“Old Idaho Penitentiary” by DieselDemon is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Located between downtown Boise and the Boise Foothills, the Old Idaho Penitentiary stands as a stark reminder of Idaho’s tumultuous past. This historic site, known as the “Old Pen,” offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into life behind bars in the Wild West and beyond. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a fan of true crime, or simply curious about the past, a visit to the Old Idaho Penitentiary is an unforgettable journey through time.
A Territorial Legacy
“Old Idaho Penitentiary” by mark6mauno is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
Built in 1870, the Old Idaho Penitentiary originally operated as the Territorial Prison. At the time, Idaho was a frontier territory with lawless settlements that desperately needed order. To gain statehood, Idaho needed a prison, and this sandstone structure, quarried by inmates from the nearby Table Rock area, became a symbol of the territory’s commitment to reform and justice.
In 1890, when Idaho achieved statehood, the prison was renamed the Idaho State Penitentiary. Over the next century, it housed over 13,000 inmates, including 215 women. Among these were infamous criminals, everyday offenders, and those whose stories left an indelible mark on Idaho’s history.
Exploring the Prison Grounds
“Old Idaho Penitentiary” by Eric Friedebach is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Walking through the Old Idaho Penitentiary feels like stepping into a bygone era. The facility consists of 30 preserved buildings, including cell blocks and solitary confinement areas, with each structure offering a unique perspective on the harsh realities of prison life.
Visitors can tour the cramped cells where inmates endured extreme conditions. The sandstone walls retained heat in the sweltering Boise summers, creating a stifling environment, while in winter, the same walls turned the cells into iceboxes. Plumbing and ventilation were rudimentary, adding to the already difficult living conditions.
The penitentiary’s isolation cells, nicknamed “The Dungeon,” “The Cooler,” and “Siberia,” highlight the severity of punishments for rule-breaking inmates. Standing in these dark, claustrophobic spaces, it’s easy to imagine the psychological toll of confinement.
One of the most chilling sites is the gallows, where state executions took place. Visitors can learn about the fates of those who met their end here, including notorious inmates like Raymond Allen Snowden, dubbed “Idaho’s Jack the Ripper.”
Notorious Inmates
“Old Idaho Penitentiary, Seized Contraband” by Eric Friedebach is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
The Old Idaho Penitentiary housed some of the West’s most infamous criminals. Among them was Snowden, convicted of the brutal 1956 murder of Cora Dean. His execution in 1957 was particularly gruesome, as the noose failed to break his neck, leading to a prolonged and agonizing death.
Another infamous inmate was Harry Orchard, who assassinated former Idaho Governor Frank Steunenberg in 1905. Orchard’s trial revealed a dark past of union terrorism, resulting in the deaths of 17 men. Although sentenced to death, his sentence was later commuted to life in prison, and he spent 45 years behind the Old Pen’s walls.
Riots & Closing
“Old Idaho Penitentiary” by Eric Friedebach is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
As the prison population grew, so did tensions within its walls. Overcrowding and outdated facilities led to numerous escape attempts and violent riots. One of the most significant uprisings occurred in 1971 when inmates set fire to multiple buildings, including the chapel and dining hall. A similar riot in 1973 caused further destruction and sealed the fate of the penitentiary.
By the end of 1973, the inmates were transferred to a modern correctional facility near Kuna, and the Old Idaho Penitentiary closed its doors permanently. Despite its closure, the site remains a powerful testament to the struggles and stories of those who lived and worked within its walls.
The J. Curtis Earl Memorial Exhibit
“Old State Penitentiary in Boise Gatling” by Christopher from Salem, OR, USA is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
One of the highlights of a visit to the Old Idaho Penitentiary is the J. Curtis Earl Memorial Exhibit of Arms and Armaments. This extensive collection showcases thousands of antique guns and weapons donated to the state of Idaho. From historical firearms to unique armaments, the exhibit offers a fascinating look at the tools of war and their evolution over time.
Guided & Self-Guided Tours
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Visitors to the Old Idaho Penitentiary can choose between guided and self-guided tours. Guided tours provide in-depth insights into the prison’s history, notable inmates, and daily life within the walls. However, reservations for these tours are only available on-site due to weather and staffing considerations.
For those who prefer to explore at their own pace, self-guided tours are available during all operating hours. Informative displays and visual aids provide context and help visitors imagine what life was like in the prison’s heyday.
Haunting Stories & Local Legends
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The Old Idaho Penitentiary has earned a reputation as one of Boise’s most haunted locations. Tales of ghostly encounters add an eerie layer to the already somber atmosphere. Visitors and staff have reported unexplained phenomena, including cold spots, strange sounds, and sightings of shadowy figures. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the Old Pen’s haunting history is undeniable.
Accessibility & Visitor Information
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The Old Idaho Penitentiary is located at 2445 Old Penitentiary Road in Boise, with free parking available on-site. The facility is open year-round, with seasonal hours:
- Winter Hours: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., with the last admission at 4 p.m.
- Summer Hours (Memorial Day through Labor Day): 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last admission at 4 p.m.
While most areas of the site are accessible, some upstairs sections can only be reached by stairs. Visual aids are available for guests who cannot access these areas. Admission is affordable, and guided tours cost an additional $2. Visitors are encouraged to call ahead at (208) 334-2844 for the most up-to-date information on tours and operating hours.
The Old Idaho Penitentiary – Unique Things to Do in Idaho
“Wagon at the Old Penitentiary Boise Idaho” by Knowles Gallery is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
The Old Idaho Penitentiary is more than just a historical site—it’s a journey into Idaho’s past. From the stories of its infamous inmates to the preserved structures that housed them, the Old Pen offers a rare opportunity to step back in time and explore a piece of Western history.
For history buffs, true crime enthusiasts, and those seeking a unique and educational experience, the Old Idaho Penitentiary is a must-see destination. Its blend of chilling stories, architectural beauty, and historical significance make it one of the most compelling attractions in Idaho.
Whether you’re wandering through the cell blocks, marveling at the J. Curtis Earl Memorial Exhibit, or reflecting on the lives of those who once lived within its walls, the Old Idaho Penitentiary leaves a lasting impression. As one of the most unique things to do in Idaho, it stands as a stark reminder of the area’s transformation from a frontier territory to a modern state—and of the human stories that shaped its journey.
Quick Facts About the Old Idaho Penitentiary
- Built in 1870, the Old Idaho Penitentiary operated for 101 years, housing over 13,000 inmates before closing in 1973.
- Inmates quarried sandstone from Boise’s Table Rock area to construct the prison’s buildings and walls, many of which still stand today.
- The prison housed infamous inmates like Raymond Allen Snowden, known as “Idaho’s Jack the Ripper,” and Harry Orchard, the assassin of Governor Frank Steunenberg.
- The prison lacked proper plumbing until the 1920s, and its sandstone walls intensified both summer heat and winter cold, creating harsh living conditions.
- Riots in 1971 and 1973 caused significant damage, leading to the prison’s closure and the transfer of inmates to a modern facility.
- Of Idaho’s 11 state executions, 10 were carried out at the Old Idaho Penitentiary, with hangings conducted on-site.
- The penitentiary houses a vast collection (J. Curtis Earl Memorial Exhibit) of antique firearms and weapons, showcasing historical arms and armaments.
- After its closure, the Old Idaho Penitentiary was preserved as a museum and added to the National Register of Historic Places.
- Visitors can explore the prison’s 30 buildings, including cell blocks, solitary confinement, and the gallows, with guided tours offering deeper insights.
- The Old Pen is rumored to be haunted, with reports of unexplained sounds, cold spots, and shadowy figures adding to its eerie atmosphere.
Idaho’s Mammoth Cave
Planning a trip to Idaho? Don’t forget to put Idaho’s Mammoth Cave at the top of your list. As a top attraction in the state, you can explore a unique and awe-inspiring underground landscape at your own personal pace with our self-guided tours. In addition to the cave, there are two privately owned museums of natural history on-site, the Shoshone Bird Museum and the Richard Arthur Olsen Museum, featuring a wealth of exhibits that has earned the nickname “The Smithsonian of the Desert,” making it an unforgettable stop for the whole family.
Located eight miles north of Shoshone, Idaho, on Highway 75, Idaho’s Mammoth Cave will be open for seasonal tours from May – October, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., 7 days a week, including all major holidays. For more information, visit idahosmammothcave.com or call (208) 329-5382.
