Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site

About

The Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site in Laramie offers a vivid look into the rough-and-tumble days of the American frontier. Built in 1872 as a U.S. Penitentiary, this imposing stone structure served as Wyoming's first state prison for three decades, holding some of the West's most violent and desperate outlaws behind its thick walls.

Today the prison is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been carefully restored as a museum. Visitors can walk through the actual cellblocks, work areas, and living quarters where prisoners spent their days. Guided tours bring the building's history to life, covering everything from the prison's architecture and management to stories of its most notorious inmates and broader Wyoming history.

The site sits on well-maintained grounds that give visitors a sense of what this isolated frontier institution looked like in its heyday. Beyond the main prison building, the property includes exhibits on territorial-era life and the justice system that shaped early Wyoming. It's a compelling destination for history buffs, families, and anyone curious about the real stories behind the mythology of the Wild West.

Plan to spend about one to two hours exploring the museum and grounds. The guided tour is the centerpiece of a visit, so check the site's schedule for tour times before you go. The historic site is operated by Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites, and Trails, and seasonal hours may apply. Laramie itself is a welcoming college town with plenty of dining and lodging options nearby, making it easy to pair a prison visit with other area attractions.

Whether you're drawn by tales of frontier outlaws or the chance to step inside a beautifully preserved piece of 19th-century architecture, the Wyoming Territorial Prison delivers an experience that's both educational and genuinely memorable.

Accessibility

The Wyoming Territorial Prison is housed in a restored 1872 stone building, which presents some inherent accessibility considerations due to its historic architecture. The museum includes indoor exhibits spread across the prison's original layout, and some areas may have narrow doorways, uneven flooring, or steps that are typical of structures from this era.

The grounds surrounding the prison are generally flat and maintained, which may be manageable for wheelchair users and visitors with mobility aids depending on surface conditions and weather. Parking is available on site.

Guided tours are the primary way to experience the museum. These are led by staff who can share the site's history verbally, which benefits visitors with visual impairments. However, specific details about assistive listening devices, large-print materials, or other sensory accommodations are not publicly listed.

Because this is a historic structure with preservation requirements, modifications for full ADA compliance may be limited in certain areas of the building. Contact the Wyoming Territorial Prison directly at (307) 745-3733 or through the Wyoming State Parks website for current accessibility details, including information about which portions of the building and grounds are wheelchair accessible, available restroom facilities, and any accommodations that can be arranged in advance for visitors with specific needs.

More accessible places in Wyoming

• Grand Teton National Park (Moose)
• National Museum of Wildlife Art (Jackson)
• Devils Tower National Monument (Devils Tower)
• Fort Laramie National Historic Site (Fort Laramie)
• Cheyenne Botanic Gardens (Cheyenne)
• Heart Mountain Interpretive Center (Powell)