Museum of Colorado Prisons
4.6(1.2K)google
4.4(35)yelp
EducationalHistoryEerie & HauntedIndoorQuirky
Overview
The Museum of Colorado Prisons is a non-profit museum located off U.S. Highway 50 in Cañon City, Colorado. It is housed in a former state women's prison and is directly east of the Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility (Old Max).
Practical Info
Every day10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Suggested Duration1.5-2.5 hours
Best TimeYear-round since the historical exhibits are indoors. Given the eerie, historically sobering nature of the cells and the original gallows, a midday visit between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM provides the best natural interior lighting. Check seasonal schedules, as winter hours (October-April) may be restricted.
Getting ThereLocated directly in downtown Cañon City, abutting an active maximum-security facility. Drive and navigate to 201 N 1st St. From Cañon City's main corridor, US-50 (Royal Gorge Boulevard), turn north onto N 1st St and proceed for one block to find the historic stone fortress. Free parking is available upfront.
Travel Tips
- The museum shares a perimeter wall with an active, maximum-security operational facility (Colorado State Penitentiary). Drivers must utilize the museum's dedicated guest lot at 201 N 1st St; steering into the adjacent correctional facility's security line or staff lanes prompts armed response and immediate vehicle impoundment.
- The museum runs on a highly restricted operational cadence during winter (November through February), often closing entirely Monday through Wednesday. Because the historic stone cellblocks lack modern HVAC systems, mid-day interior conditions peak in heat; arrive exactly at 9:00 AM for maximum comfort.
Photo Tips
Photo Rules
- Under Department of Corrections security policies, it is strictly illegal to point cameras toward the adjacent active prison's guard towers, double-layer razor wire fences, or patrol vehicles. Interior historical photography is permitted, but professional reflectors, amplification tools, or hard pelican cases are banned.
Reviews
Positive
- Housed in a real century-old prison, the cold corridors and authentic cells perfectly preserve a hauntingly real atmosphere.
- The exhibits are extensive and fascinating, showcasing confiscated inmate weapons, cell artifacts, and an infamous hangman's gallows.
- The audio tour is excellent, blending historical cases and inmate stories to make you feel like you are in a documentary.
- Admission is highly affordable, offering incredible value and a great indoor historical escape from the midday heat.
Heads up
- Since it shares a wall with an active maximum-security prison, the surrounding razor wire can feel intimidating and unnerving.
- Some exhibits featuring grim execution histories and lifelike wax figures are too graphic for small children and might scare them.
- The historic cellhouse lacks modern air conditioning, making the second-floor cells stiflingly hot and stuffy in mid-summer.
- The historic corridors are very narrow, meaning wheelchair accessibility is limited and navigating tight cells can be tough.