Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site
4.7(1.3K)google
4.4(25)yelp
EducationalHistoric BuildingHistoryOld West
Overview
The Wyoming Territorial Prison is a former federal government prison near Laramie, Wyoming. Built in 1872, it is one of the oldest buildings in Wyoming. It operated as a federal penitentiary from 1872 to 1890, and as a state prison from 1890 to 1901.
Practical Info
Mon9:00 AM – 4:00PM
Tue9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wed9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thu9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Fri9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sat9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sun9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Suggested DurationAbout 1.5-2.5 hours
Best TimeOpen fully from May through October. Visiting around 10:00 AM is ideal to photograph the historic 19th-century stone prison block where outlaw Butch Cassidy was famously jailed, while keeping your fully outdoor historic walk cool.
Getting ThereConveniently situated on the west side of Laramie at 975 Snowy Range Rd. Take exit 311 from Interstate 80 (I-80) and drive less than 2 minutes to the historic site entrance. Ample free vehicle parking is provided.
Travel Tips
- As a State Historic Site, federal interagency passes are not accepted; a separate state park admission fee applies at the gate. Cell blocks retain historical narrow, cold layouts; oversized backpacks must be left inside your vehicle.
- The prison once held outlaw Butch Cassidy. Collect a historical Convict ID Card from the front desk upon entry to track a real prisoner's historic cell track during scheduled 1890s live character reenactments throughout the yard.
- The expansive site features outdoor grounds prone to Laramie's notorious high winds and flying dust. Wearing secure, tethered hats and protective eyewear is critical to prevent personal items blowing into restricted fenced perimeters.
Reviews
Positive
- The restored 19th-century prison building oozes history; the cell that once held outlaw Butch Cassidy is an absolute highlight.
- Exhibits cover not just inmate life but also the historic prison workshops and guard quarters, capturing history from all angles.
- The grounds are kept like a clean park, the ticketing staff is welcoming, and they offer a highly practical printed Chinese guide map.
- Admission is fair and affordable, parking is spacious, and it's just minutes from downtown Laramie, offering faultless convenience.
Heads up
- The cell interiors are kept dimly lit to replicate historical realism, so seniors with weaker eyesight need to tread carefully in narrow halls.
- In winter, outdoor exhibits and certain historic outbuildings close but admission is not discounted, reducing the off-season value.
- The site lacks engaging multimedia screens, still relying heavily on long text plaques on walls, which can be dry for some.
- The gift shop is tiny, stocking mostly generic stationery and basic logo tees, lacking eye-catching prison-themed creative souvenirs.