Old Idaho Penitentiary Site
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
The Old Idaho Penitentiary Site offers a unique blend of rich, often 'eerie' history, making it an intriguing visit for families, especially around Halloween. Its primary value comes from highly engaging guided tours led by passionate storytellers, which provide exclusive access to areas not available to general admission. Visitors can expect to delve into historical incarceration, learn fascinating lore like the story of Dennis the cat, and 'feel' the site's unique, sometimes unsettling, energy.
Key Highlights
- ✓Guided tours (specifically with guides like Mariah, Leslie, or Abby) are highly recommended, offering incredible storytelling, deep historical insights, and exclusive access to areas off-limits to general admission.
- ✓Staff are consistently described as incredibly kind, knowledgeable, energetic, and passionate, significantly enhancing the visitor experience.
- ✓The site features compelling historical narratives, including the gallows, stories of notorious prisoners (Raymond Snowden), and the 'adorable legacy' of Dennis the prison cat.
- ✓The grounds are well-maintained, contributing to the overall 'eerie' and 'creepy' historical atmosphere, particularly appealing for Halloween-themed outings.
Standout Features
- ⭐Highly knowledgeable, engaging, and passionate tour guides (e.g., Mariah, Leslie, Abby) who make history come alive.
- ⭐Exclusive access to certain historical areas only available through guided tours.
- ⭐The unique 'eerie' and 'creepy' historical atmosphere, making it a fitting (though intense) Halloween destination.
- ⭐Its status as a National Registry of Historic Places site, offering significant historical learning opportunities.
- ⭐Beautiful location East of Boise, providing a scenic backdrop.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →**Always opt for a guided tour:** Pay the extra $2.00 for the guided tour for a significantly richer experience, deeper insights, and access to restricted areas.
- →**Request specific guides:** If possible, ask for guides like Leslie or Abby, who are highlighted for their exceptional storytelling and knowledge.
- →**Plan for at least two hours:** Allow ample time to explore the site comprehensively, especially if taking a guided tour.
- →**Dress for the weather:** Wear warm layers during colder months, as most buildings are unheated. Consider warmer shoes as well.
- →**Wear comfortable shoes:** Expect a lot of walking, much of it outdoors, so comfortable footwear is essential.
- →**Consider timing your visit:** Visiting on a 'nice, warm day' (like Easter mentioned in a review) can enhance the experience, especially for outdoor areas.
- →**Inquire about specific tours:** If you have particular interests (e.g., the cemetery), ask if specialized tours are available.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Most buildings are unheated (except the Weapons Exhibit), requiring visitors to dress warmly, especially during winter months.
- ⚠A significant amount of walking is done outdoors, necessitating comfortable and appropriate footwear.
- ⚠Some specific areas, such as the Botanical Gardens (where the cemetery and Raymond Snowden's grave are located) and Dennis the cat's headstone, may be seasonally closed or easily missed on a single visit.
- ⚠Self-guided visits may lack the depth and engagement provided by the guided tours, potentially resulting in a less impactful experience.
Price & Value
Admission price is 'very reasonable'. Guided tours cost an additional $2.00, which is highly recommended as a worthwhile investment for the significantly enhanced experience, exclusive access to certain areas, and expert storytelling. This modest extra cost provides substantial value.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •No specific accommodations mentioned for special needs in the reviews. The description of 'a lot of walking outside' and 'buildings are not heated' suggests potential challenges for some visitors.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •Not mentioned in the reviews.
🚗Parking Info
- •Not mentioned in the reviews, but the 'beautiful location East of Boise' implies it might be accessible.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Not explicitly mentioned in the reviews, but the desire to 'ask questions' and 'take a tour' suggests that tours might have a set pace, which could impact individual exploration time.
🛡️Safety Features
- •No specific safety features mentioned, beyond the well-kept grounds.
⏰When to Avoid
- • Families with very young children (under 10) who may be sensitive to intense historical themes of incarceration, execution, or the 'eerie' atmosphere.
- • Visiting in winter if you are sensitive to cold, as most buildings are unheated and much of the tour is outdoors.
- • Expectations of a traditional 'Halloween kids activity' with lighthearted decorations or trick-or-treating; this is a historical site with a naturally spooky ambiance, not a themed event.
- • Self-guided tours if you want the most informative and immersive experience, as reviews suggest they are significantly less engaging than guided options.
Pricing/Package/Events
Pricing & Packages
Jade (Individual) Membership
$50Duration: 1 year
Benefits for one named member.
Includes:
- •Complimentary admission to ISHS sites (including Old Idaho Penitentiary)
- •One, one-time use guest pass
- •“Members First” early access to exhibits
- •Early registration to select events
- •Access to the Idaho History Reciprocal Membership Program (free admission to participating museums across Idaho)
- •15% discount in agency stores and online
- •Annual historic walking group tour
- •Access to Time Travelers network
- •Mountain Light bi-annual newsletter
- •Illuminating Idaho: Narratives from the Idaho State Historian (monthly member exclusive letter)
- •Optional subscription to Histor-E newsletter
- •Discount for youth education programs and family activities (varies by program)
Topaz (Dual) Membership
$75Duration: 1 year
Benefits for two named members.
Includes:
- •Benefits of Jade Level for two named members
- •Two, one-time use guest passes
- •Complimentary admission to ISHS sites (including Old Idaho Penitentiary)
- •“Members First” early access to exhibits
- •Early registration to select events
- •Access to the Idaho History Reciprocal Membership Program (free admission to participating museums across Idaho)
- •15% discount in agency stores and online
- •Annual historic walking group tour
- •Access to Time Travelers network
- •Mountain Light bi-annual newsletter
- •Illuminating Idaho: Narratives from the Idaho State Historian (monthly member exclusive letter)
- •Optional subscription to Histor-E newsletter
- •Discount for youth education programs and family activities (varies by program)
Sapphire (Family) Membership
$100Duration: 1 year
Benefits for two named members and guests.
Includes:
- •Benefits of Topaz Level for two named members
- •Up to five guest passes
- •Complimentary admission to ISHS sites (including Old Idaho Penitentiary)
- •“Members First” early access to exhibits
- •Early registration to select events
- •Access to the Idaho History Reciprocal Membership Program (free admission to participating museums across Idaho)
- •15% discount in agency stores and online
- •Annual historic walking group tour
- •Access to Time Travelers network
- •Mountain Light bi-annual newsletter
- •Illuminating Idaho: Narratives from the Idaho State Historian (monthly member exclusive letter)
- •Optional subscription to Histor-E newsletter
- •Discount for youth education programs and family activities (varies by program)
Quartz Membership
$250Enhanced benefits including behind-the-scenes tours.
Includes:
- •All benefits of the Sapphire membership
- •Behind-the-scenes tours
- •Complimentary admission to ISHS sites (including Old Idaho Penitentiary)
- •“Members First” early access to exhibits
- •Early registration to select events
- •Access to the Idaho History Reciprocal Membership Program (free admission to participating museums across Idaho)
- •15% discount in agency stores and online
- •Annual historic walking group tour
- •Access to Time Travelers network
- •Mountain Light bi-annual newsletter
- •Illuminating Idaho: Narratives from the Idaho State Historian (monthly member exclusive letter)
- •Optional subscription to Histor-E newsletter
- •Discount for youth education programs and family activities (varies by program)
Garnet Membership
$500Premium benefits including gifting a membership.
Includes:
- •All benefits of the Quartz membership
- •Ability to gift one Jade membership to a friend or family member
- •Complimentary admission to ISHS sites (including Old Idaho Penitentiary)
- •“Members First” early access to exhibits
- •Early registration to select events
- •Access to the Idaho History Reciprocal Membership Program (free admission to participating museums across Idaho)
- •15% discount in agency stores and online
- •Annual historic walking group tour
- •Access to Time Travelers network
- •Mountain Light bi-annual newsletter
- •Illuminating Idaho: Narratives from the Idaho State Historian (monthly member exclusive letter)
- •Optional subscription to Histor-E newsletter
- •Discount for youth education programs and family activities (varies by program)
Legacy Level: Preservationist Circle Membership
$1,000Duration: 1 year
Advanced benefits for dedicated supporters.
Includes:
- •All benefits of the Garnet membership
- •Six one-time use guest passes
- •Complimentary admission to ISHS sites (including Old Idaho Penitentiary)
- •“Members First” early access to exhibits
- •Early registration to select events
- •Access to the Idaho History Reciprocal Membership Program (free admission to participating museums across Idaho)
- •15% discount in agency stores and online
- •Annual historic walking group tour
- •Access to Time Travelers network
- •Mountain Light bi-annual newsletter
- •Illuminating Idaho: Narratives from the Idaho State Historian (monthly member exclusive letter)
- •Optional subscription to Histor-E newsletter
- •Discount for youth education programs and family activities (varies by program)
Legacy Level: Historian's Circle Membership
$2,500Duration: 1 year
Higher tier benefits including gifting multiple memberships.
Includes:
- •All benefits of the Preservationist Circle
- •Ability to gift two Jade memberships to friends or family members
- •Complimentary admission to ISHS sites (including Old Idaho Penitentiary)
- •“Members First” early access to exhibits
- •Early registration to select events
- •Access to the Idaho History Reciprocal Membership Program (free admission to participating museums across Idaho)
- •15% discount in agency stores and online
- •Annual historic walking group tour
- •Access to Time Travelers network
- •Mountain Light bi-annual newsletter
- •Illuminating Idaho: Narratives from the Idaho State Historian (monthly member exclusive letter)
- •Optional subscription to Histor-E newsletter
- •Discount for youth education programs and family activities (varies by program)
Legacy Level: Director's Circle Membership
$5,000Duration: 1 year
Executive level benefits including gifting a Sapphire membership.
Includes:
- •All benefits of the Historian’s Circle
- •Ability to gift one Sapphire membership to a friend or family member
- •Complimentary admission to ISHS sites (including Old Idaho Penitentiary)
- •“Members First” early access to exhibits
- •Early registration to select events
- •Access to the Idaho History Reciprocal Membership Program (free admission to participating museums across Idaho)
- •15% discount in agency stores and online
- •Annual historic walking group tour
- •Access to Time Travelers network
- •Mountain Light bi-annual newsletter
- •Illuminating Idaho: Narratives from the Idaho State Historian (monthly member exclusive letter)
- •Optional subscription to Histor-E newsletter
- •Discount for youth education programs and family activities (varies by program)
Legacy Level: Governor's Circle Membership
$10,000Duration: 1 year
Highest level benefits including gifting multiple Sapphire memberships.
Includes:
- •All benefits of the Director’s Circle
- •Ability to gift two Sapphire memberships to friends or family members
- •Complimentary admission to ISHS sites (including Old Idaho Penitentiary)
- •“Members First” early access to exhibits
- •Early registration to select events
- •Access to the Idaho History Reciprocal Membership Program (free admission to participating museums across Idaho)
- •15% discount in agency stores and online
- •Annual historic walking group tour
- •Access to Time Travelers network
- •Mountain Light bi-annual newsletter
- •Illuminating Idaho: Narratives from the Idaho State Historian (monthly member exclusive letter)
- •Optional subscription to Histor-E newsletter
- •Discount for youth education programs and family activities (varies by program)
Legacy Level: Arthur Hart Society
$1,000/Yr. DonationDuration: Five Years
Donation-based legacy level. Contact shsinformation@ishs.idaho.gov for more information.
Events & Schedule
Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)
Sleepless in Stripes 2025
October 4, 2025
Not specified (tagged as Holiday, Locktober Events, Public Program)
An overnight event at the Old Idaho Penitentiary, typically part of Locktober Events.
Behind the Scenes Tours 2025
October 11, 2025
Not specified (tagged as Holiday, Locktober Events, Public Program)
An evening tour at the Old Idaho Penitentiary, typically part of Locktober Events.
📅Booking Policy
- • Guided tour reservations are not available in advance; book on-site at the Old Idaho Penitentiary front desk.
- • Guided tours have limited capacity and are first-come, first-served.
🚗Parking Information
- • Free Parking Available.
What People Say
What's Great
- Friendly and helpful staff (mentioned in 5 reviews)
Recent Reviews
LaneyCrockett
a week agoWe took a tour with mariah and I learned so much. She’s an incredible storyteller with a lot of passion and curiosity. If I walked around without the tour I would not have had the same experience. Highly recommend
Sara McCleary
a month agoVery interesting and informative historical site. In a beautiful location East of Boise. Staff were incredibly kind and knowledgeable! My favorite part was learning of Dennis the cat and his adorable legacy. The gallows were absolutely fascinating and briefly give you a glimpse into how Idahos incarceration and execution procedures operated historically. I wish we would have had time to ask questions and take a tour, so we will be back. You just have to go and “feel” the energy for yourself.
Andrea Wilkerson
a week agoWhile visiting my niece in Boise this is the ONE place I really wanted to visit. We went on one of the guided tours, and our guide Leslie was so full of knowledge and lore of the prison. She was fantastic! She had terrific stories and insight. I highly recommend paying the extra $2.00 for the guided tour (and ask for Leslie!) because you get to visit a couple places that are off limits to regular guests. The admission price is very reasonable, even with the added price for the guided tour. Plan to spend at least two hours there, and dress warmly in the winter. There is a lot of walking outside (wear good shoes) and the buildings are not heated, with the exception of the Weapons Exhibit. I would love to go back because there were a few things I missed, like the headstone of Dennis, the prison cat. The Botanical Gardens were also closed, which is where the cemetery is, so we were not able to see the grave of Raymond Snowden. (Notorious prisoner, and last one to be executed there.) Don’t miss this place! It is on the National Registry of Historic Places for good reason! Update: I returned to the Penitentiary on Easter to see some of the things I missed. It was nice being there on such a nice, warm day. Once again it was a great experience with a friendly staff and the ability to see new artifacts and places.
Shawn Foo
a month agoDid the cemetery tour with Abby - she is the BEST!!! Highly energetic, funny, and so knowledgeable about things around the Old Pen! I totally enjoyed myself! To Abby's bosses: you need more funds, and she needs a raise!!! :D
Timothy Bird
5 months agoThis place is an eerie place to get to tour it. Some people it is hunted and D that does not surprise me at all as this is a very old place that housed done very evil and sick in the minds. It is a big difference to today’s place to hold such people today. The ground are well kept and if your up for creepy then go here for a tour 👻☠️