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The Outlaw Trail ended here! No need to commit a crime to Do Time at the Territorial Prison. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, explore this 1872 imposing stone structure that held “evil doers of all classes and kinds.” Built first as a Federal Prison (1872-1890), it later became Wyoming’s State Penitentiary (1890-1903). During the 30 years it was in operation, 1,200 prisoners (men and women) walked through the front iron doors and occupied the cells. Now a museum, visitors can walk the halls where prisoners were locked up, worked and lived.

Outlaws, violent and desperate men (as well as women) plagued the Wyoming Territory. As settlers moved into the area they demanded law and order. The clash between Outlaws and Lawmen resulted in the building of the Territorial Prison. The Auburn Prison System was adopted to manage the prison population. Under this system convicts were sentenced to hard labor, required to be silent at all times, wear black and white striped uniforms, and their identities removed by replacing their names with numbers.

Listed on the National Register of Historic places, the Wyoming Territorial Prison is an imposing stone structure built in 1872 (restored in 1990). For 30 years it held the West’s most violent and desperate outlaws (including the notorious Butch Cassidy) during the dramatic time of Wyoming’s territorial days and early Statehood. Now a museum, visitors can walk into the iron cells where convicts were locked up, worked and lived. 

Visitors usually take a self-guided tour of the prison grounds, but during the summer season a limited number of drop-in, guided tours are available. Visit the prison Broom Factory where prisoners handmade brooms. Learn about the history of the buliding and how to make a broom.

Photo credit by Jeannie Wilson

More information:

• Stroll around the grounds exploring restored historic buildings dated 1872-1920 and learn more in the museum exhibits. Rest in the picnic area. Connect with nature on the trail north to the scenic overlook on the Big Laramie River. Experience 197 acres of history.
• Please note: Frontier Town (including the Church), Ranchland, and the Boxcar House are closed during the winter.

Location

975 Snowy Range Rd., Laramie, WY

Availability

Visiting Hours: 

May 1 - September 30   Open Daily 9:00 am - 4:00 pm 

October 1 - April 30  Wednesday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

The last admission ticket sold one hour before closing.

Fees

• Adults $9.00, Youth ages 12-17 $4.50, Children 11 and under Free.
• Wyoming State Parks Annual Daily Use permits and Wyoming Lifetime Veteran permits are honored as Free admission.