Downright scary and absolutely horrifying! That was pretty much what we thought we would find when touring the historic Wyoming Frontier Prison. And thats pretty close to what we got. As a family that has stayed on the right side of the law, the inside of a prison is something we have only seen on TV (or jury duty). But we were passing through Rawlins, Wyoming and had some time on our hands to go learn some history. A quick google search led us to the Wyoming Frontier Prison. We frequently tour around in our RV, and our road led us right through Rawlins, Wyoming.
The History of Wyoming Frontier Prison
The prison opened in 1901, December to be exact. December 1901 with no water, no power and very little heat… sounds like those inmates were in for a long sentence no matter what their time given there. About 5 years later an addition was completed to help with the overcrowding and Cell block B was opened. It had better heat and hot water, and as the better place to be it was where the better behaved prisoners were housed. Sounds like reason enough to behave while there. There was also a punishment pole in the jail that allowed the corrections officers of the time to handcuff unruly inmates in order to beat them with a rubber hose.
Wyoming Frontier Prison in Rawlins, Wyoming
in 1916 a “death house” was added to keep those on death row in a separate building. We were able to walk up to it (very steep stairs). The inmates on death row had a clear view of an inmate walking to their death whether his death was by hanging or by gas chamber. You can go in and stand where the Gallows once was and look out the tiny window they looked out just before his death. In all 9 inmates were hanged. We were also able to see the gas chamber where 5 inmates took their last breath. The museum even allows anyone who wishes to sit in the gas chamber. In all 14 death sentences were carried out here.
Where death row inmates were housed
The last view an inmate would see before being hanged. A tiny little sliver of a window to see outside.
Wyoming Frontier Prison in Rawlins, Wyoming
The prisoners at one time were making small wages working in factories on the grounds. But eventually the business they were in had to change as they were no longer allowed to sell outside the state of Wyoming. So the next venture began and the state license plates were then made here until they closed the prison in 1981. The prison had been in use for 80 years.
Solitary confinement. Crazy enough, in the winter some inmates would stir up trouble to get in here. It was warmer here than the rest of the jail.
The prison sat empty and abandoned until 1987 when a movie called “Prison” was filmed here. After the movie filming was over a group got together and saved the historical site and has opened it as a museum.
Visiting the Prison
When you come, expect a massive building that was built more than 100 years ago. There are low ceilings, narrow walkways, and peeling paint. Attempts are made to keep the visiting public safe, but they can only do so much without destroying the history of the place. The prison is not wheelchair or stroller accessible and the tour does include lots of walking. BUT is so worth it.
As a mom, I was concerned with whether this was a kid friendly thing. (I would not recommend kids that can’t walk for an hour.) My youngest is 8 and I didn’t want to scar her for life. I am the type of mom that is not at all shy about leaving a situation I am no longer comfortable in. I have zero embarrassment on protecting my kids. If you don’t feel the same, I recommend not visiting. Our tour guide had so many stories to tell, but I think she kept many of them toned down. When we went up to the death house I was prepared to wait outside with them, but it wasn’t so bad. Maybe because our kids don’t know anyone in prison so they can just look at it as a historical place. This is something that will be different for all families. I will say though, our tour was not at all gory and our guide wasn’t in for scare tactics or gross jokes. She was respectful of the history that took place here. HOWEVER, we were there in August. She did say Halloween is not the time to come for kids. Also, probably not the time to go for this mom.
Cell Block B
There is a museum area inside the prison, but the tour and the guide’s stories was by far the most interesting part of it all. I wish I could remember our guides name, but had so much knowledge on the prison.
The prison is a seasonal museum/tour. As it is not heated (or can’t possibly be heated well) their winter season is not as active as the rest of the year. They do a big halloween event for several days, so if you are really into scary stuff I can’t imagine there being a better spot to be.
Prison tours as of August, 2022 was $10 per person and worth every single penny.
The prison is located at 500 West Walnut in Rawlins, Wyoming.
Check their website or Facebook Page if you are curious on if they are open or not.
Haunted Halloween Tour at Wyoming Frontier Prison
It is my understanding that every year the prison goes all out for Halloween. The tours are only $10 but require reservations. It doesn’t sound like it is for the faint of heart. You can make reservations online now for their October 28,29, and 31 2022 tours. It is not handicapped accessible, and the tour is very fast paced!
The prison yard
Parking
They have free parking right in front of the prison, and it looked as though there was plenty of parking on the street.
Some prison slang terms
Where We Stayed
We were staying at an RV park near here for the night. Great spot for a quick in and out to get back on the road the next morning. Western Hills Campground & RV Park. Full hook-ups, a great park for kids, laundry, camp store, and a miniature golf course… We arrived when they weren’t many others around yet, so it was a little confusing on which spot was ours… but otherwise its a great RV stop.
