Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park

We came on a Saturday, so there was a prison reenactment show and live entertainment. Plus, the museum tour and food vendors. The cost to get in was $20 entry fee. You still had to buy your own food. There was a gift shop with souvenirs, too. The view was really nice.

Interesting history of this prison on Yuma. One of the early applications of prison reform that reduced the recidivism rate. Highly recommend the tour. The card with questions where you find answers among the exhibits was fun and added to the experience.

My wife and I, along with a few friends, visited the Yuma Territorial Prison Historical State Park on October 3rd, 2025, and we absolutely loved it. The museum is packed with fascinating history about the prison, its prisoners, and the many stories that shaped this place. You can really feel the weight of the past as you walk through the old cells and read about the people who once lived here. The exhibits are well organized, informative, and engaging — it’s easy to spend a couple of hours exploring everything. The staff were friendly and clearly passionate about preserving the history of the prison. The views of the Colorado River from the grounds are also beautiful and worth taking in before you leave. Overall, it’s a must-visit if you’re in Yuma. A great mix of history, atmosphere, and storytelling!

This was the second time that I was here, a few years apart. They have done a great job in the restoration. It is a self guided tour. There are prison artifacts, lots of interesting facts, and the prison yard and cells to explore. We enjoyed our visits both times.

The Yuma Territorial Prison is a must see close to downtown Yuma, AZ. There is a short video of the prison history in the museum area that is worth your time watching. It's probably worth checking if there are any tours scheduled. There are many displays that cover past prisoners and their stories. Also, numerous displays of historic firearms. A small gift shop on premises to purchase souvenirs.