GATED COMMUNITY
Yuma Territorial Prison Museum
Arizona’s Legendary Old West Attraction
Looking for unforgettable things to do in Yuma? Step inside the Yuma Territorial Prison Museum, Yuma’s #1 tourist destination. Explore original cells, walk through the eerie Dark Cell, and uncover the true stories of outlaws and renegades who were once incarcerated here.
Walk the Cell Block • Enter the Cells • Tour the Guard Tower • Enter the Dark Cell • Museum and Exhibits • Theater Room • Lowell Battery Gun • Photo Opportunities
Daily Tours & Special Events
GUIDED TOURS
HIGH NOON - DAILY
True Crime Mystery
DAILY
FAMILY DAY
JULY 11, 2026
An Old West Family-Friendly Adventure
The Yuma Territorial Prison isn’t just history — it’s an interactive experience. Kids love taking their ‘mugshot’ and photo in the cellblock, while parents enjoy exploring the guard tower and learning about the prisoners who shaped Arizona’s frontier days. With exhibits, artifacts, and stories around every corner, it’s a perfect stop for families, road-trippers, and anyone curious about the Wild West.
Are you related to a Yuma criminal?
Step Into History
Built in 1876, the prison once held the Southwest’s most notorious criminals, from murderers to the infamous ‘Bandit Queen.’ Today, you can walk the original corridors, peek into solitary confinement, and see the same rugged desert views that greeted prisoners over a century ago.
Explore the Prison
The cellblock and dark cell are open to adventure.
Immersive Stories
Colorful and interactive exhibits reveal how the West was wild.
Photo Opportunities
A favorite for kids, families and instagram-worthy moments.
Guard Tower & Views
Enjoy sweeping views of the prison and Colorado River.
Help Preserve What Remains
Generations have passed through these walls. In our anniversary year, your support helps ensure these stories are not lost.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re planning a family trip, a weekend getaway, or simply searching for unique things to do in Yuma, the Yuma Territorial Prison Museum offers an unforgettable look into Arizona’s Old West.
It’s part history, part adventure,
and entirely one-of-a-kind.
Make it a double adventure day with a visit to the museum at the Colorado River State Historic Park, just minutes away. Located near downtown Yuma and the Colorado River, both museums are easy to find and fun to explore. Check our hours and admission and start planning your trip today.
Shop
PRISON GIFTS
T-SHIRTS, MUGS & MORE
Available in the museum's gift shop and online.