With the history tours at Missouri State Penitentiary, you’ll truly feel the history! Our history tours will immerse you in the prison’s past with fascinating stories about the dangerous inmates that walked its halls and changed the prison system in the United States. On one of our tours, a former inmate will even relate what the penitentiary was like from the perspective of one incarcerated in its cells. Our private and student tours are also a great way to have a more intimate experience of the MSP. Choose your tour below!
History Tours
5 and under are not permitted
2-Hour History Tour
Step back in time and discover the intriguing history of the infamous Missouri State Penitentiary on this guided tour! Hear about escape attempts, riots, female inmates, and more.
9 and under are not permitted
3-Hour In-Depth History Tour
Learn the fascinating history and tales of Missouri’s most notorious state penitentiary with this in-depth three-hour tour that covers more details than the two-hour tour.
9 and under are not permitted
3-Hour Former Inmate Tour
Learn about the Missouri State Penitentiary from a unique angle on this tour that includes a Q&A with a former inmate! Discover how the inmates spent their days within the walls.
5 and under are not permitted
Private 2-Hour History Tour
Discover Jefferson City’s lawless past with a private tour of the Missouri State Penitentiary! Perfect for groups of 25 or more, this private tour includes everything you want to know.
9 and under are not permitted
Private 3-Hour In-Depth History Tour
Explore the Missouri State Penitentiary with a group of 25 or more on this private experience that goes more in-depth than the private two-hour tour of the facility.
Ages 5 or 10 years old
Private Student History Tour
Bring your students to learn the fascinating history of Jefferson City’s most notorious penitentiary! This private tour is perfect for student groups and includes age-appropriate content.
Ages 12+
Private Photography Tours
Grab your camera and photography equipment and snap great shots of the Missouri State Penitentiary on this private photography tour.
State pen was a great visit . Our guides Jim and Dave were very knowledgeable and made it very interesting. I’m thankful the state has not removed it and put in a parking lot . So much history there, the architecture and people.
Jerry H.
I would highly recommend this tour. I chose to do the 2 hour daily tour and our tour guide was very knowledge and passionate. He had once worked at the prison and was able to share insights and personal stories on his time employed at the prison.
Renee D.
Went to the overnight twice. Both times were great! The second time there was about twice as many people as the first, so it wasn't quite as creepy, but still really fun. Probably going to go twice a year from now on. Really enjoy it.
Curt J.
In our group were 6 people and we thoroughly enjoyed the tour. The 2 hour tour did not seem that long and Michael did a terrific job walking us through life in the Pentitenuary. We would recommend it to anyone and our hope is that this tour will continue.
Dalene R.
I was there last Saturday for the 2 hr history tour with Mike. It was fantastic!!! Very informative and fun! He definitely knows and LOVES MSP. We stopped at several locations throughout the prison. I will come back just for this tour.
Rachel W.
We did a 2 hour history tour. Our tour guide Kathy was amazing. She was very informative and upbeat. She even kept the attention of my 13 year old (which is hard). I highly recommend taking a tour of this historic building.
Desiree W.
It was the last tour of the season, it was cold but interesting. The tour guide said blondes or redheads were likely to be touched. My wife a redhead was touched on the upper arm by something with nobody close to her.
James K.
I’ve always wanted to do an haunted tourand I’m visiting family in Columbia for Thanksgiving. It was amazing, Reese was amazing, she is so knowledgeable and makes it so fun. All of the staff were great. I definitely want to come back and do the five hour haunted tour.
Edene M.
The tour guide Reece was amazing and had great energy. Not alot of scares but it makes us want to come so we can explore for way longer. Mr. Duncan was also great about answering questions. We would 💯 do this again and plan on it.
Megan M.
Inside the Experience
Real guest reviews from visitors who have walked the cellblocks, explored the prison’s history, and experienced its darker side firsthand.
