This was a very interesting historical tour. You are able to have a guide or just follow path with posted information. The most memorable was seeing the gallows, the witness room, and the “drop” room! Also, there are multiple pictures of inmates with their backstories. The youngest inmate was only 11 years old. Worth seeing.

We enjoyed our tour with our tour guide. The grounds were very well kept, and all plants were well manicured. There is a lot of reading throughout, and it would have been nice to have more interactive displays. I think for younger children it would be boring.

This was my favorite stop of the five days I've been in Boise while my husband was in a training. I took the 1 hr guided tour, an additional $2.00 (I got a combo ticket with the botanical gardens and the guide talked for 90 min. I spent 3 hours total at the penitentiary. It also has a very interesting weapons museum.

Great place to visit and see the history of Idaho. It puts a lot into perspective of the prison living conditions back then compared to now. Definatly would go back next time in visiting.

Not sure what drew us to this place but glad we came. We were in between times for a guided tour so we just did the self guided tour. I felt like we learned so much from the information boards posted everywhere. We didn’t read everything and we didn’t spend much time in the weapons part either. Somehow, we did spend almost two hours here. The grounds were beautiful with rose plants and the old buildings make you appreciate your comforts at home. Many stories and some very eerie places within the penitentiary that you have access to. Definitely recommend if you have not been. You are on your feet the entire time, so comfy shoes would be recommended. There are places you can climb the metal stairs, but not necessary to do so.

Fascinating. Took the 1 hour guided tour which hit the main areas. Guide told about history of the place and added interesting stories about some of the prisoners. After the tour we spent more time wandering the grounds ending in the weapons museum…which was worth seeing.

The Old Pen is showing it's age, but full of history. The place has deteriorated quite a bit, but you definitely get a feel of how prisoners lived. The story boards were the best part of the. tour. Understanding that teenagers were sent to a penitentiary with grown men back in the late 1800's must have been something. The cells with 2- 4 men in them were quite small. The disciplinary cell of 4x4x4 is no bigger than a dog house. These were some tough prisoners.

Definitely seen better days. Some spots under renovation. Story boards in most of the building with inmate stories. Time line displayed in another building. So many beautiful rose bushes. Fascinating old machines in the laundry. Private collection of weapons on display.

Paid our $6 apiece and got a map from the knowledgeable docent at the front desk. Did a self-guided tour of all the grounds and buildings that were open to the public (some are under renovation and not available to explore). Interesting details of the most infamous inmates are told on black and white storyboards. Exhibits of actual weapons made by prisoners, their cells, and the guard stations. Toured the execution by hanging room and the drop room below. Gray, rainy day reflected the depressing atmosphere the prison must have exuded while it was an active penitentiary. Definitely worth the entry price.

Worth visiting. Well maintained bit of prison history. Cell block, laundry, and woman’s area most interesting in my opinion. Lots of flowers. Lots of inmate stories. Limited access to inside of most structures.