Wyoming’s history is littered with tales of the wild, lawless west. Thanks in part to the remote nature of the state, thousands of outlaws made this their home, and thousands of lawmen came out west to track their targets. While many outlaws lived life on the run and escaped in the end, hundreds of others were not so fortunate. To hear their tales, visit the Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum, right in the middle of Rawlins.

One of the most interesting buildings you’ll see in Rawlins is the looming, castle-like Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum.

Google Local / Nancy Chen The museum offers guided tours of three different cell blocks!

The Prison was known as the Wyoming State Penitentiary, and it was occupied by bandits, bank robbers, horse thieves and other criminals for 80 years - from 1901 through 1981.

Google Local / Alex Jones

On your tour, you’ll get to see three cell blocks, the inmate’s cafeteria and mess hall, the yard and grounds, and the infamous Death House.

Google Local / Ken Minor

Take a look at the guard towers when you step into the yard! These walls were designed to be too slick and straight for anyone to climb, and too thick to hammer through.

Google Local / Randy White

Here’s an example of one of the “nicer” cells in the prison. A bed, a sink, and a toilet is all that was provided.

Tripadvisor / ConnieBR

When you tour the Wyoming Fronteir Prison Museum, you’ll learn all about the history of crime in the Wild West, hear about legendary outlaws who spent time here, and maybe even hear a ghost tale or two…

Facebook / Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum

…so are you ready to go to prison? For more information about tours, hours, and operating seasons, visit their website right here.

Google Local / Nancy Chen

The museum offers guided tours of three different cell blocks!

Google Local / Alex Jones

Google Local / Ken Minor

Google Local / Randy White

Tripadvisor / ConnieBR

Facebook / Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum

By the way, the Prison is rumored to be haunted, and it’s no wonder! To learn a little more about the horrors that unfolded behind these walls, read about how This Prison In Wyoming Has A Dark And Evil History That Will Never Be Forgotten.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum, 500 W Walnut St, Rawlins, WY 82301, USA