Discover Colorado’s prison history at the Museum of Colorado Prisons in Canon City. From historic cell blocks to interactive exhibits, this museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. Read on for what makes this site a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1-2 hours
Fitness Level
All fitness levels, walking involved
Wildlife
History
The museum is housed in Colorado's historic 1871 territorial prison, one of the oldest and most intact penitentiaries in the region.
Conservation
The facility actively preserves the historic prison structures and promotes awareness of justice history to support sustainable tourism.
Museum of Colorado Prisons
Discover Colorado’s prison history at the Museum of Colorado Prisons in Canon City. From historic cell blocks to interactive exhibits, this museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. Read on for what makes this site a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
Founded to preserve and present Colorado’s correctional history, the Museum of Colorado Prisons in Cañon City presents more than 150 years of penal history through artifacts, exhibits, and programs. The museum interprets the evolution of the Colorado prison system from its early territorial era to modern corrections, documenting changes in law, architecture, daily life, and notable events.
Visitors can choose guided tours led by knowledgeable docents, general admission for self-paced exploration, or special events such as the Day of the Dead Cemetery Crawl at Woodpecker Hill. Exhibits number more than thirty and include photographs, inmate records, tools, uniforms, and interpretive displays that support historical research and education.
The Museum of Colorado Prisons is open to the public and welcomes students, historians, and travelers seeking a factual, reflective look at punishment and rehabilitation in Colorado. Programs emphasize documented history and encourage respectful engagement with sensitive subjects, including inmate stories and burial records.
On guided tours, staff and volunteers provide context that connects artifacts to broader social and legal histories. General admission allows visitors to move at their own pace and discover exhibits covering the period from 1871 to the present. Seasonal events such as the cemetery crawl offer deeper engagement with the site’s human stories while asking guests to honor those interred.
The museum maintains a commitment to education, preservation, and responsible interpretation, supporting both casual visitors and serious researchers with accurate materials and curated exhibits. On-site staff provide directions, research assistance, and information about scheduling tours and special events year-round.
Location
Cañon City, CO
Located in Cañon City, Colorado
Open Year-Round
Year-round
General Admission offered year-round
Exhibits
30+ Exhibits
Explores 150 years of history
Unique Tours
Guided & Special
Includes cemetery crawl experience
Book a guided tour, purchase general admission, or reserve a spot for the Day of the Dead Cemetery Crawl in Cañon City.
Bring comfortable shoes
The museum involves walking through historic cell blocks and exhibits, so wear comfortable footwear.
Allocate enough time
Plan for at least 1-2 hours to fully experience all exhibits and displays.
Check operating hours
Verify open hours before your visit as seasonal hours may vary.
Take advantage of guided tours
Join a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the exhibits and history.
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive footwear will make exploring the exhibits more enjoyable.
Light backpack
Carry water, snacks, or notebooks for taking notes during your visit.
Notebook or camera
Capture photos or jot down interesting facts.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated as you walk through the exhibits.