in prison, Heart became quite the media darling and upon her release, pursued an acting career. One of the most feared punishments at Yuma was time in the “dark cell,” where prisoners were bound with an iron chain inside a cage located inside a small room carved deep into the hillside.

In addition to self-guided tours and interactive exhibits, the park hosts interesting events, like the “Gathering of the Gunfighters” and “Prison Run.”

Prison and museum admission is $8 for adults.

Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, PA (1829-1970)

The imposing 30-foot high Gothic-style granite walls of Eastern State Penitentiary surround an 11-acre complex built to inspire penitence in its prisoners (hence the name). This was America’s first penitentiary, and the architect’s design — largely based on the cruel and misguided theory that prisoners should be kept in extremely isolating conditions – would become the model for more than 300 prisons worldwide. Part of the massive complex remains in its abandoned state, with crumbling stone cells, rusted catwalks, and reports of strange whispers and shadowy figures. There are also dialogue-inspiring exhibitions, artist installations, a summer beer garden, and recreated cells — such as Al Capone’s predictably decked out habitat.

Guided and self-guided daytime tours — including an audio component narrated by Steve Buscemi — are $17 for adults, while twilight tours start at $19, depending on the date.

Bottom line

These abandoned prisons are destinations within themselves, of course, but they’re also perfect additions to other itineraries, like road trips to quirky hotels, weekend getaways, and spring break camping trips.

Eastern State Penitentiary, for instance, is located in downtown Philadelphia, which is full of historic and trendy accommodations. And with the best hotel credit cards , you can earn rewards while you travel. If you happen to be road tripping it to Joshua Tree this spring break, Yuma, Arizona, is only 2.5 hours away.

Finally, before you travel, make sure you’re using one of the best travel credit cards , so that you can earn points on air travel, hotels, and car rentals.

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Touring 8 historic American prisons

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Reflecting the underside of society, prisons aren’t generally a pleasant topic of conversation. Many question whether the nation’s nearly 5,000 penitentiaries do more harm than good in reducing crime. Nonetheless, prisons have been with us throughout our history, serving at best to protect society from its miscreant minority.

Prisons are a source of great intrigue — no doubt with the exception of those who’ve spent time behind bars. It is fascinating for us on the outside to imagine what life would be like if stripped of our dignity and basic freedoms.

Read on to learn a bit about eight historic American prisons, all open to some extent to the public, and each with its story of notorious inmates, murder and mayhem. Most of these slammers offer tours that provide a glimpse of prison life — and perhaps even a newfound appreciation for our own freedom.

Alcatraz, San Francisco

Known as “The Rock,” owing to its location on a barren 22-acre island in San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz arguably is America’s most famous prison. Established as a U.S. Army fortress in 1850, it became a military prison in the 1860s and eventually served as a federal maximum-security prison from 1934 to 1963. It housed a rogues’ gallery of criminals over the years, including Al “Scarface” Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly, Alvin “Creepy” Karpis (the FBI’s first “Public Enemy”) and Alaskan murderer Robert “Birdman” Stroud. “The Rock” has been featured in nearly a dozen movies, including the 1962 blockbuster “Birdman of Alcatraz” starring Burt Lancaster as Stroud. Now operated as a unit of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Alcatraz welcomes visitors daily via a ferry from San Francisco’s Pier 33.

www.nps.gov/alca , 415-561-4900

Folsom Prison, Folsom, Calif.

Folsom is best known in popular culture for a concert performed at the prison in 1968 by Johnny Cash whose chart-topping album “At Folsom Prison” was recorded live at the event. In reality, the longer history of this granite-walled maximum-security lockup, located just northeast of Sacramento, is a grim one. Dating back to 1880, California’s second oldest prison has recorded 93 executions, countless escapes and numerous bloody riots. Charles Manson, Hell’s Angel leader Sonny Barger and Black Panther Eldridge Cleaver have ranked among its notable inmates. Visitors can peruse the prison museum, housed in historic House No. 8, where a fascinating range of exhibits is displayed, including a mock cell, confiscated weapons, prisoner-made handicrafts and a roomful of Cash memorabilia.

www.folsomprisonmuseum.org , 916-985-2561

Yuma Territorial Prison, Yuma, Ariz.

On July 1, 1876, the first seven inmates entered the Territorial Prison at Yuma and were locked into the new cells they had built themselves. Thus began the legend of the old stone and adobe lockup where a total of 3,069 prisoners, including 29 women, lived within the walls during the prison’s 33 years of operation. Among the inmates here were some of the Southwest’s most hardened criminals — a motley bunch of gunslingers, stagecoach robbers and even a few Mexican revolutionaries. Today’s visitors can enter the prison’s cells, climb the old guard tower, explore the prison cemetery, take a mug shot in the museum and load up on prison gear at the gift shop.

www.yumaprison.org , 928-783-4771

Old Idaho Penitentiary, Boise, Idaho

One of the largest and most authentically preserved of America’s historic prisons, the Old Idaho Pen is an impressive ensemble of 30 buildings and special exhibitions now designated as a National Historic District. During its 101 years of operation (1872-1973), the distinctive Romanesque-style sandstone complex received more than 13,000 inmates. Among them, according to one of the early wardens, were “rustlers, cutthroats, murderers, bounty hunters, desperadoes, mugs, pugs, thugs, nitwits, dimwits, vipers, con men, Indian Agents and Mexican bandits …” Today’s visitors can relive the Old Pen’s exciting past of daring escapes, scandals and executions on a tour that takes in the solitary confinement unit, cell blocks and the gallows.

www.history.gov/old-penitentiary , 208-334-2844

Old Montana Prison, Deer Lodge, Mont.

Built by convict labor and opened in 1871, Old Montana was the first territorial prison in the United States. The gray sandstone walls of this immense structure are 24 feet high and buried 4 feet deep to prevent escape by tunneling. The last prisoners were moved in 1979 after which the facility was opened to the public. Visitors can tour the enclosed courtyard where inmates exercised, walk through their austere cell blocks and feel the isolation of maximum security cells. The visitor-friendly complex also includes four museums — the Powell County Museum, Frontier Montana Museum, Montana Auto Museum and Yesterday’s Playthings.

www.oldprisonmuseum.com , 406-846-3111

Missouri State Penitentiary, Jefferson City, Mo.

Founded in 1836 and at one time housing more than 5,200 inmates, MSP is one of the oldest and largest penitentiaries in America. Following its closure in 2004, the 47-acre complex was refurbished and reopened for tours. “Visitors are fascinated by the facility’s rich 168-year history and the stories of infamous prisoners once housed there,” says Sheila Sanford, MSP tour coordinator. Among those infamous inmates: gangster Charles “Pretty Boy” Floyd, former world heavyweight boxing champion Sonny Liston (who learned the sport as a prisoner) and James Early Ray, who escaped MSP just months before assassinating Martin Luther King Jr. Tours lead visitors through the prison control room, cell blocks, yards and the gas chamber, a grisly setting for some 40 executions. Offered too are Ghost Tours that explore reported paranormal occurrences behind MSP walls.

www.missouripentours.com , 866-998-6998

Michigan State Prison, Jackson, Mich.

What began in 1839 as Michigan’s first state prison, housed in a temporary wooden structure, would evolve into the largest walled prison in the world by 1882. The massive castlelike structure, with its 12 watch towers and 16 cell blocks, housed as many as 5,280 prisoners. After 150 years, the prison was divided, starting in 1988, into four separate correctional facilities and part of the original complex was converted into residential apartments and an art center. Another section, 7 Block, originally used for quarantine, was renovated to serve as a prison museum and opened for public tours. On a Jackson Journeys Historic Prison Tour, visitors join a historical guided journey, replete with tales of crime and punishment, colorful characters, corruption, daring escapes and riots. A major riot in 1952 involving 2,600 inmates led to the 1954 film “Riot in Cell Block 11.”

www.experiencejackson.com , 517-817-8960

Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia

When Eastern State opened in 1829, it changed the world of penology. Know for its grand Gothic-style architecture and strict discipline, it was the world’s first true “penitentiary,” a Quaker-inspired prison designed to instill penitence, or true regret, in the hearts of prisoners. The building itself was an architectural wonder and became a model for prisons worldwide. It featured running water and central heat — even before such niceties were implemented at the White House. Its high, arched ceilings and glass skylights mimicked those of a church — so as to inspire reverence. During its more than 180 years of operation, Eastern State housed some notable inmates, including legendary gangsters Al Capone and Willie Sutton. Capone’s cell, complete with fine furniture and oriental carpets, can be seen during one of the old pen’s Hands-On History tours. This unique tour provides interactive experiences (like how to open a cell) and short demonstrations in the dining hall, hospital and “punishment cells.”

www.easternstate.org , 215-236-3300

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The Château d'If looms over the Bay of Marseille in France.

7 Old Prisons That Are Open to Visitors

Get a glimpse of the brutalities endured behind the walls of these now defunct institutions around the world.

A wooden chair sits under a spotlight in the Texas Prison Museum in Huntsville, on display in the same unassuming manner one might see a French neoclassical armchair in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Instead of guilloches and pearls, this particular chair is adorned with leather straps, which were used to restrain the wrists and ankles of hundreds of inmates while electricity passed through their bodies. Decades after Old Sparky was retired, visitors can see the unsettling display for themselves.

Prisons, like other historical sites, provide a unique window into a country’s political history, views on crime and punishment, and laws governing freedom and human rights. Each year millions of people trickle through the shadowy halls of decommissioned prisons around the world to learn their grim histories.

Robben Island, South Africa

Located off the coast of Cape Town , this UNESCO World Heritage site has served as a leper hospital, military base, and most infamously, a maximum security prison for political prisoners during apartheid, South Africa’s state-sanctioned system of racial segregation. Robben Island’s somber history finally came to an end in the 1990s, when South Africa’s oppressive regime was dismantled and political prisoners were freed. Anti-apartheid revolutionary Nelson Mandela , who served 18 years on Robben Island, went on to become the country's first black president in its first fully representative democratic election in 1994.

Lesser known fact: Robben Island is home to a colony of African penguins, an endangered species.

How to visit : Boats travel from Cape Town to Robben Island three times a day (four during peak season), and rides take about 30 minutes each way. Tours last around four hours and cost about $23 for adults and $13 for children.

Old Melbourne Gaol, Australia

Between 1842 and 1929, Old Melbourne Gaol housed Australia ’s most notorious criminals, such as bushranger Ned Kelly and serial killer Frederick Bailey Deeming. During its tenure, 133 prisoners were executed by hanging and buried in unmarked graves in the prison yard. One of the gaol’s most notable exhibits is its collection of death masks . After a prisoner was executed, his head was shaved, and plaster was applied to the face and head in order to create a mask. Historians believe the state may have created these as a power symbol—a representation of its triumph over crime. The masks were also used in the pseudoscientific study of phrenology, which held that the physical formations of the skull and face were indicative of a person’s character.

Lesser known fact: A women’s cell block wasn’t constructed until late 1864. Prior to this, women, children, and men were housed together.

How to visit: Old Melbourne Gaol is open daily from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., except on Christmas Day and Good Friday, and can be easily reached via public transit . Adult admission is $19, and for children admission costs $10. Visitors should plan to spend at least one and a half hours at the site.

Alcatraz, United States

One of the most notorious prisons in the United States, the Rock was originally used as a military fortress and prison in the 1850s, and later operated as a federal penitentiary from 1934 to 1963. The prison housed prominent inmates like Al "Scarface" Capone and Machine Gun Kelly. Its secluded location surrounded by the chilly waters of the San Francisco Bay were thought to render the prison inescapable. In 1962 inmates John Anglin, Clarence Anglin, and Frank Morris tested this theory when they tucked papier-mâché heads into their beds, broke out of the main prison, and escaped the island on a raft made of raincoats. Their fate remains unknown to this day.

Alcatraz Island sits in the San Francisco Bay in California.

Lesser known fact: Each year hundreds of athletes participate in the Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon in San Francisco, a one-and-a-half-mile swim, 18-mile bike ride, and eight-mile run.

How to visit: All access to the island is through Alcatraz Cruises , which operates out of Pier 33 in San Francisco. Day and night tours are offered year-round, with the exception of some holidays. Tickets often sell out, so book in advance. Plan on spending around two hours for a full tour.

Elmina Castle, Ghana

This UNESCO World Heritage site was built by the Portuguese in 1482 on the Gulf of Guinea and is believed to be the location where Europeans first made contact with sub-Saharan Africans. Occupied by several colonial powers throughout the centuries, this trading post eventually became a significant stop in the transatlantic slave trade. Tens of thousands of Africans were captured and detained, and eventually passed through Elmina’s “door of no return” to be loaded onto slave ships and sold throughout Europe and its colonies.

Lesser known fact: Elmina Castle is one of the oldest European buildings located outside of Europe.

How to visit: Elmina Castle is easily accessible by taxi from the historic city of Cape Coast in the central region of Ghana, about three hours west of Accra. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Admission is $10 for non-Ghanaian adults and two dollars for non-Ghanaian children.

Tuol Sleng, Cambodia

When the genocidal Khmer Rouge took power in Cambodia in 1975, this former high school was converted into Security Prison 21, a detention center that facilitated the torture and murder of thousands of people. Thirty minutes south of the prison, mutilated bodies of men, women, and children were dumped in mass graves in the Choeung Ek killing fields. After the fall of the regime in 1979, Tuol Sleng was turned into a museum to remember the victims of the genocide and the horrors inflicted by the Khmer Rouge, responsible for the deaths of an estimated 1.7 million people during its reign.

Visitors walk through one of the exhibitions in the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Lesser known fact: Actress Angelina Jolie is directing a new Netflix film based on the memoir First They Killed My Father : A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers by human rights activist Loung Ung, who lived under the Khmer Rouge as a child. The film is set for release in late 2016 in both English and Khmer.

How to visit: Tuol Sleng is located in the capital city of Phnom Penh and can be easily reached by tuk-tuk or taxi from the city center. Drive another 30 minutes south to the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center for a sobering history lesson.

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Devil’s Island, French Guiana

This penal colony located off the picturesque Atlantic coast of French Guiana was constructed in the early 1850s under the orders of French emperor Napoleon III. For nearly a century, the colony, which spanned three islands in addition to mainland facilities, housed tens of thousands of convicted criminals and political prisoners who were banished to serve out their sentences doing hard labor. Prisoners were assigned to work camps stretching across the islands, where they spent long, strenuous hours clearing jungle, building roads, and constructing their own cell blocks. Shark-infested waters, unforgiving terrain, and the threat of tropical disease made hopes of escaping the prison’s brutal conditions a deadly task.

Lesser known fact : After 11 years on Devil’s Island, prisoner Henri Charrière escaped to Venezuela on a raft made of coconuts. His autobiography inspired the 1973 movie Papillon , starring Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman.

How to visit : From the capital city of Cayenne, visitors can take an hour-long bus ride to the town of Kourou. From Kourou dock, a number of boat companies offer daylong tours of the islands.

Château d’If, France

This 16th-century fortress turned prison was made famous by Alexandre Dumas’s 1844 revenge novel, The Count of Monte Cristo . The chateau’s isolated location among the strong currents of the Bay of Marseille made it an ideal location to discard religious and political prisoners. Its imposing stone walls housed prisoners in cramped, unsanitary conditions for nearly three centuries until it was closed in the late 19th century and opened to the public as a tourist attraction.

Lesser known fact: Edmond Dantès, the vengeful protagonist of Dumas’s novel, did not actually exist.

How to visit: Take a 20-minute ferry ride from the Old Port of Marseille to Château d’If . The island’s operating hours vary seasonally, so check schedules before you go. Citizens of the European Union and children under 18 get free admission to the monument itself, and adults pay about $6.

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