Museum of Colorado Prisons

Prior to visiting this museum a local advised to watch the 1949 "Canon City" movie through youtube to get a context of what this museum is all about. Although this museum is actually the Woman's side of the prison (Man's side is still in use), you still get the full gest of how it's built. To start, we had to park in the back since the F-450 was too big to fit in the small front parking lot. We toured the outside of the walls for about 30 minutes reviewing the buildings and gas chamber. There wasn't any cost associated with that. I guess this is to "wet your whistle" before entering the main museum and gift shop. Walking up the 20 steep steps to get into the door we were greeting by an enthusiastic receptionist that gave us a quick overview of the facilities. Then we went on a self-paced tour. There was approx 30 cells, each outfitted with memorabilia and history of events, weapons used by inmates, riot control items, uniforms, movie garb, medical items, Warden Best saddles, and stories about how, when and where the history took place, gang member photos, chow hall, fire department equipment, and all the other items you'd expect to house all the inmates. THEN, there was the lower deck that portrayed inmate created items, infirmary, scale models replica of the gas chamber and how it was built and how rehabilitation for prisoners was their primary goals. As you exited the lower deck you can visit the gift shop. Some pretty neat stuff in there. This should be a bucket list item and we highly recommend you spend the 10 bucks to get in. We spent about an hour 1/2 here

We had some time to kill in the area, and although hesitant to go spend time in a museum, the first exhibit---the gas chamber---got my interest! For 12 bucks (Oct 2023), I have to say that I was truly amazed by how drawn in I was by the displays in the jail cells. There are a lot of printed stories about past prisoners, events, and I found myself reading one after the other after the other. Next thing I know, although I had planned for an hour visit, I was 2hrs into the visit and had more stuff to read. If you have the time to go here, go in, specially if you like crime stories. I'm not a fan, but even then, I was captivated by what I was reading. I honestly thought we would walk in, walk around and leave, but instead, I found myself reading stories, searching for more on my phone, and well, next thing i know, had to leave cause had no more time to spend here. Worth the 12 bucks!

Neat little place, staff was friendly. Lots to look at and learn. Has some unusual items, coffin, gas chamber, escape ladders, prison art etc. Has a gift shop that apparently current inmates make the clothing & gifts while currently incarcerated. Self guided, takes about an hour give or take. Your given a very detailed booklet to explain in additional detail info about different exhibits. Helpful but alot of reading. We enjoyed looking around on our own mostly because everything is labled with good descriptions of what your looking at. Only complaint is not really anywhere to sit to get off your feet other than a couple chairs on lower level. Otherwise pretty cool & reasonably priced.

The Museum of Colorado Prisons was quite an interesting, historical, and unique tourist attraction that was quite proactive and informative. Visitors get an all encompassing look at what life was like, not only for the prisoners, but the guard staff and warden a like. The building that the museum is housed in is a former prison itself, so you get a first hand experience in person of what the prison was like. There is some great and interesting artifacts throughout the museum.