Why Former Prisons Are Your Next Unforgettable Event Venue
The Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield – now an in demand event venue thanks to its starring role as the site where The Shawshank Redemption was filmed – is just one of many former prisons getting a second chance as unexpectedly popular venue options.
Once formidable bastions of incarceration, these historic structures have undergone remarkable transformations, emerging as captivating tourist attractions, insightful museums, and, increasingly, truly unique event venues. Beyond the conventional, these repurposed prisons offer a fascinating (and sometimes chilling) glimpse into the history of justice, stunning architectural styles of the past, and even the tantalizing thrill of a ghost story.
These repurposed prisons offer more than just square footage; they provide a built-in narrative, a conversation starter, and an experience that your attendees won’t soon forget.
Beyond the Bars: What These Venues Offer
These sites attract a diverse audience, from history buffs and true-crime enthusiasts to paranormal investigators and film fans. For event planners, this translates into significant advantages. The inherent intrigue of a former prison guarantees attendee curiosity and discussion, creating built-in engagement from the moment your guests arrive. Furthermore, the unique architecture, ranging from Victorian Gothic grandeur to stark concrete realism, provides unparalleled photographic opportunities and a truly memorable aesthetic that will set your event apart. Many of these locations also offer customizable experiences, such as historical tours, “ghost hunts,” or other themed activities, which can be seamlessly integrated into your event programming for an added layer of excitement and team-building. Ultimately, holding your event at one of these historic prisons ensures that it won’t just be an event; it will be the event, held at a location with a powerful, compelling story that resonates long after the last guest departs.
FURTHER READING: HOW A NOTORIOUS PRISON BECAME OHIO’S MOST UNFORGETTABLE VENUE
Rogues Gallery
While each former prison offers its own distinct character, here are a few prime examples across the U.S. that are breaking down barriers and opening their doors to innovative events:
Alcatraz Island (San Francisco, California)
Probably the most famous former prison in the U.S. “The Rock” was a federal penitentiary that housed notorious criminals like Al Capone. It closed in 1963 and is now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, drawing millions of visitors annually. Tours provide audio narration, often by former guards and inmates, giving a vivid sense of life on the island. (Photo: CC BY-SA 4.0)
Eastern State Penitentiary (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
This truly impressive Gothic-style prison opened in 1829 and was revolutionary for its “Pennsylvania System” of solitary confinement. It housed Al Capone and Willie Sutton. Today, it’s a National Historic Landmark that offers tours (including an audio tour narrated by Steve Buscemi) and is famous for its elaborate Halloween haunted house event, “Terror Behind the Walls.” (Photo: CC BY-SA 4.0)
FURTHER READING: SHAWSHANKED: HOW AN HISTORIC PRISON BECAME A TOP EVENT VENUE
Old Idaho Penitentiary (Boise, Idaho)
Built in 1870, this territorial prison operated for over 100 years. It’s known for its stone architecture, various cell blocks, and stories of escapes and riots. It’s now a museum operated by the Idaho State Historical Society, offering self-guided and guided tours, as well as special events and paranormal investigations. (Photo: CC BY-SA 4.0)
West Virginia Penitentiary (Moundsville, West Virginia)
Another imposing Gothic structure, built in 1866 by prisoners. It operated until 1995. It’s known for its harsh conditions, riots, and executions. Today, it offers historical tours, “ghost hunts,” and has even been featured on numerous paranormal television shows. (Photo: CC BY-SA 4.0)
Missouri State Penitentiary (Jefferson City, Missouri)
Often called “the bloodiest 47 acres in America” by Time magazine, this facility was the oldest continuously operating prison west of the Mississippi River until its closure in 2004. It now offers various tours, including history tours, ghost tours, and even a “ghost hunt.” (Photo: CC BY-SA 4.0)
Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary (Petros, Tennessee)
Opened in 1896, this maximum-security prison was known for its remote, mountainous location and housing the state’s most violent criminals. It closed in 2009 and has since reopened as a tourist attraction offering tours, a distillery, a restaurant, and even concerts. (Photo: CC BY-SA 4.0)
Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park (Yuma, Arizona)
This prison operated from 1876 to 1909 and became famous in Old West folklore. Despite its desert location, it was notorious for its harsh conditions. Today, visitors can walk through the cells, the main yard, and the guard tower, and learn about its history.(Photo: CC BY-SA 4.0)
Old Montana Prison & Auto Museum Complex (Deer Lodge, Montana)
Dating back to 1871, this prison predates Montana’s statehood. It’s now a museum complex that includes the prison itself, along with several other museums like the Montana Auto Museum. (Photo: CC BY-SA 4.0)
Wyoming Frontier Prison (Rawlins, Wyoming)
This historic prison, opened in 1901, operated for about 80 years. It offers tours of its cell blocks, dungeon, “death house,” and a museum about peace officers. (Photo: CC BY-SA 4.0)
Old Joliet Prison (Joliet, Illinois)
Opened in 1858, this large limestone complex was in operation until 2002. It gained fame from its appearance in the film The Blues Brothers. Today, it offers guided tours that delve into its history, architecture, and pop culture connections. (Photo: CC BY-SA 4.0)
These sites attract a wide range of visitors, from history buffs and true-crime enthusiasts to paranormal investigators and film fans. They serve as a powerful reminder of the evolution of the justice system and the lives lived within these imposing walls.
Any thoughts, opinions, or news? Please share them with me at vince@meetingsevents.com.
Hero image photo by Yuma Territorial State Memorial Park (CC BY-SA 4.0)
