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Yuma
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Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park

Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park

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Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park

See all things to do
See all things to do
Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park
4.5
1,442
#1 of 41 things to do in Yuma
Historic Sites • State Parks • History Museums
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9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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
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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
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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
inekesg
Walnut Creek, CA145 contributions
What impressing
Apr 2022 • Couples
Impressing to see how the prison was and was managed during it’s existence. Wonderful stories of prisoners and very nice to see this historical site
Written May 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
EugeC
San Diego, CA237 contributions
Woth a Stop to See
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.
Written April 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Shane
25 contributions
A gem of Western History
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.
Larry R
Henderson, NV6 contributions
A very interesting place.
Mar 2022
The prison is unique. We have been there many times. One of the interesting things we have read there was a horse thief was penalized more than a murderer.
Written March 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
harryatkck
Kansas City, KS875 contributions
A Great Experience
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.
MtBakerFarm
Eastsound, WA34 contributions
Nice Museum
Mar 2022 • Couples
We enjoyed our stop here. Admission at $6 for seniors was very reasonable. This museum is very clean, lots of great information and short video presentation. The actual prison is very interesting.
Written March 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jola O
Las Vegas, NV475 contributions
Wow, what an experience
Mar 2022 • Couples
Wow, would not want to be jailed here. Very interesting museum. So glad it has been preserved. Lots of great info about the criminals of the day.
Written March 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
scottofhawaii
Honolulu, HI7,785 contributions
Not like the prisons I...
Mar 2022 • Solo
...visited in 🇻🇳 Vietnam. I don't know, there you could really feel the horror just oozing from the walls in places like Son La, Con Dao, Hanoi,... There torture and humanity lived in me where I could still hear screams and feel pain coming from the walls. No, not here. This place is like really sanitized, or better yet maybe even romanticized. Great well curated displays inside and out for some interesting reading and artifacts to look at.
Written March 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ribena S
Los Angeles, CA30 contributions
tough prison life in 1800s
Feb 2022
Interesting mixed history up until closed in 1909; got the nickname Hell Hole due to the oppressive heat .... visit on a hot day and you'll understand why
Written March 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Diane S
Cushing, WI9 contributions
Great tour!!
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
Written February 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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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