# Old Idaho Penitentiary

> Construction of the prison in Boise began in 1870 and it took in its first prisoners in 1872; it closed in December 1973.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/places/old-idaho-penitentiary/

A sandstone prison that held inmates for about a century, now a museum with cell blocks, the old yard and exhibits on its history. Allow a couple of hours and bring a layer, as the stone buildings stay cool.

Construction of the prison in Boise began in 1870 and it took in its first prisoners in 1872; it closed in December 1973. A sandstone wall surrounds the complex, and the stones were quarried by convicts from nearby hills. More than 13,000 inmates were admitted, including about 215 women. Among the notable prisoners was Harry Orchard, who assassinated Governor Frank Steunenberg in 1905. The site includes several cell houses, a women’s ward built in 1920 and solitary-confinement areas such as “Siberia.”

Today the site is a state historic site run by the Idaho State Historical Society. Idaho’s Merci Train boxcar can be viewed by appointment (as of October 2026). Plan on about two hours and bring a jacket, as the stone buildings stay cool. The prison cemetery lies in the neighboring Idaho Botanical Garden and can be visited only with permission.

- **Nearest town:** Boise, ID
- **Category:** History & culture
- **GPS:** 43.6000, -116.1660

## Good to know

**Best time to go:** The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Hot in July–August. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

## Sources

- [Idaho State Historical Society: Old Idaho Penitentiary](https://history.idaho.gov/oldpen/)
- [Legends of America: Old Idaho Penitentiary](https://www.legendsofamerica.com/old-idaho-penitentiary/)

## Nearby

- [Bruneau Dunes State Park](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b18-bruneau-dunes/) – 53 mi
- [Redfish Lake](https://camping-spirit.com/places/redfish-lake/) – 73 mi
- [Stanley and the Sawtooth Mountains](https://camping-spirit.com/places/stanley-idaho/) – 75 mi
- [Malad Gorge State Park](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b18-malad-gorge/) – 83 mi

## FAQs

### Where is Old Idaho Penitentiary?

Old Idaho Penitentiary is in Boise, ID, at GPS 43.6000, -116.1660. It is about 43 mi from Lowman.

### Can you camp near Old Idaho Penitentiary?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Mountain View RV Park, about 3 mi away; within 25 mi there are 17 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

### What is there to see near Old Idaho Penitentiary?

Places worth a stop nearby: Bruneau Dunes State Park (53 mi), Redfish Lake (73 mi), Stanley and the Sawtooth Mountains (75 mi) and Malad Gorge State Park (83 mi).

### When is the best time to visit Old Idaho Penitentiary?

The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)