Old Idaho Penitentiary Site
4.7(3,237)4.7 out of 5 stars, 3237 reviews Boise, ID
About Old Idaho Penitentiary Site
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.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families with pre-teens or teens (10+) interested in history, unique historical sites, or a 'creepy'/'eerie' experience around Halloween.Educational outings focusing on Idaho's history and correctional system.Visitors looking for a guided tour that offers in-depth storytelling and exclusive access.Those who appreciate historical sites with a tangible sense of atmosphere and past events.**Pre-Teens/Teens (10+ years):** Ideal for this age group due to the complex historical context, stories of incarceration/execution, and the 'eerie'/'creepy' atmosphere. They are more likely to appreciate the storytelling and historical significance, especially if interested in true crime or ghost stories, making it suitable for Halloween.
Why families love it
- 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.
- 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.
Insider tips
- **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.
Good to know before you go
- 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.
- Most buildings are unheated (except the Weapons Exhibit), requiring visitors to dress warmly, especially during winter months.
- Crowds
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- Safety
- No specific safety features mentioned, beyond the well-kept grounds.
What parents say
"We 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"
a week ago
"Very 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."
a month ago
"While 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"
a week ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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