If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to walk a mile in a convict’s jumpsuit—without the actual jail time—Canon City has just the spot. Nestled against the foothills of the Rockies, the Museum of Colorado Prisons offers an offbeat, immersive peek into more than a century of lockups, legacies, and the lives of the incarcerated.
Housed inside a former women’s prison from 1935, this museum has turned orange jumpsuits into a surprisingly educational attraction. It’s quirky, gritty, and surprisingly moving—with just the right touch of eerie. You’ll wander real prison corridors, peek into original cells, and meet some of Colorado’s most infamous inmates through photos, artifacts, and stories that stay with you long after the doors (thankfully) unlock behind you.
What We Love
Authentic Cell Blocks You Can Walk Through
This isn’t a polished replica—it’s the real deal. The walls are thick stone, the barred doors clang, and the small cells still carry a sense of confinement. It’s both sobering and fascinating, and it brings the history home in a way no textbook ever could.
Inmate Artifacts and Oddball Contraband
From hand-carved weapons made out of toothbrushes to elaborately embroidered prison crafts, the exhibit halls are filled with strange, sometimes beautiful items inmates left behind. One display shows ingenious escape tools, another, haunting letters and diaries. It’s a testament to human resourcefulness—and desperation.
Stories That Stick With You
Detailed plaques and short videos bring voices from the past to life. You’ll read about famous breakouts, unusual inmates (including a horse thief turned model prisoner), and even ghostly sightings. The storytelling here doesn’t shy away from the dark stuff, but it’s handled with care and curiosity.
The Mugshot Photo Booth
Lighten the mood by stepping into a lineup backdrop and snapping your own “booking photo.” Whether you go full tough guy or giggling tourist, it’s a must-do moment—and a fun souvenir.
The Proximity to the State Pen
Just a stone’s throw from the active Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility, the museum has an added layer of tension. You can actually look out from the museum’s back lot and see the high walls of the still-operational prison next door. It’s wild.
Atmosphere & Setting
The museum has a heavy, historical vibe softened by well-lit hallways and thoughtfully curated exhibits. The building itself is pure fortress—thick limestone walls, heavy doors, narrow windows—but the inside feels like a cross between a time capsule and a crime doc come to life. There’s no ambient music, just the creak of floorboards and the occasional video narration echoing off the walls. It’s chilling in the best way.
Value (Is It Worth It?)
At around $12 for adults and $8 for kids and seniors, the price is more than fair for an hour or two of deep exploration. Guided tours are available if you want more behind-the-scenes storytelling, and there’s even a small gift shop with prison-themed merch (yes, you can buy handcuff keychains). It’s a great stop for couples, history buffs, and older families with curious teens.
Other Considerations
Parking is free and easy, right out front. The museum is open year-round, though hours can vary by season—check their website before you go. The building is ADA accessible, though some areas are tight for wheelchairs or strollers. There are no food options onsite, but downtown Canon City is just minutes away. And yes, it can get a bit spooky—especially if you linger in the solitary confinement cell too long.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a true crime junkie, a history lover, or just looking to spice up your Colorado itinerary, this former prison offers a rare glimpse into a hidden world. It’s weird, it’s weighty, and it’s definitely worth a visit.
Museum of Colorado Prisons
📍 201 N 1st St, Canon City, CO 81212-3219