The stories that live on at Brushy. The voices that echo down “3 Walk.” They’re all yours to witness.

Duration

Approximately 1 to 2 hours

Note: Tour times will vary as they are self-guided and there is no time limit or set start time - it is tour at your own pace.

Generally, tours run about an hour to an hour-and-a half and there's an 18-minute documentary at the end of the tour in the theater next to the museum.

General Admission Hours

Note: We never sellout of Self-Guided Tour Tickets. You can purchase Self-Guided Tour Tickets, in person, at the Gift Shop when you arrive. Online sales stop at 3 p.m. Eastern Time each day, but you can still purchase tickets in person at the Gift Shop. Last entry into the prison is 5 p.m. Eastern Time each day except in November and it is 4 p.m. Eastern Time. Always check our website for special events, times, etc.

April/May & September/October

• Thursday - Sunday 10:30am to 5pm Eastern Time
• Close at 7pm Eastern Time

June/July/August

• Daily 10:30am to 5pm Eastern Time
• Close at 7pm Eastern Time

November

• Saturday & Sunday 10:30am to 4pm Eastern Time
• Close at 5:30pm Eastern Time

Concert Hours

• Special Hours for concert days are 10:30am to 4pm Eastern Time
• Close at 5:30pm Eastern Time

About

Following the tour arrows (on the floor) you’ll be able to see all significant components of the prison from the cell block to the cafeteria and other buildings like the laundry room, gymnasium, museum, movie theatre (where an 18 min. documentary plays every half hour), the exercise yard, and the all-important "HOLE," where the most troublesome inmates were sent for up to 30 days in complete darkness with no human contact as administrative punishment.

More Info

This will be an experience like no other. It will surprise you, terrify you, and make you wonder what it would’ve been like to be locked up in here for the rest of your God-given life.

Tours are self-guided and former prison guards will be nearby to answer any questions or share a brief story. You’ll be provided with a map of the prison grounds as well. There are more than 30 stations, each containing the story of what happened in that particular spot. Some will talk of violent acts, killings. Others about the moments family members came to visit. And still others will give you a glimpse inside the troubled minds of the hardened criminals that served time at Brushy.

As you move from one station to another, you'll be able to imagine what life would have been like behind these walls. These men had committed unforgivable crimes, but they still had souls. But somewhere, somehow, their lives took a wrong turn.

We look forward to seeing you when you come to visit us at Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary. It will be an experience you carry with you for the rest of your life.

What to Know

• Pets are not permitted on tours at this time. Only service animals will be permitted.
• Brushy is located in the Eastern Time Zone.
• Last entry into the prison is 5 p.m. Eastern Time each day except in November and it is 4 p.m. Eastern Time. Always check our website for special events, times, etc.
• Handicapped parking & restrooms are available. The majority of the tour is handicap accessible. However, because the prison has no elevators, there are areas in the tour such as The Hole and the prison’s cafeteria that are not accessible due to their locations within the prison.

What to Wear

In the fall and winter months, you should dress warmly. Temperatures inside the prison can be up to 10 degrees cooler than outside. During summer months, normal summer apparel is fine.

Please wear good, sturdy footwear. For your safety and comfort, walking or running shoes, boots, etc. are preferred.