The Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau announced Friday the Missouri State Penitentiary's 2017 tour schedule is now available online at MissouriPenTours.com.
Tours at the Penitentiary will resume March 1, weather permitting. Advanced reservations are recommended, and groups of 20 or more can book a private tour by calling 866-998-6998.
The Missouri State Penitentiary opened its doors in 1836 and at its peak was the largest operating prison in the United States. It is notably famous for housing inmates such as professional boxer Sonny Liston and outlaw Pretty Boy Floyd. The prison was decommisioned in 2004.
Visitors will have the following tour options, which include a $1 processing fee:
Two-hour history tour at $14 per person, for a minimum age of 10 years old;
Three-hour in-depth history tour at $25 per person, for a minimum age of 10 years old;
Two-hour ghost tour at $25 per person, for a minimum age of 14 years old;
Three-hour ghost hunt at $35 per person, for a minimum age of 14 years old;
Three-hour ghost hunt class at $35 per person, for a minimum age of 14 years old;
Five-hour public overnight paranormal investigation (10 p.m -3 a.m.) at $65 a person, for a minimum age of 18 years old;
Eight-hour public overnight paranormal investigation (10 p.m.-6 a.m.) at $95 a person, for a minimum age of 18 years old;
Public three-hour photo tour, (private photography sessions are also available, with varying session lengths and prices);
Two-hour history tours and two hour ghost tours are available as private for groups of 20 or more, with tickets at $15 per person for the private two-hour history tour and $26 per person for the private two-hour ghost tour - advanced reservations required for either option;
History tour for students at $5 per person for a minimum age of 5 years old, a photography student tour at $5 per person for a minimum age of 12 years old and a ghost tour for students at $10 per person for a minimum age of 12 years old - younger student groups must include a minimum of 20 people, and advanced reservations must be made for these abbreviates versions of the traditional tours;
Private overnight combination history tour-paranormal investigations are available at $75 per person for five hours or $100 per person for eight hours (each option begins at 10 p.m.), for groups with a minimum of 10 people and a maximum of 25 for ages 18 years old or older. Reservations must be made in advance.
Visitors can confirm when specific tour options will be available by checking online and viewing the schedules for each option.
Although the Missouri State Penitentiary does have equipment that may be checked out for its paranormal offerings, guests are encouraged to bring their own ghost hunting equipment at least for the three-hour ghost hunt and three-hour ghost hunt class. Visitors must bring ID to check out equipment from the Penitentiary. Visitors on ghost-related tours are also encouraged to bring their own flashlights for low visibility areas.
The property is not ADA accessible because of its age, although it is also stated online that many people have been able to do tours using canes. Cameras are welcome. Close-toed comfortable shoes are recommended, and dress for the weather is encouraged as there is no heat or air conditioning.