museum of colorado prisons

christinal779

The only reason I went was because my spouse works in a prison. Otherwise, skip it. The curation of the exhibits is well executed (no pun intended). It's just a creepy old prison building with a bunch of news paper clippings. Price is a bit steep for that kind of little place. I've been to actual historic landmakrs for less than $7 for a great tour. This place was just a little booklet or audio tour- your choice. Save your time and money and just watch a documentary on Netflix or something.

frankl501

Having worked for the Dept. for 12 years, I felt that we needed to visit and see who the old days of prison life were like and this old prison turned museum was very intersesting, and had lots of stories to tell, the memorablilia and the gas chamber were something that most of the outside world would not normally see. I recomend that people take a look at this place to get a feel for how prison life once was in the old Territorial Prison :-)

249libbyr

My teenage boy Absolutely Loved the prison tour. Neat and kind of creepy. We had to rush through things and I wish we'd had more time. We travel through canon city often, however and will stop next time when we have more time. We recommend it!

jackieg116

This was a very interesting tour. It was very informative and the employees were very knowledgeable not only in this prison but the one in Florence, Colorado.

MindyP_13

Reasonably priced. Really enjoyed the free audio tour. Each cell display offered a different subject on the past/present: Inmates, staff, programs, problems, solutions. Friendly staff. A very interesting stop on our New Years Eve trip.

alltrain

Very reasonable prices. All of the displays are in the individual cells of the Women's Cell Block that has been turned into the museum. The museum is located next to the territorial prison. Very informative about the early prison system and the riot of 1929.

anthonyp736

Housed in the once womens part of the prison this museum provides an insight in to the world of the incarcerated. Very interesting displays of prisoners past and their deeds. We can thouroughly recommend a visit if you are in Canon City

Aikid0

If you've ever wondered about the history of a prison, this is the place to get a living education. Right next to the operating Territorial Correctional Facility. Great gift shop with really interesting books. Adults and kids will love it.

OwatonnaTraveler

Set up very well. You go on a self guided tour from cell to cell to read the history of the people who were in that actual cell or about others who had been in the prison. In these cells are actual items & articles of clothing used & worn by the guards and by prisoners. You then go down a level and see where the prisoners ate and did other things. There is more information to read and items to see on the lower level. This museum encompasses past prisoners, guards, and wardons. I would never have guessed that there were so many prisons just in the state of Colorado. The prison that is next to/attached to the museum is an actual working prison. Gives you a bit of thrill along with history.

filmclip

In a state where prison is big business, this objective little museum is quite refreshing. Very frank about previous corruption and brutality but also conveys an era where inmates were treated more compassionately and had access to musical instruments, materials to decorate their cells and even a jukebox. Quite comprehensive and very thoughtful in recounting the history and also addressing current concerns. Inmate made crafts are for sale in the gift store. Retired gas chamber is on display. Probably not everyone's cup of tea but truly an excellent experience.

P3188GLdaveb

What an interesting place. Full of history and culture. Canon City itself is a bit interesting. Went for an early morning jog and ran past there detainment facilities. The Museum was well kept, with friendly front counter help, and the self-guided book was easy to follow. Our middle school students had a blast looking into the eerie past of the prison systems.

Hancho

The history of the prison with its many stories is extremely well told. The exhibits cover the entire spectrum of life in this state prison

fiftys0mething

Most unusual and interesting museum. Former women's prison houses the displays. Hard to believe the Territorial Prison next door opened in1868 and is still operational. Previously functional gas chamber on display.

SMK850

We really enjoyed visiting this museum. The young lady at reception was very welcoming and gave us lots of interesting information. The audio tour was particularly good.

gizmo1cat

Gives you an eye opening look at prison life - past and present. Also, there are some very talented artists in prison.