Things to Do at Old Idaho Penitentiary
Complete Guide to Old Idaho Penitentiary in Boise
About Old Idaho Penitentiary
What to See & Do
Death Row and Gallows
The most sobering part of the tour - you can see the actual gallows where executions took place and walk through the cramped death row cells. The preserved graffiti and personal effects give you a genuine sense of what those final days might have been like.
Solitary Confinement Cells
These tiny, windowless cells are genuinely unsettling. Some still have prisoner artwork scratched into the walls, and you'll understand pretty quickly why solitary confinement was considered the worst punishment short of execution.
Cell House Tours
The main cell blocks are surprisingly well-preserved, with many cells set up to show different eras of prison life. You'll see everything from the sparse early territorial period to the more 'modern' 1960s setup with actual prisoner belongings.
Prison Museum Exhibits
The museum houses an impressive collection of confiscated weapons, escape tools, and prisoner artwork. The exhibit on famous inmates is particularly fascinating - these weren't just petty criminals but some genuinely notorious characters.
Outdoor Exercise Yard
Walking the yard gives you a sense of the prison's massive scale and the high walls that kept inmates contained. You can still see the guard towers and imagine what daily life might have been like for both prisoners and guards.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Open daily 10am-5pm from May through September, weekends only 12pm-5pm October through April. Closed major holidays and during winter weather events.
Tickets & Pricing
Adults $8, seniors (62+) $6, youth (6-17) $5, children under 6 free. Group rates available for 10 or more. Cash, card, and check accepted at the gate.
Best Time to Visit
Late spring through early fall offers the best weather for exploring the outdoor areas. Weekday visits tend to be less crowded, and you'll likely get more personal attention from the volunteer guides.
Suggested Duration
Plan on 2-3 hours for a thorough visit. The self-guided tour can be done in 90 minutes, but the place is interesting enough that you'll probably want to linger and read the detailed exhibits.
Getting There
Things to Do Nearby
Just a few minutes away, these 50 acres of themed gardens are perfect for lightening the mood after the prison tour. Particularly beautiful in spring and summer.
A 25-mile paved pathway that's great for walking, biking, or just decompressing along the river. You can access it right near the penitentiary and follow it all the way back to downtown.
About 10 minutes up into the foothills, this hiking trail offers excellent views of Boise and the valley. It's a moderate hike that's worth it for the panoramic views.
Located along the Greenbelt, this small but well-done nature center focuses on local wildlife and has some nice walking trails. Good for families with kids who might need something lighter after the prison.
On your way to or from the penitentiary, you'll drive through this charming neighborhood with beautiful historic homes and tree-lined streets that date back to Boise's early days.