Entry No. 5 — the Boise file — filed under: haunted

Old Idaho Penitentiary

A territorial prison that locked up its first inmates in 1872 and kept operating until it closed in December 1973 in the wake of riots and crumbling conditions, this sandstone compound lets you walk into Siberia (the solitary-confinement cellblock) and stand in the Gallows Room where executions were carried out. Over 13,000 people were imprisoned here, including children as young as ten and more than 200 women. Visitors and staff report heaviness, whispers, phantom touches, and flickering lights, and the site has been filmed by Ghost Adventures and Destination Fear.

The move: Take the self-guided daytime tour through Death Row and the Gallows Room, then come back for a summer Twilight Tour after the gates would normally close.

📍 Before you go Open year-round; summer 10am-5pm, winter 12pm-5pm. Adults $8. Twilight Tours, Sleepless in Stripes overnights, and paranormal investigations are seasonal special events that sell out.

• 📍 Boise (East End)
• 💸 $$
• ⚡ Up for anything
• 🌗 Indoors

Where: 2445 Old Penitentiary Rd, Boise, ID 83712

Hours: Added 2026-06-24 — confirm current hours before you go.

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4

last checked: 2026-06-24