Overview

Hype:

The Old Idaho Penitentiary State Historic Site was a functional prison from 1872 to 1973. The first building, also known as the Territorial Prison, was constructed in the Territory of Idaho in 1870; the territory was seven years old when the prison was built, a full two decades before statehood. From its beginnings as a single cell house, the penitentiary grew to a complex of several distinctive buildings surrounded by a 17-foot-high sandstone wall. The stone was quarried from the nearby ridges by the resident convicts, who also assisted in later constructions. The Old Idaho Penitentiary is operated by the Idaho State Historical Society.

Time:

Fees: Admission

Recommended Ages:

	0-3
	4-11
	12-19
	20-49
	50-69
	70+

Recommended Months to Visit:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Links: https://history.idaho.gov/oldpen/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Idaho_State_Penitentiary

Location

Closest City or Region: Boise, Idaho

Coordinates: 43.602851, -116.161974

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July 6, 2023 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye, Tara Dye, Savannah Dye, Madilyn Dye, Cooper Dye,

Story

The Old Idaho Penitentiary was a big eye opener for the kids.

Pictures