Does touring rundown buildings , searching for ghosts or paranormal activity, learning about gas chambers, or standing in the pit of the basement in complete darkness listening to stories about murders and death sound interesting??? Touring the Missouri State Penitentiary might be the right experience for you!
Located in Jefferson City, Missouri, you can tour one of the oldest prisons west of the Mississippi. Here are some facts:
"The prison housed inmates for 168 years and was the oldest continually operating prison west of the Mississippi until it was decommissioned in 2004."
The prison housed notorious inmates such as James Earl Ray (who assassinated Dr. Martin Luther King), Charles Arthur "Pretty Boy" Floyd, and John B. "FireBug" Johnson (who set the large fire at the prison and later wrote the book "Buried Alive for 18 Years in the Missouri Penitentiary" after legitimately being in the dungeon for 18 years. Click here to read more about their infamous inmates!
The riot in the prison in 1954 caused damages estimated around $5 million dollars, 4 inmates slaughtered, 50 inmates injured, one prisoner attempted suicide, and caused 4 guard injuries.
There were several escapes: through a sewer pipe, through the Missouri River, through underground passages, and even by train.
Some of the doors use to be so short that the inmates had to bow to come out of their cell, showing a sign of obedience (see picture near the end).
We went on the 2 hour Ghost & Paranormal Tour that was from 8:00-10:00 PM.
We learned a tonnnn about the history of this prison, especially about when they started to integrate women.
On a family vacation, I once visited the Alcatraz prison in San Francisco and it was an eerie setting. I would highly recommend visiting Alcatraz. Seeing the mainland from the prison would be pure torture for someone.
Although Alcatraz was totally cool, there was just something about the Missouri State Penitentiary that seemed more spooky and full of hidden precenses.
There were a few other tours that you could choose from such as history tours and photography tours.
(Personally, I think that social studies teachers should bring their students to the prison! )
Jefferson City - Spots to Eat:
If you are looking for some spots to eat at while you are there, here are my suggestions:
Prison Brews - this is a perfect spot to visit before you go on your prison tour! The prison and jail vibes inside of the restaurant will put you in the perfect mood. Our large table ordered a bunch of different appetizers. The loaded fries are spectacularly delicious (so is the prison themed beers on draft hehe).
Sapphire at the DoubleTree - I know it may sound crazy to go to a hotel to eat dinner...but the view of Jeff City is beautiful and the food is delicious!
Sawadee Thai Cuisine - this spot lets you pick your spice level...from 1 - 100! (PS - the Crab Rangoon appetizer is a MUST TRY)
Central Dairy - This ice cream spot is a staple! I always recommend visiting Central Dairy when in Jefferson City, Missouri because of the history behind it. The Ice Cream Factory is also another popular ice cream spot to try out!
Canterbury Hill Winery & Restaurant: Last but not least is the Canterbury Hill Winery & Restaurant! I felt like I had walked into California and was no longer in Jefferson City, Missouri! I'm a picky wine drinker (only because I love trying new wines) and I fell in love with my choice. I chose Red Towers, which is a semi-dry red served in a chilled glass. I also ordered an 8oz sirloin with their homemade mashed potatoes.
The references used in the article came directly from the Missouri State Penitentiary website - click on the link for more information and to book YOUR tour today!
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