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Historic Missouri State Penitentiary Tickets
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About Historic Missouri State Penitentiary
The Historic Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP) is a landmark museum and ghost-tour destination in Jefferson City, MO. Located at 85 Lafayette Street (redevelopment site) with the ticket office at 115 Lafayette Street, MSP offers a window into a storied past that includes a maximum inmate population of around 4,900 and decades of history from its 19th- to 20th-century operations. Today, visitors can explore guided history and ghost tours run by Missouri State Penitentiary Tours, with the Marmaduke House Museum at 700 E. Capitol Ave housing a small admission area and special exhibits. This page provides practical details on tours, parking, transportation, and nearby lodging and dining to help you plan a straightforward visit.
Whether you’re a history buff, a paranormal enthusiast, or simply curious about Missouri’s corrections history, we’ve got you covered. Secure your seats for tours, check parking options downtown, and explore recommended hotels and dining partners nearby. If you’re planning a group visit, group reservations are encouraged for 10+ guests to ensure a smooth experience.
Good to know
Seating, Parking & Venue Information
- Addresses: MSP Redevelopment Site at 85 Lafayette Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101; prison tours ticket office operates at 115 Lafayette Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
- Venue type: historic penitentiary site and museum/tour destination (not a traditional performance venue).
- Historical capacity: the site is famous for housing thousands of inmates; MSP tourism materials note it once housed up to about 4,900 criminals.
- Closure and rename: MSP closed October 14, 2004 and was replaced by the Jefferson City Correctional Center; property later slated for redevelopment and partial transfer to the City of Jefferson (redevelopment).
- Notable events: gas chamber executions (39 men and 1 woman) between 1938–1989; notable riots such as the 1954 incident; later featured in ghost/history tours and media (Destination Fear, Ghost Hunters, Ghost Adventures).
- Tours/museum: history and ghost tours operated by Missouri State Penitentiary Tours; museum at Marmaduke House (700 E. Capitol Ave) with $2 admission or free with tour; group reservations recommended for 10+.
- Parking/transit: downtown parking options exist around the MSP area; JEFFTRAN bus service serves the downtown area; parking near the main entrance (115 Lafayette St) is common.
- Nearby hotels: Hampton Inn Jefferson City at Capital Mall; Fairfield Inn & Suites Jefferson City (near Capitol/Mall area).