Tour This Historic Wyoming Prison For An Unforgettable Experience
The wild history of Wyoming is rife with stories of outlaws like Butch Cassidy and Jesse James. Our fractious frontier history tells of outlaw hideouts, larceny, bank robberies and more! Some of Wyoming’s most notorious criminals did time at the dangerous Wyoming Territorial Prison before it was shuttered in 1901.
Wyoming Territorial Prison was one of the most infamous penitentiaries of its time and it held hundreds of dangerous outlaws.
The Auburn System of prison management was one of the strictest. Inmates at Wyoming Territorial were sentenced to hard labor, required to be silent at all times, and they had their names replaced with numbers, to remove their identities.
The site was just under 2 acres and it had a terrible reputation from the beginning. In its early years, jailbreaks were common, and there was a large fire within a year of opening. In 1901, it was shuttered and turned over to the University of Wyoming. Eventually, it was opened to the public for tours.
The history behind this prison is fascinating. Here, you can see some of the pardons issued for inmates... note the "seal" scribbled at the bottom.
Guided tours are also offered from Thursday through Monday. Whether you explore on your own or with a guide, you'll see all parts of this incredible historic site.
Visit the restored Warden's house to learn about those who were in charge of this rowdy fortress.
When you visit, you'll be able to see the life of a Wyoming Territorial inmate up close. Actors play the part of their assigned inmate in such a convincing way!
Admission is just $5 for adults and $2.50 for children aged 11-17. Kids under 11 years old are admitted free of charge.
Wyoming Territorial Prison is located at 975 Snowy Range Rd., Laramie, WY 82070. It’s one of the most fascinating historic sites in the entire state, and you’ve got to visit at least once!
Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
