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Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park: Reliving the Wild West

Explore the infamous Yuma Territorial Prison, a Wild West landmark with original cell blocks and captivating stories of Arizona's past.

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Step back in time at the Yuma Territorial Prison, a notorious Wild West penitentiary that housed over 3,000 inmates during its 33 years of operation. Explore original cell blocks, the dark cell, and the guard tower while learning about the prison's storied past and the lives of its inmates.

A brief summary to Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park

  • Monday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially during peak season.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the prison grounds.
  • Bring water, especially during the hot summer months.
  • Check out the gift shop for souvenirs and unique items.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From downtown Yuma, the prison is approximately a 30-minute walk. Head north on Main Street, then turn left onto Prison Hill Road. Follow Prison Hill Road to the park entrance. There are sidewalks for pedestrian use. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    Yuma County Area Transit (YCAT) provides bus service in Yuma. Check the YCAT website for the most up-to-date route and schedule information to reach the prison. A single ride fare is typically around $1.25.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Yuma. A ride from downtown Yuma to the prison will cost approximately $10-$15, depending on the service and time of day.

  • Car

    From I-8, take exit 2B for 4th Avenue and turn left onto 4th Avenue. Drive straight until you reach Prison Hill Rd, then turn right. The Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park will be on your left. Ample free parking is available on site.

Unlock the Best of Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park

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Discover more about Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park

The Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park, a former prison built in 1876, stands on a bluff overlooking the Colorado River in Yuma, Arizona. For 33 years, the prison housed a variety of lawbreakers, including the legendary stagecoach robber Pearl Hart. Inmates were responsible for constructing their own cells. The prison was considered a model institution for its time, even boasting electricity, running water, and flush toilets, leading some locals to call it the "Country Club on the Colorado". Overcrowding led to the prison's closure in 1909, with inmates moved to a new facility in Florence, Arizona. The buildings then served as a high school from 1910 to 1914 and later provided shelter for the homeless during the Great Depression. The site fell into disrepair, and locals scavenged materials, but preservation efforts began in the 1930s. Today, visitors can explore the original cell blocks, the dark cell (a solitary confinement cell), a reconstructed guard tower offering panoramic views, and a museum with artifacts and exhibits. The park also features the sally port (entrance gate) and the prison cemetery. Interpretive panels throughout the site tell the stories of the prison's history, staff, and convicts.

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