Tours run from March - November each year. There are no tours during December, January or February.
Step back in time and discover the intriguing history of the infamous Missouri State Penitentiary on this guided tour! Hear about escape attempts, riots, female inmates, and more.
Tour the spooky halls of the Missouri State Penitentiary and experience a fascinating part of Jefferson City’s history as you walk through the dungeon cells and other areas of the prison.
The Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP) was decommissioned in 2004 and now serves as a great historic landmark in downtown Jefferson City. Visitors can choose to take a history, ghost, or photography tour, and will walk through several incredibly historic housing units, the vast upper yard of the property and the gas chamber, where 40 men and women were executed. Also available are paranormal investigations where you will hear about the first-hand ghostly sightings at MSP and hunt for paranormal activity! Have a group of students looking for an unforgettable learning experience? All of our tour types can be adapted for student groups!
The History tour was really awesome. The history of the first and oldest MO state penitentiary was really fascinating, as well as learning about what some of the first inmates had to endure. I will definitely go back! Michael seriously is a great tour guide and has the best guide voice.
– Shayna B., TripAdvisorMichael was so passionate about the tour and new the prison's history in great detail. There is a lot of walking inside and out so dress appropriately. I never knew there was so much history about the Missouri Penal system. I took the Alcatraz tour but this one was definitely more interesting.
– Wendy W., TripAdvisorMy brother used to be a guard at the prison. He knew I was into ghost hunting so we got the two hour ghost tour, because the overnight ones were sold out. Great tour! If you love history, creepy, and interesting history, I highly recommend visiting. They do a great job.
– Cassandra C., TripAdvisorThe tour was great. Took the 2-hr History tour. Our guide Bill did an excellent job and was quite comical. I would definetly recommend this to anyone. Wish would have taken 3-hr tour. There was talk of an R-rated tour that would be great, then could talk more about things that happened inside the walls.
– Dusty D., TripAdvisorThe 2 hour ghost tour was a blast. The guide was very well versed on the facility and its residents. She also knew all of the ghost legends in the facility as well. We were also able to take some pictures. I would definitely recommend this tour. My cousin and I are planning our next visit for an overnight tour!
– Shelby K C., TripAdvisorThe History Tour was a pleasant surprise. Our guide, Larry Neal, made the entire two-hour tour interesting with both historical facts and through sharing of his own experiences from working at the prison. If you have a couple of hours free and would like to learn some history, this is well worth your time.
– Gail F., TripAdvisorWe did the 6-8 History Tour with Mike & Aloha. Both were extremely knowledgeable and very passionate about the facility and its rich history. My oldest daughter has a lot of anxiety and this tour was incredibly considerate to her needs without making her feel excluded in any way. Thank you! Highly recommend!
– Christine M., TripAdvisorOur overnight guides were great, we had a outstanding group to tour with. The overnight tour is worth every dime and the spending time in such an historic location is a great experience that will never be forgotten. Jefferson City also gets a five star rating!
– Philip B., TripAdvisorTour one of the longest-running prisons in the U.S. that closed after 168 years.
Walk the same halls as notorious prisoners like James Earl Ray & Sonny Liston.
See the gas chamber where 40 inmates were put to death between 1937-1989.
Explore one of the largest prisons in the U.S. that once housed 4,900 criminals.
