This Former Idaho Prison Is Thought To Be One Of The Most Haunted Places On Earth
By Courtnie Erickson|Published March 24, 2022
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
Idaho is full of haunted places. From schools to hiking trails, you can easily find a place to be spooked in the Gem State. However, a historic building in Boise is believed to be one of the most haunted, creepy locations in the state — the Old Idaho Penitentiary. In fact, a visit to this former prison is sure to leave chills down your spine.
If you love history, you’ve likely paid a visit to the Old Idaho Penitentiary or have at least learned about it. This former prison is one of Idaho's most historic buildings and was built in 1870 as a one-cell house.
As time went on, more buildings and a large sandstone wall were built. Fun fact about the construction of the Old Idaho Penitentiary: many prisoners actually helped in the construction process by mining at a nearby quarry.
The prison operated for 101 years and up to 600 prisoners could be held in the prison at a time. Over the years, more than 13,000 convicts lived within its walls.
There is much history related to the Old Idaho Penitentiary that has captivated historians, tourists, and Idaho residents throughout the years. However, ghost hunters in particular have been intrigued by this historic building.
The reports of paranormal activity at this former prison are quite extensive. Visitors claim to have heard voices, been physically touched, or experienced a strange feeling on the property.
Some paranormal groups have reported seeing and capturing weird images on their cameras. Even multiple television shows have come to the property, hoping to settle the debate once and for all if the Old Idaho Penitentiary is truly haunted.
The 5 House is believed to be the most haunted building on the property and is where the most paranormal activity is reported.
In 1956, Ray Snowden was convicted of murder and sentenced to death by hanging. His death occurred in House 5 at the Old Idaho Penitentiary. While his body is now long gone, it is believed that his spirit never left and he continues to haunt this area of the prison. You can learn more about Snowden in this article.
Despite the prison closing in 1973, you can walk through its doors today. This historic site is opened seven days a week and guided tours are available for an additional fee.
Plus, if you love to be spooked, you can experience a night of fright during a haunted tour of the prison each fall. These tours come complete with chilling stories about the history, hauntings, and other creepy things that occurred on the property.
For more information on the history of the Old Idaho Penitentiary, guided tours, and the haunted history tours, visit the Idaho Historical Society website.
Have you been to this former prison in Idaho? Do you believe it is haunted? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
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