Missouri State Penitentiary
Tour the Missouri State Penitentiary and hear the stories that defined the prison for 168 years.
Book NowOnce the oldest continually operating prison west of the Mississippi River, the Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP) operated for 168 years before decommissioning in 2004. It now serves as a great historic landmark in downtown Jefferson City welcoming thousands of guests annually from all over the world. Whether visitors choose to take a history or ghost tour, they will walk through historic housing units, the upper courtyard, and the gas chamber.
Popular Tours
5 and Under Not Permitted
2 hours
State pen was a great visit . Our guides Jim and Dave were very knowledgeable and made it very interesting. I’m thankful the state has not removed it and put in a parking lot . So much history there, the architecture and people.
Jerry H.
I would highly recommend this tour. I chose to do the 2 hour daily tour and our tour guide was very knowledge and passionate. He had once worked at the prison and was able to share insights and personal stories on his time employed at the prison.
Renee D.
Went to the overnight twice. Both times were great! The second time there was about twice as many people as the first, so it wasn't quite as creepy, but still really fun. Probably going to go twice a year from now on. Really enjoy it.
Curt J.
In our group were 6 people and we thoroughly enjoyed the tour. The 2 hour tour did not seem that long and Michael did a terrific job walking us through life in the Pentitenuary. We would recommend it to anyone and our hope is that this tour will continue.
Dalene R.
I was there last Saturday for the 2 hr history tour with Mike. It was fantastic!!! Very informative and fun! He definitely knows and LOVES MSP. We stopped at several locations throughout the prison. I will come back just for this tour.
Rachel W.
We did a 2 hour history tour. Our tour guide Kathy was amazing. She was very informative and upbeat. She even kept the attention of my 13 year old (which is hard). I highly recommend taking a tour of this historic building.
Desiree W.
It was the last tour of the season, it was cold but interesting. The tour guide said blondes or redheads were likely to be touched. My wife a redhead was touched on the upper arm by something with nobody close to her.
James K.
I’ve always wanted to do an haunted tourand I’m visiting family in Columbia for Thanksgiving. It was amazing, Reese was amazing, she is so knowledgeable and makes it so fun. All of the staff were great. I definitely want to come back and do the five hour haunted tour.
Edene M.
The tour guide Reece was amazing and had great energy. Not alot of scares but it makes us want to come so we can explore for way longer. Mr. Duncan was also great about answering questions. We would 💯 do this again and plan on it.
Megan M.
Inside the Experience
Real guest reviews from visitors who have walked the cellblocks, explored the prison’s history, and experienced its darker side firsthand.
