Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park — Attraction in Yuma

Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park is a must-see for history buffs and anyone looking for a unique and interesting experience. The prison, which was in operation from 1876 to 1909, housed some of the most notorious criminals of the Wild West. The prison is exceptionally well-preserved, and visitors can explore the cell blocks, guard tower, and other buildings. The museum on site offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the prisoners and the history of the prison. Here are some of the highlights of my visit: The cells: The cells are small and cramped, and it's easy to imagine what it must have been like to be confined in one of them. The guard tower: The guard tower offers a great view of the surrounding area, and it's easy to see how the guards were able to keep an eye on the prisoners. The museum: The museum is full of interesting exhibits about the history of the prison and the lives of the prisoners. Overall, I highly recommend Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park. It's a fascinating and informative place to visit, and it's a great way to learn about the history of the Wild West. Here are some additional tips for visiting the park: Allow plenty of time: There is a lot to see and do at the park, so allow at least 2-3 hours for your visit. Wear comfortable shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes. Bring water: It can get hot in Yuma, so make sure you bring water to stay hydrated. Take the guided tour: The guided tour is a great way to learn more about the history of the prison. I hope you enjoy your visit to Yuma Territorial Prison State...

We've passed this site twice a year on our annual San Diego vacation for the past 21 years, always saying we'd stop on the way home. Always anxious to get home, we never did. Now we FINALLY just took the opportunity to make it the destination of a day trip from Phoenix and we're glad we did. One of our motivators was the fact that several generations back, a relative was an inmate at the prison for rustling cattle in 1894. This site was rescued from certain ruin in the 50s(?) by visionary members of the Yuma community who had the foresight to protect it and begin cleanup. The State of Arizona took it over as a State Park and further preserved this important historical legacy of our history. The self-guided your and museum are very informative. We went on a day when it was 109°, so we got the "immersive" experience we wanted! We also discovered Main St in Yuma that was beautifully renovated and full of theaters, bars, restaurants, and shops. Even a Tesla supercharger! We had a great lunch at the Prison Hill...

Traveling San Diego to Phoenix this was an off the highway detour that was surprisingly interesting. You can go through the whole prison park in about 45 to 50 minutes. Very interesting to see how back in the day the early prisons were run.

This was one of the more modern prisons in that it had an infirmary with doctors on staff as well as a barber. Then again for all I know the barber may very well been also the medical doctor. The conditions back then we're probably harsh for anyone living in the desert, but for these prisoners being confined to such a small space, six to a cell must have been unbearable. Opportunities available for you to step into a cell or a solitary confinement, the dreaded Black Box!

The typical gift shop is available with light refreshments. There was no food sold on the premises which is too bad because I think a lot of people would enjoy eating and watching the surrounding landscape and Colorado River. But plenty of places to eat in the...