Missouri State Penitentiary
Missouri State Penitentiary
5
About
The Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP) opened in 1836 along the banks of the Missouri River in Jefferson City, Missouri, the state capital. The prison housed inmates for 168 years and was the oldest continually operating prison west of the Mississippi until it was decommissioned in 2004. The prison was already 100 years old when Alcatraz began taking inmates.The Jefferson City Convention & Visitors Bureau now offers a wide variety of tours at the site, once named the "The bloodiest 47 acres in America" by Time magazine. Visitors can choose to take a History or Ghost Tour, among others, and will walk through several incredibly historic housing units, the vast upper yard of the property and the gas chamber, where 40 men and women were executed. The tour also showcases cells of infamous inmates such as Sonny Liston, and James Earl Ray, who escaped from MSP before assassinating Martin Luther King Jr. Tour Season runs March - November each year. Tour Season: March - November
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- Marie SO'Fallon, Missouri1 contributionImpressive tour of MSPOur guided tour, headed by Mike, was exceptional. During our 2 hour tour, Mike gave us an impressive amount of information and insight into the history of Missouri’s penitentiary and penal system. The physical structure is decaying, but still a stark reminder of what the prison population endured until 2004. The day of our tour was unseasonably FREEZING, so Mike tried to keep us out of the wind as much as possible. But this is a concrete and metal building with multiple broken windows and No Heat. Dress accordingly!Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 March 2023
- Laura TSaint Louis, Missouri2 contributionsGreat historical tourMy daughter and I took the two hour tour. It was well lead and informative. The tour started in the building that used to hold the women's unit, then we went to one of the older buildings followed by the unit where the 1954 riot occurred. It was an amazing tour because the guides, Kathy and James were both former guards and really knew the history of the buildings and could answer questions.Visited March 2023Written 25 March 2023
- krislori99Springfield, Missouri84 contributionsMust See-Tons of HistoryOur tour guide, Michael, was entertaining and knowledgeable. He had a wealth of stories about all the aspects of the prison. He was funny, engaging, and he knew how to keep us listening. He gave us time to explore, too. I highly recommend this attraction! It’s chilly, so bring a jacket —even in the summer.Visited April 2023Travelled with familyWritten 1 April 2023
- Sue J1 contributionMissouri State Penitentiary TourThat tour was one of the most memorable tours I have ever taken. To see prison life from the 1830's to when it closed is remarkable. It was well worth my time. Our tour guide, Kathy and Nadine presented prison life as it was "back in that day" They were awsome!Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 April 2023
- Kasey E3 contributionsDon’t think about going, just go!From my 11 and 7 year old “ Randy was the best tour guide ever and thank you for making sure we had fun”. My kids talked about this our entire 2 hour ride home. They were never bored and loved every second of the tour. I never knew my kids had such interest in history. They wanted to look up the inmates as soon as we got home. We can’t wait to go back for the 3 hour tour with my husband.Visited April 2023Written 8 April 2023
- Nicole M3 contributionsDo the ghost hunt!Do the ghost hunt and the history tour! I’ve been here several times and done all the tours except the full overnight one. They are all amazing! The guides know everything about the prison and truly love the place.Visited April 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 9 April 2023
- Keisha B1 contributionAwesomeThis is an amazing place. Lots of things to see. We had great tour guides. Larry and Randy were exceptional. The answered all of our questions. Larry worked in the prision when it was up and running. And told many stories of things that happened behind the walls. If you have not taken this tour you need to do so. We probably would have thanken the 3 hour tour if available. It consist of death row, womens facilities and isolated cells that were no bigger than arms length.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 17 April 2023
- San D3 contributionsImagine lunch for 5,000 inmates!What an institution that housed notorious, well-known criminals. Learned daily routines, the inmate culture, along with the Correction Officer culture. See how 5,000 men (and women) were jamb packed into an old, block building. See the "dungeon" where offenders were placed for days, weeks, months, years where it was pitch dark, and given bread & water. Finally, witness for yourself the 2-seat "gas Chamber", a small 25 x 25 block building where the inmate would be walked in 1 door and strapped to the chair, and the other door was for witnesses to watch.Visited April 2023Written 19 April 2023
- Janet RKansas City, Kansas1 contributionWonderful experienceMy husband and I did the two hour tour yesterday (April 21). It was informative, interesting, and so worthwhile! Our tour guide was Green, who has in the past been a guard there at the prison. He was humorous, and very knowledgeable! Would love to take our two oldest grandkids there.Visited April 2023Written 22 April 2023
- Kathryn R1 contributionTwo Hour History Tour with BillApril 23, 2023; 3:30pm Historical Tour; Thank you, Mr. Bill Green, for a most amazing experience! You, dear sir. are as much a historical treasure as the penitentiary itself. Thank you for your loyal service to the great state of Missouri and for a truly fantastic afternoon adventure.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 April 2023
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5.0
1,396 reviews
Excellent
1,197
Very good
144
Average
26
Poor
15
Terrible
14
Margie N
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Family
Had a great tour with Kathy, she had alot of information about the prison. Very cool seeing all the old buildings. We would go again.
Written 10 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cindy K
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Family
Kathy and Lily were great tour guides. Kathy has a wealth of knowledge and experience. This tour exceeded our expectations.
Written 10 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beth W
30 contributions
Mar 2024 • Business
Very good historical tour. Kathy was an excellent guide and very informative. I would do the tour again, but I would go during the day so to have better lighting, and during warmer months as the tour was cold. Other than that I would go back, and recommend to others.
Written 6 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
K C
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Family
Amazing tour. Guides Larry & Fred were great! Larry had first hand knowledge & Fred's story was inspiring. Both very personable. Great stories & details. Gave us plenty of time to explore on our own & experience the cells & other areas. This tour was worth every penny & is a must do.
Written 6 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christi D
Lake Saint Louis, MO40 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
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.
Written 19 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Storyteller307797
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Family
So neat to see and learn about the history here! The tour guides were so informative and answered all questions along the way!! One was even a guard when the prison was operational!
Written 19 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Henry Z
2 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
My wife and I and daughter spent several hours touring this place! Those providing the tour were very knowledgeable and one was a former guard at the prison. Any question asked, an immediate answer was provided in detail describing thing around the questions. I do want to go back to this part of penal history in the United States before more of it disappears and is repurposed by the state. Missouri residents and others are missing a real opportunity to see the prison life that existed all the way back to 1836! Take lots of pictures, the cell conditions are not maintained and things look unkempt but the tour and tour leader provide a great verbal picture of the operation of this institution! And the tour guide apologized as the tour time kind of got extended due to questions and just plain time spent learning more and more! There were some really infamous people kept at this prison and many of the stories by the tour guides really added details just not found any place else!
Written 19 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melissa C
Jacksonville, FL1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Family
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 abt the grounds and the different experiences they each had. A MUST do if you visit Jefferson City.
Written 18 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nancy E
Columbia, MO1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Friends
Very informative tour about the history of the prison. I hope they preserve what is left for historical purposes and dont tear fown for hotels.
Written 18 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shelby R
3 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
Did the 3 Hour Paranormal Tour and I am anxiously waiting to go again when tours start back up. Would definitely say the most acitivity 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.
Written 17 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
April Holdridge
Auburn, AL16 contributions
I want more details if you don't mind. My father was in during 1982. He completed his life in 1986 when I was 9 years of age. He said he would end his life before returning to prison and had broken his parole and was headed back when he completed the act. I am trying to find out the conditions and etc during the years he was there.
Sheila S
Jefferson City, MO1 contribution
We do not have access to any Inmate Records - you would have to contact the Archives Dept. with the Missouri Department of Corrections.
Cuál es el horario para entrar
Sheila S
Jefferson City, MO1 contribution
You can only enter the property during a scheduled guided tour. You may visit our website com and select either the 2-hour History Tour or the 2-Hour Ghost Tour and you will see the schedule of tours for the remainder of November.
ekroner613
Osage Beach, MO
I know there is a minimum age listed on the ticket page, but my husband and I are vacationing with a 15 month old. Can she be brought in a carrier?
Sheila S
Jefferson City, MO1 contribution
No, the minimum age is 10 years old, these are rules put in place by the State of Missouri (who owns the property) and our insurance company. You are more than welcome to come next door to the Missouri State Penitentiary Museum and look around there (no age limits).
cryan72
Chicago, IL
Are there places to sit along the way throughout the tour, or is it all 2 or 3 hours on your feet walking?
Sheila S
Jefferson City, MO1 contribution
There is seating available in the first two housing units you visit as well as outside between the two housing units. There is no seating in the third housing unit or the gas chamber.
cryan72
Chicago, IL
Are there places to sit along the way or is it on your feet, walking the entire two hours?
cruiser1020
Gravois Mills, MO8 contributions
Seated at first. Seats in the old prison, your choice to look around, or remain seated after the guide's talk. Also noticed some outside benches, that could be used to for a rest stop.
Are the tours still going on in January?
Sheila S
Jefferson City, MO1 contribution
No, Our Tour Season runs March - November. We close December - February as we have no heat at the facility.
LikeMooreTravel
Pleasant Hill, MO91 contributions
Hi Dan. I was thinking about taking this tour on Saturday, July 23, but the weather forecast is for 100 degrees. Would the trip be miserable and maybe I should wait until the fall? Or do you think it would be okay w/the heat? Thanks so much, M
michael rodemeyer
Hartsburg, MO116 contributions
I too would wait.
Are pets allowed on the private overnight ghost hunt?
Sheila S
Jefferson City, MO1 contribution
No unfortunately pets are not allowed in the property. Sorry.
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Claim your listingMISSOURI STATE PENITENTIARY: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Missouri State Penitentiary
- Hotels near Missouri State Penitentiary:
- (0.26 mi) Victorian Home--Middle of Everything!! Sleeps at least 12, 4 baths
- (0.60 mi) DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jefferson City
- (0.36 mi) The Hawkin's House Suite Two Downtown Jefferson City, Missouri
- (0.36 mi) Hawkins House Lower Suite Downtown Jefferson City
- (2.55 mi) Best Western Plus Capital Inn
- Restaurants near Missouri State Penitentiary:
- (0.33 mi) Prison Brews
- (0.60 mi) Sweet Smoke BBQ
- (0.29 mi) O'Donoghue's Steaks & Sea Food
- (0.30 mi) JQ’s on High
- (0.78 mi) Central Dairy