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Visitors view a stairway in the Missouri State Penitentiary during a tour. The prison only housed women from 1842 until 1926. The time the women inmates spent locked up they were taught basic skills they were expected to know in this period such as, sewing, quilting and canning.

• Caryn Meyer
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Visitors gather at the end of a hall in the Missouri State Penitentiary. The year before the prison was shut down in 2003, there was one final murder inside the walls of the prison. The murder occurred in the ice plant on site. 

Tourists peer into the gas chamber of the Missouri State Penitentiary. Forty inmates were put to death in the gas chamber. Out of the 40 only one woman was put to death in the chamber. 

No longer a place to house inmates, it has become one of the most in-demand destinations at the state capital.

Escape to prison on a Missouri State Penitentiary tour

Alexandria Wells

• Jun 20, 2019

Editor's Note

The state penitentiary is currently closed because of storm damage.

The Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson City is as formidable as ever, but the purpose of the 150-year-old building has changed. No longer a place to house prisoners, it has become one of the most in-demand destinations at the state capital.

The penitentiary now offers tours called, "Do Some Time." Several types are available:

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Missourian Reporter, Spring 2021 Missourian Photographer and Photo Editor Fall 2019/Spring 2020 Reach me at [email protected] or in the newsroom at 882-5700

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When this prison opened in 1836, the Battle of the Alamo was going on in Texas. Missouri's prison was 100 years old when Alcatraz started housing federal prisoners. In 1967, the Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP) was named the "bloodiest 47 acres in America" by Time magazine. Before it closed in 2004, MSP was the oldest continually operating penitentiary west of the Mississippi River.

The Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP) was decommissioned in 2004. It is open (seasonally) for public tours, operated by the Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). Tour guides are former corrections officers, guards and wardens who worked within the walls of MSP. Prison-related gifts and souvenirs are available for purchase.

The tours showcase the history of MSP and the early penal eras in the U.S. Tours may include: the control center; the upper yard; cellblocks in housing units A (the oldest remaining cellblock on the grounds; built in 1868) and other housing units; the dungeon cells (where inmates often went mad); the industry area; the exercise yard; and the gas chamber (where 40 inmates, men and women, were executed).

Visit cells of famous inmates such as heavyweight champion Sonny Liston and James Earl Ray (who escaped in 1967 and went on to assassinate Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968).

The Missouri State Penitentiary is an incredibly historical site. Because of the nature and subject of the tours, no children younger than 10 are permitted. Photographs are allowed, but no video may be taken. No smoking. No food allowed. Because of the age of the facility, these tours are not wheelchair accessible. All attendees must sign a waiver of liability. Persons younger than 18 must have guardian's signature on the waiver.

This CVB reserves the right to refuse admission to anyone. You may experience low visibility, damp or wet conditions, uneven ground and stairs. You should not enter if you suffer from asthma, heart conditions, are prone to seizures, have physical ailments or any type of condition that prohibits you from walking or standing. Do not enter this attraction if you are intoxicated, wearing any form of cast, medical brace, are using crutches or a wheelchair, or have any type of physical limitation.

Reservations are required for all tours. Every person on the tour must have a reservation. You may visit the website and call the CVB for details, schedules and reservations. Extended and paranormal (ghost) tours are offered. Special and group tours may be arranged.

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Prior to 1926, the women's cell block held roughly 60 women at any given time.

Alexandra Sharp

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Wood panels were removed from bed frames to prevent inmates from shaping them into weapons.

The Renz Correctional Prison held hundreds of female inmates, including inmates transferred from the Missouri State Penitentiary.

• Columbia Missourian/Archive

The Missouri State Penitentiary housed thousands of inmates during its 168 years of activity.

• Brittney Mormann

From history tours to paranormal investigations, take October spookiness to the next level by visiting the Missouri State Penitentiary

Faq: a guide to missouri’s most infamous prison.

• Sep 29, 2020

Freedom ends when you walk through the Missouri State Penitentiary’s front doors.

In 1967,  Time Magazine called it “the bloodiest 47 acres in America” — even though the facility itself isn’t actually 47 acres. For many of the inmates held there, once they entered the Missouri State Penitentiary, they never left.

If you’re a history buff, paranormal enthusiast or just looking for spooky season activities, a real-life horror story is just around the corner. Based in Jefferson City, the Missouri State Penitentiary offers history, photography and ghost tours, including overnight paranormal investigations.

Never heard of the Missouri State Penitentiary? Here are Vox’s  frequently asked questions about the state’s largest, most infamous prison.

When did the prison open, and is it still an operating prison?

The Missouri State Penitentiary opened in 1836, making it the oldest prison west of the Mississippi River, says Larry Neal, former penitentiary staff member and current tour guide. Missouri politicians chose Jefferson City as the prison’s home so it could remain the seat of state government.

After 168 years, the prison was decommissioned on Sept. 15, 2004 due to high energy costs from the facility’s lack of insulation. All 1,355 inmates were transferred to the Jefferson City Correctional Center.

Why is the Missouri State Penitentiary so infamous?

When people think of notorious prisons, places like Alcatraz and Folsom State Prison come to mind. However, the Missouri State Penitentiary has a bloodier history than most, including its very own prison riot in 1954, according to the prison's website . This is because thousands of inmates were held in Missouri’s prison at any given time, sometimes exceeding the facility’s capacity.

Violence was commonplace in the penitentiary, and it was common practice for inmates to make weapons out of bed planks, wood shards and other materials. “There were thousands of shanks inside that place, and they were always making new ones,” Neal says, having found weapons himself during his 20 years working at the penitentiary.

As punishment, inmates could be placed in “the dungeons,” underground cells that offered no light, bed, toilet or basic cleanliness. In 1903, inmate James Johnson documented his time in the dungeons in his memoir, Buried Alive: Eighteen Years in the Missouri Penitentiary . He spent these 18 years in solitary confinement.

Did the Missouri State Penitentiary have capital punishment?

From 1937 to 1989, 40 inmates were killed in a gas chamber located at the Missouri State Penitentiary, according to the penitentiary’s website. Of the 40, only one inmate was a woman.

Who were the most dangerous criminals held in the Missouri State Penitentiary?

Missouri’s state prison had its fair share of infamous inmates. Before James Earl Ray assassinated Martin Luther King Jr., he was held in Missouri’s penitentiary for armed robbery. Ray also lays claim to the penitentiary’s most infamous escape, says Neal. Ray successfully escaped the facility by forcing his body into a bread box in the back of a delivery truck.

Other infamous prisoners included Charles Arthur “Pretty Boy” Floyd, who was once called “the most dangerous man alive” for his murder and robbery spree, and Charles “Sonny” Liston, who learned to box while at the Missouri State Penitentiary and went on to win the 1953 National Heavyweight Championship.

Were women ever held at the penitentiary?

In 1842, the prison housed its first female prisoner, Amelia Eddy. However, she was released after a few days because the prison didn’t have any facilities for women.

After the prison built a women’s cell block, roughly 60 women were held at any given time. One of the most infamous female inmates was Emma Goldman, whose advocacy for birth control in 1917 inspired the creation of Planned Parenthood and the American Civil Liberties Union.

In 1918, Katie Richards O’Hare was also held on espionage charges for her work as chairman of the Socialist Labor Party. O’Hare was forced to work 50-hour weeks and forbidden from contacting her husband and four children. When she was released, she dedicated her life to prison reform, inspiring many of today’s prison laws.

By 1926, all women were moved off premises to Renz Correctional Center , called Renz Farm at the time. Renz was another Jefferson City prison that was abandoned during the 1993 flood.

When did the penitentiary desegregate?

In the early 1970s, the penitentiary attempted to desegregate by moving a few Black inmates into an all-white housing unit. After white inmates stabbed the Black inmates, desegregation was put on hold. A few years later, the federal government forced the prison to fully desegregate, says Neal.

Roughly half of the prison population was Black at the time while most of the prison’s staff was white. Official laws prohibited racial discrimination in the facility, but throughout the 1980s, the Missouri State Penitentiary “was still pretty prejudiced against Blacks,” Neal says.

Is the Missouri State Penitentiary really haunted?

Visitors and staff say they have seen balls of floating light, looming crows and ghosts of dead inmates walking through the halls. But to truly know for yourself, you just have to visit to find out.

What tours are available, and what COVID-19 regulations are being put in place?

In 2009, the Missouri State Penitentiary officially opened as a museum. It offers a variety of history, photography and ghost tours ranging anywhere from two hours to overnight stays, says Brittney Mormann, the communications manager for the Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau. Tour tickets can be booked on the penitentiary’s website .

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the penitentiary staff strongly encourages all tour guides and visitors to wear masks inside and outside the premises, says Mormann, but Jefferson City does not have a mask mandate. Sanitation and social distancing are also practiced on penitentiary tours.

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Missouri State Penitentiary Tours

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When this prison opened in 1836, the Battle of the Alamo was going on in Texas. Missouri’s prison was 100 years old when Alcatraz started housing federal prisoners. In 1967, the Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP) was named the “bloodiest 47 acres in America” by Time magazine. Before it closed in 2004, MSP was the oldest continually operating penitentiary west of the Mississippi River.

The Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP) was decommissioned in 2004. It is open (seasonally) for public tours, operated by the Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). Tour guides are former corrections officers, guards and wardens who worked within the walls of MSP. Prison-related gifts and souvenirs are available for purchase.

The tours showcase the history of MSP and the early penal eras in the U.S. Tours may include: the control center, the upper yard, cellblocks in housing units A (the oldest remaining cellblock on the grounds; built in 1868) and other housing units, the dungeon cells (where inmates often went mad), the industry area, the exercise yard, and the gas chamber (where 40 inmates, men and women, were executed).

Visit cells of famous inmates such as heavyweight champion Sonny Liston and James Earl Ray (who escaped in 1967 and went on to assassinate Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968).

The Missouri State Penitentiary is an incredibly historical site. Because of the nature and subject of the tours, no children younger than 10 are permitted. Photographs are allowed, but no video may be taken. No smoking. No food allowed. Because of the age of the facility, these tours are not wheelchair accessible. All attendees must sign a waiver of liability. Persons younger than 18 must have guardian’s signature on the waiver.

This CVB reserves the right to refuse admission to anyone. You may experience low visibility, damp or wet conditions, uneven ground and stairs. You should not enter if you suffer from asthma, heart conditions, are prone to seizures, have physical ailments or any type of condition that prohibits you from walking or standing. Do not enter this attraction if you are intoxicated, wearing any form of cast, medical brace, are using crutches or a wheelchair, or have any type of physical limitation.

Reservations are required for all tours. Every person on the tour must have a reservation. You may visit the website and call the CVB for details, schedules and reservations. Extended and paranormal (ghost) tours are offered. Special and group tours may be arranged.

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Missouri State Penitentiary

Address: 115 Lafayette Street, Jefferson City, MO, USA

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Phone: 866-998-6998

Email: info@missouripentours.com

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Missouri was made an official state in 1821, and by 1836 a fully functioning and surprisingly large stone penitentiary dubbed the Missouri State Penitentiary was dolefully open for business. 183 years later, the remains of the prison are more haunted than ever before. In fact, Time Magazine once referred to the prison as, “the bloodiest 47 acres in America.”

Is the Missouri State Penitentiary Haunted?

Governor John Miller was the fourth governor in Missouri’s new state history, and he was responsible for helping establish Jefferson City as the state’s capitol. In a political swerve, Miller chose the prison to be built in Jefferson City so as to fend off other small Missouri towns for claiming themselves as the capitol. The prison opened in March 1836, with precisely one prison guard, one warden, one foreman who taught brick making to the inmates, and fifteen inmates themselves.

Over several decades, inmates began flooding the prison and in September 1937, Governor Lloyd Stark officially signed a state bill that made executions, via the gas chamber, official at the prison. In totality, forty prisoners were executed by lethal gas at the prison, so naturally, the execution block is one of the most haunted places in the prison. Not one, but two spirits are said to be haunting the death row cell block area. A pair of violent lovers named Bonnie Heady and Carl Austin hall have made their presence known. The pair kidnapped and murdered a young boy in 1953, and were given a death sentence to be carried out via the gas chamber. On the day of the execution, they were both seated in the gas chamber side by side and were executed at the same time.

Today, it is believed that their spirits haunt this cellblock, and in particular Cell 14.  People have not only felt vicious cold spots and heard growling noises but also experienced a pair of unseen hands caressing the back of their heads and then shoving them in the back. Paranormal investigation groups have frequently come through and attempted to get spirit footage of either Carl or Bonnie. While no video evidence has ever been obtained, audio footage certainly has. With the help of recording equipment, numerous EVPs (electronic voice phenomenon) have captured the three most frequent and disturbing words, “stay”, “love”, and “kill”.

Ghosts of Missouri State Penitentiary

• Prison deaths at Missouri State were exceptionally violent. One inmate named John McBroom had run afoul of some inmates he was sharing a cellblock with who believed him to be an informer for the prison guards. During breakfast call early one morning a pair of inmates charged into his cell, using a pair of broken scissors as a weapon. They stabbed him repeatedly in the eyes and skull and he ended up bleeding to death before he was ever found. Years later, however, visitors to the prison have reported seeing a pale white apparition of what appears to be a man, bleeding profusely out of his eye sockets, wondering around the cell walkways.
• Hall A is considered the oldest part of the prison and is naturally one of the most haunted spots. It is in this particular building’s basement where the infamous row of “hole” cells was built. Small, narrow cells with essentially no light, it’s where the most violent and out-of-control inmates were kept. Foul smells, disembodied voices, shoves, and paranormal equipment malfunctions in this area are rife.
• Just above Hall A, in Cell 48, an inmate was supposedly bludgeoned to death with a sledgehammer by another inmate. Visitors to this cell have reported an overwhelming sense of dread here and even a heavy, unseen weight being pressed into their bodies.
• Just to the top of the building in the control room, the spirit of even a former prison medic haunts this area. Known as “Fast Jack” this white-colored spirit has not only been spotted gliding past watchful visitors, but also has been responsible for opening, closing, and even locking cell doors from the control room much to the shock of paranormal investigators!

Visit Missouri State Penitentiary

This formidable and chilling prison is still standing today. A collection of paranormal, historical, and photography tours of Missouri State are available in both public and private capacities for those looking to get a glimpse inside the infamous walls. These highly affordable and guided tours are some of the best that are offered for a haunted location such as this. Private overnight paranormal investigations are available for the most discerning of ghost hunters, but beware that while they sell out regularly, not everyone makes it through the entire night before fleeing in terror!

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‘The Walls’ – An inside look at the Missouri State Prison

timtrudell Jefferson City , Missouri 1

It’s known as the “Bloodiest 47 acres in America.” It’s been home to some of the worst criminals in American history. Visit the Missouri State Prison in Jefferson City and you’ll receive an interesting history lesson about the penitentiary that operated for almost 170 years. The prison now operates public tours.

During our hosted visit to the city, we took the prison tour. We visited two of the main cell blocks, as well as the gas chamber. The tour guide shared facts about the facility while we stood in the prison yard.

The Missouri prison – nicknamed “The Walls” because of the large stone blocks that encircled the prison – opened in 1836, the same month that the Alamo fell in Texas. Thousands of inmates would call “The Walls” home during its lifetime.

Named the “Bloodiest 47 acres in America” by Time magazine, the Missouri State Prison saw 40 inmates executed, most by the gas chamber. One inmate was executed by lethal injection before the prison was closed. Others were hanged.

More men and women likely died during their stay at the prison, though there are no records to support it. Some died at the hands of area businessmen, guards, other inmates or while trying to escape, a guide told us during a tour. Deaths went unreported because no one wanted to lose business deals with the state or their jobs. There are no solid numbers to indicate the number dead.

The prison was the site of several violent riots which contributed to its nickname. A riot in 1954 is considered the most violent. Four inmates died, dozens were injured, but none escaped. The riot caused about $5 million in damages.

The prison operated a lease program with local businessmen during its early days. Businessmen could “hire” inmates to work for them. Several buildings in Jefferson City, including the first capitol and governor’s mansion, were built using prison labor.

The prison housed about 5,200 inmates at its highest capacity, far more than it was designed to hold. Among its infamous list of residents were the names Charles “Pretty Boy” Floyd, Emma Goldman and James Earl Ray.

Floyd was a mobster during the 1920-30s. Following his release from the prison in 1929, he returned to a life of crime. In 1933, he and others were the primary suspects in the “Kansas City massacre.” They allegedly tried to free a colleague from police custody when a gunfight broke out at Kansas City’s Union Station. Frank Nash was killed along with law officers. Floyd was killed in a gunfight in 1934 in Ohio.

Goldman was an anarchist imprisoned for violating the Espionage Act during World War I. She campaigned against the war and the military draft, which was illegal then. She met other women in prison who shared her beliefs. They campaigned for better living conditions for prisoners while serving their time.

James Earl Ray was convicted of robbery in St. Louis in 1959. Ray attempted several escapes before finally succeeding in April 1967. Working in the kitchen, he devised a plan to escape by hiding in a bread truck. He hid in a large container that was in the back of a truck. The truck’s interior should have been inspected by prison guards before being allowed to exit. However, for some reason, it wasn’t, and Ray successfully escaped the Missouri State Prison.

Ray was convicted of shooting civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. a year later. King was shot while standing outside his room at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tenn., on April 4, 1968. The motel has been renovated and is part of the National Civil Rights Museum. The boarding house from where Ray shot King is now an annex to the museum.

One of the prison’s success stories involves boxing. Sonny Liston was convicted in 1950 of committing two robberies. During his prison term, he learned to box. A publisher “discovered” him during a prison boxing tournament. He arranged for his parole in 1952. Liston became the heavyweight champion in 1962 when he defeated Floyd Patterson. His championship run came to an end in 1964 when Cassius Clay (later Muhammad Ali) beat Liston for the title. Liston would host boxing exhibitions at the prison, including fighting inmates who challenged him.

Visitors can walk through cells once used by the inmates in A Hall. It’s the oldest structure at the prison. Near the end of the prison’s run, the cell block was used for prisoners who were “model” inmates.

However, the “dungeons” once housed prisoners who were punished for a variety of reasons. In the basement of A Hall, the dungeons were rooms without light. The only light the inmates saw was when a small slit in the door opened and the guard pushed in a plate of cornbread, one for each person in the cell. Six inmates could be in one cell at a time, so they had to fight for their food. One inmate was in the dungeon for 17 years and another for 11 years.

Our two-hour prison tour flew by. The tour company offers a variety of tours. A three-hour mystery tour adds an hour to visit with a former “model” inmate. A three-hour in-depth tour offers a look at additional buildings and information.

The prison is said to be haunted. Ghost and paranormal tours are offered, including overnight tours.

As you plan your prison tour, ensure you arrive about an hour or so earlier and visit the small museum in the lower level of the former warden’s house. The museum is full of memorabilia and artifacts. Shivs and other inmate-created weapons are on display.

Prisoners created art and products used in the warden’s house, as well as for gifts for family members. Leather items, such as wallets; wood carved pieces, such as salt and pepper shakers; and a lamp made from popsicle sticks.

We recommend taking a tour of the Missouri State Prison and visiting the prison museum.

For more information, please visit www.missouripentours.com .

Disclaimer : Thank you to the Jefferson City visitors bureau for the hosted visit. All opinions and views are ours.

Tim Trudell

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Brings back dark memories. Past through A hall before being assigned to Algoa as a youth in 1971.

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The Missouri State Penitentiary continues to attract tourists from all over, as adversity in 2019 and 2020 didn't stop the famous site from operating successfully.

Missouri State Penitentiary remains key tourist attraction

Alexander Landowski

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• May 21, 2022
• May 21, 2022 Updated May 21, 2022
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JEFFERSON CITY - As summer approaches, people are starting to think about places and activities close to home where they can experience quality time and enjoyment. The Missouri State Penitentiary located in the capital city has transformed from a despairing prison to a prime attraction welcoming tourists of all ages for over a decade. 

Decommissioned in 2004 after housing inmates for 168 years as the oldest continually operating security institution west of the Mississippi River, the Missouri State Penitentiary has offered both public and private tours since it first opened to the public in 2009.

Alex Bobbitt, the communications and film manager with the Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the reason for making the prison into a tourism site involved the city's wishes to keep it from falling apart.

"Instead of letting it sit and deteriorate, we decided to do something with it so that's how the tours were formed," Bobbitt said.

The state of Missouri still owns the historic site, and the Jefferson City Convention and Visitors bureau currently runs it as the capital city benefits greatly from its appeal. People coming from all around the country and international visitors have toured the famous prison. Larry Neal, a long-time worker and current tour guide for the institution, believes that it's one of the biggest attractions in the entire state.

"Having thousands of people come into the city and see the prison has to be very good for the economy," Neal said.

Although the tourism spot has seen encouraging success for a while, it encountered unfortunate circumstances which caused adversity in the past three years.

In 2019, a tornado swept through and left damage around the penitentiary. It ripped apart and demolished housing unit roofs, broke windows, and knocked down walls. One year later, the coronavirus outbreak happened which slowed operations down and affected the amount visitors that the prison museum received. Its recovery was possible due to perseverance and the continued outside curiosity possessed, according to Neal.

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"Because of the interest of people in the penitentiary, there were still so many people coming that we still had funds to at least begin to try to put it back together," Neal said.

The place once dubbed by Time Magazine as “the bloodiest 47 acres in America” may not seem like an awesome venture at first, but it has a lot to offer. From taking in all the information in its museum to experiencing a tour around the famous setting, there are loads of fun for adults and children looking to do something different this summer. Alex Bobbitt said that the prison's history tours are its most popular attraction because of the real experiences and knowledge that the tour guides possess.

"We have guys that worked here, and so they're able to talk about the history as well as sprinkle in their own personal stories," Bobbitt said.  

Visitors can learn about some of the institution’s most famous inmates, including Sonny Liston and James Earl Ray. Liston is most known for his boxing prowess.  He was heavyweight champion of the world at one point and went 50-4 in his professional career. Ray is infamous for assassinating Martin Luther King Jr. in Memphis on April 4, 1968. Both historical figures spent time in the penitentiary. 

Between 1937 and 1989, 40 inmates were put to death in the prison's gas chamber. The penitentiary's tours allow people to sit in the execution chair, if they want.

"Most people have a bravado they show when they get in the chair. They want to laugh; I think that it's more of a dare to sit there and not be affected," Neal said.

The Missouri State Penitentiary offers three types of tours: History Tours, Photography Tours, and Ghost and Paranormal Tours. They run from March through November each year, as the prison site takes a break from visitors in the winter.

To report an error or typo, email [email protected] .

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Haunted Thrills At Missouri State Penitentiary Tours

Published: September 25, 2024

by Marti Dugger

Are you ready for a spine-chilling adventure? Missouri State Penitentiary Tours offer a unique experience that will send shivers down your spine. Located in Jefferson City, Missouri, this historic prison once housed some of the most notorious criminals in the country. Now, it stands as a haunting reminder of the past, with ghost stories and eerie tales that will keep you on edge. Whether you're a history buff or a thrill-seeker, these tours provide a fascinating glimpse into the darker side of American history. Get ready to explore the dimly lit corridors and hear the whispers of the past.

Haunted History of Missouri State Penitentiary

Missouri State Penitentiary, often called the "Bloodiest 47 Acres in America," has a chilling past. Established in 1836, it housed some of the most notorious criminals. Today, it offers spine-tingling tours that delve into its haunted history. Let's explore the most thrilling spots within this eerie landmark.

The Gas Chamber

The gas chamber is one of the most infamous locations within the penitentiary. It witnessed the execution of 40 inmates, leaving behind an unsettling atmosphere.

Execution Room : The room where inmates took their final breaths. Visitors often report feeling a heavy presence and sudden drops in temperature.

Witness Area : Where witnesses sat during executions. Some claim to hear whispers and see shadowy figures.

Housing Units

The housing units, where inmates lived, are filled with stories of violence and despair. These areas are hotspots for paranormal activity.

A-Hall : The oldest building in the complex. Known for its dark cells and eerie vibes, many visitors feel an overwhelming sense of dread here.

Death Row : Where the most dangerous criminals awaited their fate. Reports of ghostly apparitions and unexplained noises are common.

The Dungeon Cells

The dungeon cells, used for solitary confinement, are among the most terrifying spots. Inmates endured extreme isolation and harsh conditions.

Cell 14 : Known for its intense paranormal activity. Visitors often feel a cold breeze and hear faint cries.

The Hole : A pitch-black cell used for punishment. Many experience a sense of being watched and sudden chills.

The Hospital

The penitentiary's hospital treated countless inmates, many of whom never left. This area is rife with ghostly encounters.

Surgery Room : Where many inmates underwent procedures. Some visitors report seeing ghostly figures and hearing disembodied voices.

Morgue : The final stop for many inmates. Cold spots and eerie feelings are frequently experienced here.

The yard, where inmates spent their limited free time, has its own share of ghostly tales. It's a place where many fights and violent incidents occurred.

Exercise Yard : Known for its unsettling atmosphere. Some visitors feel an inexplicable sense of unease and hear distant screams.

Guard Towers : Overlooking the yard, these towers are said to be haunted by former guards. Shadowy figures and strange noises are often reported.

The museum, which now houses artifacts from the penitentiary's history, is also a hotspot for paranormal activity.

Artifact Room : Filled with items from the prison's past. Some visitors claim objects move on their own and hear unexplained sounds.

Photo Gallery : Displays images of former inmates and guards. Many report feeling watched and seeing faces in the photos move.

The chapel, once a place of solace for inmates, now holds a different kind of energy. It's a place where many seek comfort but find something else entirely.

Pews : Visitors often feel a cold presence sitting beside them. Some even hear faint prayers or sobs.

Altar : The focal point of the chapel. Many report seeing ghostly figures near the altar and feeling an overwhelming sense of sadness.

Final Glimpse of Jefferson City

Jefferson City, Missouri, offers a mix of history, adventure, and ghostly thrills. The Missouri State Penitentiary Tours stand out as a must-see. Walking through the old prison, you can almost hear whispers of the past. The eerie atmosphere and rich history make it a unique experience.

Beyond the prison, Jefferson City has charming streets, local eateries, and scenic views of the Missouri River. It's a place where history meets modern-day charm. Whether you're a history buff, thrill-seeker, or just looking for a new adventure, Jefferson City has something for everyone.

So, pack your bags and head to Jefferson City. Dive into its haunted past, enjoy its present, and create unforgettable memories. This city promises a blend of excitement and history you won't forget.

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MISSOURI STATE PENITENTIARY

Decommissioned in 2004, the Missouri State Penitentiary was the oldest continually operating prison west of the Mississippi. The prison was 100 years old when Alcatraz began taking inmates. When the prison opened in 1836, the Battle of the Alamo was going on in Texas and Andrew Jackson was in his second term. Public history and paranormal tours showcase the prison’s grisly past, including cells of famous inmates such as heavyweight champion Sonny Liston and James Earl Ray, the gas chamber where 40 men and women were executed, several housing units and the upper yard. In 1967 the Missouri State Penitentiary was infamously named the "bloodiest 47 acres in America" by Time magazine because of the incredibly high number of serious assaults on the grounds between 1963 and 1964. 

History Tours

Ghost tours, missouri state penitentiary museum.

In conjunction with the Missouri State Penitentiary tours, the museum provides additional historical information about the famous prison that operated for 168 years. The museum houses MSP memorabilia as well as a replica cell that demonstrates the living conditions at the prison. Visitors can view the many displays that provide information on prison industries, contract labor/private industries, life inside the walls and control/counter-control as well as items on loan from former Deputy Warden Mark Schreiber. Please make reservations for groups of 10 or more.

The museum is located in the lower level of the Col. Darwin W. Marmaduke House at 700 E. Capitol Avenue.

Admission is $2 per person (or free with the purchase of a prison tour).

Museum Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Saturday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

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Missouri State Penitentiary Ghost Hunt, Jefferson City, Missouri

US $ 129.00

Venture into the Missouri State Penitentiary with Haunted Rooms America, for an overnight ghost hunt where history’s shadows linger in the depths of Death Row and the Gas Chamber. Brace yourself to confront the eerie echoes of “The Bloodiest 47 Acres in America,” in a haunting adventure that promises to test the limits of your courage.

Event time: 9PM – 6AM CT

Limited Tickets! 

Strictly 18 and over only!

Out of stock

• Description

Event Details

Nearby accommodation, missouri state penitentiary ghost hunts.

Embark on a haunting journey through the Missouri State Penitentiary, a bastion of paranormal activity that promises to push the boundaries of your bravery.

Our overnight ghost hunts grant unparalleled access to the chilling expanse of this historical behemoth, including the foreboding corridors of Death Row, the isolating echo of Solitary Confinement, and the grim finality of the infamous Gas Chamber, where 40 lives were extinguished.

What specters linger within these walls, their stories etched into the stone, their presences felt through shivers down your spine as they roam the endless night?

The Missouri State Penitentiary’s legacy as one of the most haunted venues we’ve had the privilege to investigate awaits your discovery. Experience the unnerving thrill of engaging with the unseen, where every shadow and whisper holds the weight of centuries.

What's Included?

Your exploration is supported by expert guidance, offering:

– Exclusive entry to the haunting Gas Chamber. – A night within the prison’s most haunted areas. – Engaging ghost hunting vigils and structured investigations. – Assistance from a seasoned ghost hunting team. – The opportunity to utilize specialized equipment, including trigger objects and EMF Meters. – Freedom to conduct personal vigils in the silence of the penitentiary. – Refreshments throughout the night to keep your spirits up.

Dive into the dark history of what was once dubbed “The Bloodiest 47 Acres in America.” The Missouri State Penitentiary, operational since 1833 and only closing in 2004, has been a silent witness to over 175 years of turmoil, strife, and spectral unrest.

From the toil of prisoners contributing to society under duress to the violent uprisings that stained its history, every stone of this prison has a story to tell.

Will you dare to listen to the tales of despair and defiance that haunt its abandoned halls?

Join us as we uncover the layers of paranormal intrigue that have captivated investigators, including appearances on prominent networks highlighting its notorious reputation.

Full-bodied apparitions, disembodied voices, and unexplainable phenomena are just the beginning of what awaits.

As we venture into the depths of the Missouri State Penitentiary, including its daunting dungeon, expansive cell blocks, and the finality of the gas chamber, the question remains: Will you hold your ground against the echoes of the past that beckon from the darkness?

Discover for yourself why this location has earned its place in the annals of paranormal history. Step into the unknown with us, if you dare.

TICKETS ARE EXTREMELY LIMITED

LOW DEPOSIT OF $30 PER PERSON

What’s Included?

For $129 you will enjoy the following:

Event Location: 115 Lafayette St, Jefferson City, MO 65101

Event Time: 9:00 PM – 6:00 AM CT

Meet up at the location at the earliest 8:45 PM. There is ample parking available at the venue itself.

What to Bring?

Please bring with you a form of photo ID, and a printed off booking confirmation email (or show this on your phone).

We will be providing you with paranormal equipment to use, however, we will need something of value per group to hold onto as collateral (phone, car keys, watch, etc.)

We will be providing snacks and drinks at intervals throughout the night.

Other than that, just yourself and an open mind!

What Should I Expect on a Ghost Hunt?

Become a paranormal investigator for the night like the TV stars of Most haunted, ghost adventures or TAPS Ghost hunters.

Use some of the specialized equipment and be guided by experienced paranormal investigators who will share their knowledge, techniques and experiences of hunting for ghosts or spirits.

Feel free to bring along any of your own equipment including but not limited to EVP recorders, flashlights, cameras or video cameras.

Bring extra clothing as in some parts old buildings may get cold but please refrain from wearing clothing that can cause distracting sounds. Many old buildings have a story to tell and we will supply them to you along with of course the ghost stories.

There will be breaks and light refreshments are provided.

We are not out to try and convince the world of the existence of an afterlife. That’s for you to decide.

We can be Sceptical and logical yet open to other beliefs and prayers of protection will be carried out.

We do not perform tricks and will not be running around with sheets on our heads!

You will be with like-minded people looking for the answer “is there really an afterlife”?

However much we try unfortunately we can’t guarantee that members of the spirit world will make their presence known but we can at least guarantee that you will experience a fun and interesting night.

Do I receive an actual ticket?

The event is ticketless. Your proof of booking is your booking confirmation email.  You will also receive an email with important information prior to your event, usually the week of.

Is there any age limit of who can attend these events?

The age limit is 18 years and over.

Will there be a Medium at the event?

All events listed on Haunted Rooms are hosted by experienced Hosts and Professional Psychic/Clairvoyant Mediums. However sometimes a Medium(s) may not always be present – but as usual, you will be in very safe hands with our experienced Hosts who have a wealth of knowledge and are fully trained in all aspects of professional public ghost hunting events and experience nights.

Can I sleep at an event?

Unless it is otherwise stated, events don’t include sleepover.

Will I see a Ghost?

Unfortunately, the activity will not just happen on command, however using the various experiments and experienced hosts on the events, everything will be done to offer the best chance of spiritual activity.

Recommended accommodation nearby:

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213 N Ann St Apartment Unit 5

213 N Ann St, Columbia, MO 65201

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The fees below are based on community-supplied data and may exclude additional fees and utilities.

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• Application Fee $40

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Shoppers will appreciate 213 N Ann St Apartment Unit 5 proximity to University Center, The Broadway Shops, and Conley Crossing. University Center is 1.7 miles away, and The Broadway Shops is within a 27 minute walk.

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Recreational activities near 213 N Ann St Apartment Unit 5 are plentiful. Discover 1 park within 1.5 miles, including Enns Entomology Museum.

Living in Columbia provides easy access to Columbia Regional, located just 18 minutes from 213 N Ann St Apartment Unit 5.

About 213 N Ann St Apartment Unit 5

Cute one bedroom one bath in central Columbia. Call for more information and schedule a showing today! $40 application fee per adult,schedule a showing before applying online. Will not hold unit vacant for any approved applicant past a reasonable... amount of time beyond availability date. Read More

Cute one bedroom one bath in central Columbia. Call for more information and schedule a showing today! $40 application fee per adult,schedule a showing before applying online. Will not hold unit vacant for any approved applicant past a reasonable amount of time beyond availability date.

213 N Ann St Apartment Unit 5 is an apartment community

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Columbia man pleads guilty to 2020 Audrain County murder, sentenced to 25 years in prison

MEXICO, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Columbia man pleaded guilty on Monday to second-degree murder in the 2020 killing of a Mexico, Missouri man.

Timothy Scott Midgyett, 29, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon, armed criminal action and first-degree burglary in the death of Chance Davis. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Davis was shot and killed at his home in the 800 block of West Street during a break-in on June 27, 2020, previous reporting indicates.

Another man accused in the murder, Sadiq Moore, 27, was found guilty of second-degree murder, first-degree burglary, unlawful use of a weapon, and armed criminal action by a Randolph County jury in April 2022 and was sentenced to 40 years in prison.

A Monday press release from the Audrain County Prosecutor’s Officer says Moore and Midgyett broke into a home and fired one shot. Davis was killed in front of his significant other and son, the release says.

A third man pleaded guilty to murder in the killing. Deyton Curtis-Fisher, of Mexico, Missouri pleaded guilty in August 2023 to second-degree murder and first-degree burglary. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

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Columbia man pleads guilty to 2020 murder of Mexico man, sentenced to 25 years

by Shea Baechle

A Columbia man pled guilty to the 2020 murder of a Mexico, Mo., resident on September 23.

A press release from the Audrian County Prosecutor's Office announced that Timothy Scott Midgyett, 29, pled guilty on Monday morning when a jury trial was scheduled to begin at the Audrain County Courthouse.

The guilty plea comes after a June 27, 2020 home invasion that occurred in Mexico. Timothy Midgyett, Sadiq Moore and Deyton Curtis-Fisher broke into a West Street home where one shot was fired at Chance Davis .

Davis was killed in front of his significant other and child.

“Mexico Public Safety’s officers delivered a case that was thorough, professional and complete,” said Audrain County Prosecuting Attorney Jacob Shellabarger. “The officers in this case were faced with a terrible situation, the death of a young father. They handled the initial call and the continuing investigation with purpose and focus. MPSD’s professional effort to find Chance Davis’ killers was undertaken with exceptional care, diligence and hard work.”

Midgyett pled guilty to Second-Degree Murder, Unlawful Use of A Weapon resulting in Death and First-Degree Burglary, and received 15-year sentences for those crimes. He received an additional consecutive 10-year sentence for Armed Criminal Action. The time comes out to a total 25-year prison sentence.

“Timothy Midgyett’s sentence is firm punishment for the murder of Chance Davis,” said Shellabarger, “but this sentence will not totally reflect this crime’s damage to the Kemp and Davis families, nor our community. His plea of guilty and the strong sentences reflect the seriousness of his conduct, and Midgyett’s lengthy incarceration should serve as a deterrent to others – that gun crimes and home invasions carry a heavy penalty. Our thoughts are with Chance’s family, particularly his young son, his parents and all of Mexico who knew and cherished Chance.”

Book your history or ghost tour this 2024 season | March - November

Missouri State Penitentiary Museum

Continue your journey into missouri's past.

In conjunction with the Missouri State Penitentiary tours, the museum provides additional historical information about the famous prison that operated for 168 years. The museum houses MSP memorabilia as well as a replica cell that demonstrates the living conditions at the prison. Visitors can view the many displays that provide information on prison industries, contract labor/private industries, life inside the walls and control/counter-control as well as items on loan from former Deputy Warden Mark Schreiber. Please make reservations for groups of 10 or more.

The museum is located in the lower level of the Col. Darwin W. Marmaduke House at 700 E. Capitol Avenue.

Admission is $2 per person (or free with the purchase of a prison tour).

Museum Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Saturday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Missouri State Penitentiary Tours in Jefferson City, MO