Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park
Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park
Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park
4.5
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
On July 1, 1876, the first seven inmates entered the Territorial Prison at Yuma and were locked into the new cells they had built themselves. Today at Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park walk through the actual strap iron cells and solitary chamber of Arizona Territory’s first prison. Now a museum, the prison houses photographs and colorful exhibits of those who once “involuntarily” stayed there and the harsh life they had to endure.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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The area
Address
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Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,442 reviews
Excellent
837
Very good
515
Average
74
Poor
12
Terrible
4
harryatkck
Kansas City, KS875 contributions
Feb 2022
Life was not easy here & this museum does a great job of telling what it was like to be incarcerated here. There is a lot to see here & much of the original prison remains. What I really appreciated is that I am a disabled veteran & this is one of the few places I have been that give admission discounts to disabled veterans. Thank You!
Written March 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
EugeC
San Diego, CA237 contributions
Mar 2022
Very well done! Interesting and informative way to spend an hour or two. The Yuma Territorial Prison park is a must-see for children and adults, men and women visiting Yuma. In addition to the special experience of seeing an old prison up close and learning about a slice of Yuma's history (along with learning about some characters and prisoners), visitors can also enjoy scenic views from the park grounds.
Visitors should note that there is no hot food or much in the way of outdoor shaded seating at the park. The premises do include an air-conditioned building with well-researched and engaging exhibits plus a small movie theater with seats.
Visitors should note that there is no hot food or much in the way of outdoor shaded seating at the park. The premises do include an air-conditioned building with well-researched and engaging exhibits plus a small movie theater with seats.
Written April 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
NF2013_13
Orlando, FL827 contributions
Jun 2020
While in Laramie, four of us took a short drive to this historic prison site. We were the only ones there aside from 2 volunteers and the lady in the gift shop, which was great considering this is the year of Covid. The volunteer at the front gate gave us some interesting background on the site. We then entered to begin our self-guided tour. Wow, the interior was amazing and knowing the facts on prison life here made us wanting to learn even more. There were even 19 women incarcerated here within the time the prison was functioning as such. We then moved onto the Broom Factory, learning how that was built at the prison as a viable business where many of the prisoners worked. Butch Cassidy is the most famous outlaw to have been incarcerated here. If you're in the area, it's definitely worth a look-see.
Written July 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
KathyTX
Gold Canyon, AZ134 contributions
Oct 2021
Amazed at all the historical data available. The museum was fascinating. All photos of the inmates lots of women charge with adultery. Couldn't believe all the crafts these prisoners made during their incarcerations. It was really well presented. The entrance fee was very low we paid $6.00 each for seniors. The cells were available to look at.
Written October 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sal_Paradise767
Durham, NC5,295 contributions
Feb 2021
This is a fun place to explore. They have done a good job combining both the historical buildings from the prison along with information so you learn a lot. It's presented in a fun but historical way and their docents are really helpful and knowledgeable. A lot of it is also outside which is never a bad thing in this current climate.
Written February 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Colin M
Edmonton, Canada139 contributions
Jan 2020
Our prisons are mansions compared to this one. Just cant imagine being in this back in the 1890's it gives a sense of what it was like being incarcerated at the turn on the century. Having to live with 6 people in a small cell would have made it difficult and if you did not behave you were sent to the "Dark Cell"...No thanks
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Zoom_Gotti
Henderson, NV1,343 contributions
Mar 2021
Worth visiting for a bit. Gives you a nice history of the old West in this region. Much of the original grounds are gone, but the museum has photos to give you a good sense of the layout. Also histories of some of the inmates as well as their jailers. Most of the site is outdoors as you overlook the Colorado and what is now a refurbished wetland area. You can walk into osme of the cells. The short movie in the museum is worth watching. And I always though the Earps were good guys until I read a little about them here. To get here you'll need to find Prison Hill Road. After, you can park down in the park and explore the river area a bit. Don't forget to visit the cemetery area below the parking.
Written March 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Shane
25 contributions
Mar 2022
We were passing through Yuma and decided to make the stop to check this out. Having recently finished a book about Pearl Hart, who was housed here for robbing a stage coach, made it that much more interesting. Much of the prison remains and they do a wonderful job through audio at the cells in telling the 'story' of the inmates. You can see it all in less than an hour (though you could easily spend more time) so even if you're just passing through it's an interesting place to stretch your legs and check out some real western history.
Written March 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Creeping_Death_LA
Los Angeles, CA4,147 contributions
May 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has this park closed at the moment. We walked around the area and visited the old cemetery with no names on the grave sites. Despite the pandemic they should open up the prison and allow only a certain number of people inside at a time.
Written May 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Diane S
Cushing, WI9 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
I loved touring this prison. The stories of the inmates and the prison itself gave oneself a feel for what life was like back then. The darkroom was very errie with a haunting like feeling.
Make sure to check out the cemetery when you visit
Make sure to check out the cemetery when you visit
Written February 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Pam C
British Columbia, Canada10 contributions
Is it pet friendly? Don’t want to leave my dog in the car for an hour😳
BajaBuddies2
Florida1,008 contributions
Not allowed. Leave pet in hotel room or camper or ? You can easily spend much more than an hour here!
Can you pay with a card or do I need cash for anything there?
Chiefbuff
Tampa, FL521 contributions
They take credit cards at the location.
lauragagliardi74
pisa38 contributions
I am disabled (can walk but cannot climb stairs without assistance, Ravel with my husband+2 daughters). How many steps are there?
Thanks,
Laura
Caryl M
Plainfield, IL1 contribution
What are your hours in October?Easy to use a cane?
brendab1958
Fort Smith, Canada111 contributions
Yes you can use a cane or wheelchair
It is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm
It was $6 admission when I was there in February
Rose-Anne B
Albufeira, Portugal8 contributions
Will be in Yuma Feb. 2017 & planning a half-day visit. Is there a restaurant? Menu please!
Roberto N Saman... M
Edgewood, MD15 contributions
No restaurants at the Prison but there are many options within Yuma. My favorite restaurant is mariscosmarazul com.
pennstate1994
Pittsburgh, PA122 contributions
Is there a cost to tour the prison?
David Swearengin
Maricopa, AZ324 contributions
Thr cost is $8 per adult. The fres may go up slightly next yrar. They takr Credit card but only on putchase of tickeys over $10. So if you have two or more in your party you will be good. I suggest watching the Ghost Adventure episode when they went there before you go.
ANNE R
38 contributions
Can you camp overnight.? .
CaliGirl727
Ontario, CA34 contributions
A camp ground is nearby, but I did not see camping facilities at the prison.
Can I bring my dog
tdmonroe1175
Phoenix, AZ12 contributions
Unfortunately no, only service dogs. Your dog is allowed at the park that raps around the east end along the river where you can fish.
Frequently Asked Questions about Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park
- Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park is open:
- Thu - Mon 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park:
- (0.31 mi) Hilton Garden Inn Yuma Pivot Point
- (0.26 mi) Home2 Suites by Hilton Yuma Pivot Point
- (0.63 mi) Historic Coronado Motor Hotel
- (1.78 mi) Radisson Hotel Yuma
- (2.00 mi) Hampton Inn & Suites Yuma
- Restaurants near Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park:
- (0.27 mi) Lutes Casino
- (0.33 mi) Da Boyz Italian Cuisine
- (0.33 mi) Prison Hill Brewing Company
- (0.30 mi) Pint House Bar & Grill
- (0.25 mi) Red Moon Ale House