prison tours ky

Kentucky Historic Institutions

Preserving the Memories of Kentucky's Historic Asylums, Hospitals and Institutions

Kentucky State Penitentiary

The castle on the cumberland.

Opening in the late 1800s, the Kentucky Branch Penitentiary, now known as the Kentucky State Penitentiary, formally opened and began accepting prisoners. According to the Kentucky Department of Corrections, prisoners provided labor to help build the prison while Italian stonemasons were hired to help build the facility. The prison was largely materialized out of the need to help with overflow from Kentucky’s first prison, the Kentucky State Reformatory (Frankfort). It should be noted that Kentucky’s state constitution was later amended to disallow state prisoners from being used as labor outside of a prison setting. The Kentucky State Penitentiary was (and still is) home to the only execution chamber. Today, the prison houses Kentucky’s most violent offenders and continues to fulfill executions.

Moving into the 20th century, a large number of inmates at both of Kentucky’s prisoners (Eddyville and Frankfort) died in custody largely due to tuberculosis. In the early 20th century, the first prisoner in Kentucky was sent to Eddyville for execution. Up until this time period, whippings and other punishments were a regular occurrence until they were formally prohibited by the state’s constitution. As with many of the state’s other institutions and facilities, overcrowding became an issue at the Kentucky State Penitentiary and the Kentucky State Reformatory. Moving through the 20th century, prison escapes, suicide, homicides, and riots became a regular occurrence.

According to newspaper reports, during the fiscal year of 1928 to 1929 nearly 50 men were executed at the prison. Interestingly, a single night in 1929 results in a record number of seven executions by electrocution. By the 1930s, Kentucky correction system began including probation and parole to help with overcrowding issues. During this time, overcrowding was such a problem that some inmates had to sleep on cots in various areas of the prison. By the 1940s, the prison popular swelled to move than one thousand inmates. Kentucky’s advocacy group at that time discovered allegation of money racketeering, weapons, and drugs in the prison. Wardens at both of Kentucky’s prison facilities were charged with egregious violations of their position and both wardens went on to resign.

By the middle of the 20th century, the prison population began declining and hit below one thousand inmates at Kentucky State Penitentiary. Allegation of employees providing inmates with alcohol, narcotics, and weapons grew increasingly high. Kentucky’s govern A. B. “Happy” Chandler wanted to sell the prison to the federal government but failed to do so. These patterns largely stayed unchanged for the remainder of the 20th century. Kentucky would eventually change its method of execution from electrocution to lethal injection with prisoner Eddy Harper being the first inmate to die from this new method.

Kentucky State Penitentiary Death House

Click here for a list of prison executions (state and county) .

Contributed by Phil Tkacz & Shawn Logan | [email protected]

⁘ Works Cited ⁘

• Cristina Carbone, “Kentucky State Penitentiary” [Eddyville, Kentucky], SAH Archipedia, eds. Gabrielle Esperdy and Karen Kingsley, Charlottesville: UVaP, 2012—, http://sah-archipedia.org/buildings/KY-01-143-0041 .
• Schneider, Charlotte, “Eddyville,” Lyon County, Kentucky. National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination, 1981. National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, DC.
• Bartleman, B. The Paducah Sun (Paducah, Kentucky), 12 November 2004, pp. 1-2.

Important note: If you would like to use any information on this website (including text, bios, photos and any other information) we encourage you to contact us . We do not own all of the materials on this website/blog. Many of these materials are courtesy of other sources and the original copyright holders retain all applicable rights under the law. Please remember that information contained on this site, authored/owned by KHI, is provided under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License . Photographs, text, illustrations and all other media not authored by KHI belong to their respective authors/owners/copyright holders and are used here for educational purposes only under Title 17 U.S. Code § 107.

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Historic Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Historic Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Oldham County History Center

Get to know Oldham County, Kentucky

Kentucky State Reformatory

A unique exhibit in the museum includes a specially designed exhibit by the Kentucky State Reformatory (KSR). Both inmates and staff have designed interactive interpretations of how KSR has changed lives and influenced the community since its opening in 1939 .

KSR is a medium security facility located in La Grange under the administration of the Kentucky Justice Cabinet, Department of Corrections with a 1051 bed capacity .

The History of KSR

The Kentucky State Reformatory was the third prison built in the Commonwealth of Kentucky following the establishment of a penal system by Kentucky’s Legislature in 1798. The Reformatory, whose history is closely linked with Kentucky’s political history and correctional philosophy, has undergone many changes during its existence in La Grange, Kentucky.

Up to the present day the physical plant has essentially retained its original configuration. The 12-story administration building was designed to house the offices of key staff members, a hospital and medical offices, together with living quarters for correctional staff. The eleventh floor houses the machinery of the elevator; the twelfth floor houses a now-defunct 150,000-gallon water tank.

There are five (5) dormitories made up of individual rooms. KSR maintain 148 beds in the correctional psychiatric treatment unit (CPTU). it is divided into a 50 bed program wing, 25 bed program wing, 50 bed stabilization wing, and 23 bed restrictive housing unit. The Reformatory also maintains a 75 bed Nursing Care Facility (NCF), a 20 bed open wing maintained in the Medical Service Building, a 50 bed open wing Daily Assisted Living Unit (DAL), and 5 temporary holding cells.

Other buildings making up the Kentucky State Reformatory: Academic/Vocational School, Gymnasium, Chapel, Dining Facility, Inmate Canteen, Correctional Industries, Visitation Building and Medical Services Buildings.

Read an article about KSR in the Courier Journal newspaper, written by Oldham County Historical Society Executive Director, Nancy Stearns Theiss:  https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/oldham/2015/12/29/kentucky-state-reformatory-early-model-reform/77971058/ . More information about KSR can be found here:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kentucky_State_Reformatory

About Oldham County History Center

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Oldham County History Center 106 N 2nd St, La Grange, KY 40031

Tel: (502) 222-0826

Museum Hours: Wednesday – Friday: 10AM – 3PM Saturday: 10AM – 1PM Closed Sunday – Tuesday and Legal Holidays

J. C. Barnett Library & Archives including Business Office Hours: Wednesday – Friday: 10AM – 3PM Saturday: 10AM – 1PM Closed Sunday – Tuesday and Legal Holidays

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• Eastern State Penitentiary
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America's Most Historic Prison

Eastern State Penitentiary was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers. Its vaulted, sky-lit cells held nearly 85,000 people over its long history, including bank robber "Slick Willie" Sutton and "Scarface" Al Capone.

April 17, 6:30 pm ET

Exploring the 13th amendment and the persistence of forced labor in prisons.

Join us for this free, virtual program, part of our  Justice 101  series, which examines the history of the justice system in America & its impact on our society, citizens, & world.

Plan Your Visit

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site is currently open Wednesday through Monday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. We are closed on Tuesdays and on the following holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Revisit the past. Rethink the future.

Become a member.

Members support the work we do every day and receive exclusive benefits like free daytime admission, invitations to members-only experiences, special discounts, and more!

April 27, 2024, 11:00 am – 11:45 am

Asl guide-led tour and discussion, collaboratory for justice education.

The   Collaboratory for Justice Education at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site   is a dynamic community of dedicated and enthusiastic people with a shared passion for justice education committed to generating innovative solutions for understanding intricate societal issues.

Make a Gift

Eastern State Penitentiary is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Help us preserve this National Historic Landmark and promote our mission to interpret the legacy of criminal justice reform in America through a diverse slate of programming and initiatives.

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9182 TN-116, Petros, TN 37845

BRUSHY MOUNTAIN DISTILLERY

The world's first (legal) prison distillery

Welcome to the end of the line.

Brushy Mountain was the last place you wanted to find yourself – right in the middle of Tennessee’s first maximum-security prison holding the state’s most violent murderers, robbers, and rapists for more than a century. With some sentences for 200 years or more, most of the men who walked through its gates would never be walking out again. Tours are self-guided, and former prison guards and former inmates will be nearby to answer any questions or share their stories. You’ll be provided with a map of the prison grounds as well. There are more than 30 stations, each containing the story of what happened in that particular spot. Some detail violent acts. Others describe the times when family members came to visit. Others still offer a glimpse inside the troubled minds of the hardened criminals who served time at Brushy.   As you move from one station to another, you'll be able to imagine what life would have been like behind these walls. The men they held had committed unforgivable crimes. Somehow, somewhere, their lives took a wrong turn, but they still had souls... The distillery is free to visit and separate from the prison tour. There's also a tasting bar located in the gift shop.   * You must be 21 years of age or older and have a valid state ID to sample. We look forward to seeing you when you come visit Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary. It will likely be an experience you carry with you the rest of your life.

No tall tales here

The Reviews are in

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Frequently asked QUESTIONS

If you have questions that are not covered here, please email us and we will get back to you with an answer.

Did you know Brushy Mountain Distillery is a stop on the Tennessee Whiskey Trail ? Developed in 2017 by the Tennessee Distillers Guild, a group of 26 whiskey-making distilleries in TN, this guide to TN distillery tours is a must-do for whiskey lovers whether they live in the Volunteer State or are just traveling through. The trail itself spans 800 miles of rolling hills and sweeping Tennessee landscapes with nearly 30 distillery stops spread out across East, Middle, and West Tennessee. Brushy is one of the many destinations that make this trek a perfect adventure for any whiskey enthusiast.

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© 2022 Brushy Mtn. Distillery, LLC, All rights reserved. Site by Maycreate .

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• 7 Prison Museums You Can...

Prison Museums You Can Visit Across The US

With over 100,000 prisons and jails around the globe, historic jail cells and prison museums have become a huge draw for tourists, and the US is no different – the states has over a dozen historic prisons to discover. From Alcatraz Island’s remote location off the shores of San Francisco to Eastern State Penitentiary’s famous haunted cells, learn about the histories and tales that characterize the past of these seven U.S. prisons.

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Alcatraz, California

Alcatraz is reputed to have housed some of the most dangerous prisoners of the 20th century, including mobster Al Capone and gangster Alvin Karpowicz ; referred to as ‘the prison system’s prison,’ Alcatraz received the most difficult inmates. Built on an island off the coast of San Francisco, ‘The Rock,’ as it was nicknamed, made for a challenging escape, although over a dozen attempts were made – none of which were successful. Alcatraz was originally built in the 1850s as a U.S. military fortress and housed military prisoners until 1933, when it was renovated as a maximum-security prison. Alcatraz could hold 260–275 prisoners during its time of operation, less than one percent of the entire federal inmate population, but officially closed its doors in 1963 due to its high operating costs.

Eastern State Penitentiary (ESP) was part of a controversial movement in the early 1800s that advocated the use of solitary confinement and hard labor to alter the behavior of inmates. Designed in a ‘radial-style’ floor plan, ESP was one of the most costly buildings of its time, with vaulted ceilings, skylights, and 253 cells, each with its own toilet, running water, and heat. The layout and practices at ESP were so popular that they were replicated in over 300 other prisons worldwide; by the early 1930s, however, the prison abandoned the solitary confinement system, replacing it with other severe forms of punishment. Operating from 1829–1971, the prison held some of the nation’s most infamous criminals, including Al Capone (before his time at Alcatraz) and Willie Sutton ; today, it’s considered one of the most haunted buildings in the world.

Sing Sing Prison, New York

Home to the first electric chair (‘Old Sparky’), the famous Babe Ruth baseball game , and some of the nation’s most notorious criminals, like Albert Fish and David Berkowitz , Sing Sing is one of America’s most famous prisons. Built by 100 prisoners from another local prison, Sing Sing was one of the most impressive prisons of its kind upon its completion in 1828. Originally modeled after Captain Elam Lynds’ ‘silent system’ – the use of ‘hard work, community activity and silent reflection’ to alter inmate behavior – the prison eventually moved to a more modern approach that used sports to teach discipline, introduced by Warden Lewis Lawes . While the prison still holds more than 1,500 inmates today, plans for turning the prison’s 1939 power plant into a 22,000-square-foot museum are in the making. Visit the museum in the meantime, located in The Ossining Historical Society Museum .

Ohio State Reformatory, Ohio

The Ohio State Reformatory , also known as the Mansfield Reformatory, was constructed between 1886 and 1910 to act as an ‘intermediate penitentiary’, or the half-way point between the Boys Industrial School and the Ohio Penitentiary. In the mid-1800s, the land was originally used as Civil War training grounds; in 1884, plans for the new prison were approved by the state. Designed by Levi T. Scofield, the reformatory featured Victorian and Romanesque architectural styles, believed to encourage inmates to get in touch with their spiritual side. In 1990, the Boyd Consent Decree deemed the prison overcrowded and unsanitary – over 200 inmates had died during its operation – forcing it to close its doors. Today, the prison operates as a museum, and has been included in many famous films like The Shawshank Redemption ( 1994).

West Virginia State Penitentiary, West Virginia

After separating from Virginia at the height of the Civil War, West Virginia lacked many public institutions, including a prison. After repeated denials, the West Virginia Legislature finally purchased the land for the West Virginia State Penitentiary in 1886. Completed using prison labor in 1887, the prison’s design featured stone walls and Gothic architectural elements like turrets and battlements, modeled after a prison in Illinois , and included a hospital and chapel, adding a school and library later on. There were other services, like a carpentry shop and bakery, that provided jobs for inmates, making the prison self-sufficient. Despite its good conditions at the turn of the century, the prison went into a state of decline: there were over 36 homicides, a prison break in 1979, and a riot in 1986. The prison was ordered to shut down by the Supreme Court in 1986; it officially closed its doors in 1995. It was listed as one of the US Department of Justice’s Top Ten Most Violent Correctional Facilities and played host to 94 executions from 1899–1959: 85 by hanging and nine by electric chair. It is also considered one of America’s most haunted prisons.

Old Idaho Penitentiary, Idaho

Old Idaho Penitentiary , once known as the Territorial Prison, was constructed in 1872 as a single-cell house; over the years, the prison expanded to include several buildings, as well as a 17-foot-high wall surrounding the complex. Over 101 years, until it closed in 1973, the Old Idaho Penitentiary received over 13,000 inmates, 215 of them women, and housed infamous convicts like Harry Orchard and Lyda ‘Lady Bluebeard’ Southard . The prison, however, was known for having unsuitable living conditions, and many inmates responded to these conditions with riots in 1971 and 1973. After its closing in 1973, the prison was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Yuma Territorial Prison, Arizona

Yuma Territorial Prison , now a historic state park , opened its doors in 1876, and its first inmates were seven men who were responsible for constructing the prison. During its 33 years of operation, the prison housed 3,069 prisoners, 29 of them women, and despite its infamous reputation, it is said to have had humane conditions – prisoners made hand-crafted items that were sold at Sunday public markets and they received regular medical attention; the prison also had one of the first public libraries in the territory, where prisoners learned how to read and write. No executions took place here, but over 26 inmates escaped and over 100 died (most from tuberculosis). By the turn of the century, the prison was overcrowded, so a new facility was built in Florence, Arizona , and the prison officially ceased operations in 1909.

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Jump to Tour:

Hollywood meets history tour, beyond the bars tour, shawshank bus tour, fall guided tour.

• Beyond the Haunt

American Sign Language (ASL) Tour

Self-guided tours, private guided tours, get inspired and intrigued (and maybe a little freaked out) when you tour the ohio state reformatory..

Whether you’re here to explore history, Hollywood, horror — or all three — you‘ll be captivated by each of our guided tours.

With the purchase of one or more of the guided tour options below, we’ll give you a complimentary self-guided tour. You get to explore the Reformatory’s 250,000 square feet at your own pace with a personal audio device, too.

Interested in Self-guided Tours?

All online ticket purchases are final and non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, we can reschedule your tour. No strollers, carts, or wagons of any kind allowed on our guided tours. For safety reasons, we strongly recommend that all children be at least 42″ tall. Children must not be unattended at any point in time.

— The Experience — Step into the storied world of the reformatory and experience its history both as a prison and the shooting location for 1994’s acclaimed film, The Shawshank Redemption . Serving as our most comprehensive tour, you’ll learn about the Reformatory’s architecture, the warden’s living quarters, and discover what films and music videos have been shot onsite. — Ticket Price — $40 per person — Dates Available — Year-round with the exception of Labor Day — Nov. 17th due to “Blood Prison” scheduling. — Appropriate For — Everyone! This tour is family-friendly and highly recommended for first-time guests. — Keep in mind — We do not offer free guided tours to children age 6 and under. All children must have a student ticket to be on a guided tour. — Discounts — $5 off for Military, Seniors, & Students

 — The Experience — Take a deep dive beyond and behind bars with this physically challenging tour exploring the inner workings of the prison and its inmates’ punishments. Get access to areas normally off-limits to the general public while you explore the West Attic, the sub-basement, the “Jesus Room”. And if weather permits, you’ll be led up to the imposing guard tower. This tour requires 439 stairs total. — Ticket Price — $40 per person — Dates Available — Year-round, with the exception of Labor Day-Nov. 17th due to “Blood Prison” scheduling. — Appropriate For — Ages 8+ only. — Keep In Mind — Participants must be 8 years of age or older due to the mature topics discussed and physical strain of the tour. — Discounts — $5 off for Military, Seniors, & Students

Old Sparky: Electric Chair History & Ohio Executions

— The Experience — Our most “shocking” tour explores the personal stories of inmates who were executed. Starting with a 1-hour sit-down presentation, guests will learn about the history, development, and design of the electric chair, concluding with a guided walking tour of the Reformatory that includes visiting its electric chair. — Ticket Price — $40 per person — Dates Available — Subject to guide availability. To learn more please contact us by selecting Book Tour or by calling our office. — Appropriate For — Ages 13+ only. — Keep In Mind — Participants must be 13 years of age or older due to this tour’s sensitive subject matter. — Discounts — $5 off for Military, Seniors, & Students

— The Experience — Let us do the driving! This fascinating tour will allow you to stop at a variety of filming locations you’re sure to recognize from The Shawshank Redemption . Included in your ticket price is the popular “Hollywood Meets History” tour inside the Reformatory. — Ticket Price — $99 per person — Dates Available — Apr. — Oct. (rain or shine) — Appropriate For — Ages 13+ only. — Keep In Mind — Only certified service animals are permitted on the bus tour. Alcohol is not permitted on the bus. Due to tour length, there will be opportunities to use the restroom and to hydrate. Photo opportunities are also available, so make sure to bring your camera/phone along for the ride. — No Discounts —

 — The Experience — This seasonal tour offers our popular “Hollywood Meets History” experience along with the bonus of unique access spots featured in our “Beyond the Bars” tour. Guests will still visit the cell blocks at a higher tier and get the added experience of walking through the West Attic. — Ticket Price — $40 per person — Dates Available — Offered Labor Day — Nov. 17th only. — Appropriate For — Everyone! This is our comprehensive tour, great for first time guests! — Keep In Mind — Due to our “Blood Prison” experience that runs from Labor Day to Nov. 17th, features such as solitary confinement, the ground levels of the cell blocks, the showers, and the bullpen are not included in this tour. — Discounts — $5 off for Military, Seniors, & Students

Beyond the Scare Tour

— The Experience — Want to know what “Blood Prison” looks like with the lights on? See it for yourself on our newest guided tour. You’ll learn the history of the Reformatory and see some of our “Beyond the Bars” tour locations, including the sub-basement, the “Jesus Room,” and the Guard Tower (weather permitting). — Ticket Price — $40 per person — Dates Available — Offered Sept. 30th — Oct. 29th only. — Appropriate For — Our guests who would like to explore “Blood Prison” but have sensitivity to light and/or sound will enjoy this tour experience. Ages 8+ only. — Keep In Mind — Content Warning: There will be blood, gore, mannequin nudity, and disturbing scenes. Participants must be 8 years of age or older due to this tour’s sensitive subject matter.  — Discounts — $5 off for Military, Seniors, & Students

— The Experience — Presented in American Sign Language (ASL), our “Hollywood Meets History” tour experience allows you to step into the storied world of the reformatory and delve into its history both as a prison and the shooting location for 1994’s acclaimed film, The Shawshank Redemption. — Ticket Price — $40 per person — Dates Available — The 1st and 3rd weekends of most months throughout the year with the exception of Labor Day — Nov. 17th due to “Blood Prison” scheduling. — Appropriate For — Our guests who communicate through sign language. All ages. — Keep in mind — There is no audibly spoken component for this tour. It is presented in ASL only. If you are not fluent in ASL, please plan to take the Hollywood Meets History tour to receive the same information verbally. — Discounts — $5 off for Military, Seniors, & Students

• Explore the Reformatory independently at your own pace.
• Learn about the history of the facility and its many Hollywood and paranormal connections through a personal audio guide, which works in conjunction with our self-guided tours.
• Audio can be added to any self-guided tour for $5 per person.
• Reservations not required for the self-guided tour.
• Tickets are always available at our front desk and never sell out.
• Ghost hunting and ghost hunting equipment are prohibited during the daytime. Please click our site’s Paranormal tab to learn when they are permitted.
• Tour Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours
• The self-guided tour route is modified from Labor Day through November 17th because of our Blood Prison Haunted House setup. A $6 discount will be offered on self-guided tickets during this time.
• From Labor Day through November 17th, guided tours remain 90-minutes long, but there is no access to solitary confinement, the ground floor of the cell blocks, the showers, or the bullpen. If you want full access to the tour route, please plan to visit the Reformatory outside of this window.
• $30 per person.
• $5 discount for students, seniors, and military.

• Starting at $500 per group of up to 10 guests.
• Requires two weeks of advance notice to book.
• November-March private guided tours can be scheduled for 11:30 AM or 2:30 PM, Thursday-Sunday.
• April-October private guided tours can be scheduled for 11:30 AM or 2:30 PM, Monday-Friday. We do not offer private guided tours on the weekends during our summer months.
• Call or email Derek Wilson to schedule or for more information at (419) 522-2644 or [email protected].

Tour Season

TOUR SEASON: Spring, Summer, Fall*, Winter

April 1st – October 31st 11AM – 4PM Open: 7 Days a Week 

November 1st – March 31st  11AM – 4PM Open:  Thursday – Sunday 

CLOSED FOR TOURS No tours will be offered on the following dates in 2024: March 31st, May 27th, July 4th, July 15th-22nd, September 2nd, November 28th, and December 23rd-January 2nd.

*Subject to change*

STUDENT, SENIOR, AND MILITARY DISCOUNTS A $5.00 discount will be given to students, senior citizens ages 55-or-older, and any member of the military or military veteran. Children 6-and-under receive free self-guided tours. Note: This discount is only valid on full-price tickets and does not apply to seasonal pricing (i.e. from September through November) .*

SAME DAY DISCOUNT We offer same day discounts for multiple tours. A second tour on the same day is only $20 per person! 

PURCHASE A GUIDED TOUR, GET A COMPLIMENTARY SELF-GUIDED TOUR Admission to our guided tour also includes complimentary access to the self-guided tour route.

PRESERVATION SOCIETY DISCOUNT Members of the Preservation Society receive a discount on guided tours and free self-guided tours.

*Adjusted tours only from Labor Day through November 17th. Due to the Blood Prison Haunted House setup, which is in place during this time, several areas of the building will be unavailable for touring, including solitary confinement, the bullpen, the ground level of the cell blocks, and the showers. During this time there is a $6 discount on self-guided tours, while guided tours remain full price and include tours of additional areas.