STATUS UPDATE – CLOSED:
On the morning of Thursday, May 23, the Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP) officials learned the tornado that hit Jefferson City, Missouri caused damage to the property. After an assessment, it has been determined that the property will need to undergo repairs. It is with a heavy heart, and with safety in mind, that the MSP tours will be suspended until further notice. While we never like to close the doors to our tourists, this process will better help us tell the story of MSP and its past and present history. For updates regarding the MSP, please follow our Facebook page. If you had a tour reservation, our office will be in contact to refund you.
Choose Your Fate
Do Some Time in Jefferson City, MO
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!
Voted the #1 Activity in Jefferson City on TripAdvisor
Take this tour!
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., TripAdvisor
The best historical tour
Michael 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., TripAdvisor
Do the ghost tour!
My 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., TripAdvisor
Great tour
The 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., TripAdvisor
Interactive, informational and a little spooky!
The 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., TripAdvisor
Very interesting tour
The 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., TripAdvisor
Great tour!
We 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., TripAdvisor
Overnight tour
Our 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., TripAdvisor
100 Years Older Than Alcatraz
Tour one of the longest-running prisons in the U.S. that closed after 168 years.
Infamous Inmates
Walk the same halls as notorious prisoners like James Earl Ray & Sonny Liston.
Home of the Gas Chamber
See the gas chamber where 40 inmates were put to death between 1937-1989.
"Bloodiest 47 Acres in the US"
Explore one of the largest prisons in the U.S. that once housed 4,900 criminals.