This is a fun, cheap and short place to visit while in Cripple Creek. I enjoyed it and am glad we went. It surprised me that it was actually their working jail until recently when a new one was built. It really made you reflect on the inmates lives as you could stand in the cells and read their graffiti, poems etc. on the walls. Some used tally marks to keep track of their stay. So sad. You can take pictures with prison uniforms if you want. This won't take long but worth your time. There is also a free trolley that can take you down to this part of town if you are parked at the other end (like we were).
A very enjoyable stop in Cripple Creek-the kids loved the docent stories, the history, and dressing up in jail garb for photos to take home. The docent was very knowledgeable and pleasant. Highly recommended for families, and inexpensive.
A fun filled museum. It was an eye opening experience for the type of jails that once were. We were able to walk around and go through the actual cells that were used. And for those with an adventurous spirit you could put on an inmate outfit and take photos behind the bars! Going through the actual cells gave both of us an eerie feeling of what it used to be like. And why there is a fee it is nominal $2.00 per person! Also great books for sale if you want to know more about the area and gold rush.
We enjoyed all of the historical displays and information. The building and jail cells are well preserved. We dressed as prisoners and got our mug shot photos, and did "prisoner" photos in the jail cells. The docent was very nice and did a wonderful job. The price was almost nil yet we got a huge amount of information!
The museum was very well put together as far as telling you the history of what went on at the jail, plus tons of fun putting on jail clothing for pictures and having your mug shot taken! Well worth the low price for admission.
We had an amazing time in this museum. Lots and lots of historical information. And, the admission was only $2.00! This was an operational jail until the early 1990's and the walls are full of history. Fun to dress up in the jail uniforms!
This location in Cripple Creek was an added attraction to our itinerary. Very interesting to know "Ghost hunters" came out but found nothing. (Picture was on wall) Jail cells were quite the days of old for sure.Upstairs for women and children were interesting to see and read some of the information on. No animals were present outside. All in all a good place to check-out for the small fee. Would I return, probably not.Nice lady giving information about the jail. If you are a person of "Jail" interest, this is for you. This particular one shut down in 1992. The new one is down the block.
A great look into some of the less-than-clean history of Cripple Creek. Be sure to check it out. Ask the ladies there for a brief tour and be sure to read everything.
The price to get into the jail is only $2 per person, Awesome value!! Before you start your self guided tour, one of the employees of the jail will start you off with about a 6-7 minute background story about the jail, great info and very interesting. After that your free to take pictures and spend as much time in the jail as you want. There are numerous info displays and just museum type stuff along the walls of the jail for you to read and learn. This place is pretty awesome and is a must do if you visit cripple creek (which you should).
you'll love this place.. a tour guide spent a little time explaining the history and then you are free to spend as much time as you like exploring.. it was quite inexpensive for the tour and the gift shop has many reasonably priced items that would make wonderful gifts. I think children would really enjoy this.. I was a child many years ago and I loved it.up to six people could be in one cell..amazing. lots of facts with pictures of former inmates.You should be able to find a parking spot quite easily.