Step inside the historical Kansas State Penitentiary

Behind these walls, time stands still. The historic Kansas State Penitentiary tour is a guided journey into the stories, spaces, and echoes of one of Kansas’ most historic institutions.

Choose Your Experience

Behind the Walls Historical Tour
Approximately 2 hours Cost $30
A guided walk-through focusing on history, architecture, and life inside the walls.

Behind the Walls Photography Tour
Approximately 3 hours Cost $40
Designed strictly for photography, this tour allows extended time for composition, lighting, and capturing details rarely seen. The Photography Tour is quiet, intentional, and focused solely on capturing the site.

Tour Size & Guests

Tours include 15–20 guests

You do not need to arrive as part of a group—individual visitors are always welcome.

Everyone tours together; all guests are taken through the same areas.

What to Expect

• This tour does involve a lot of walking.
• Guests move through the site at a steady, manageable pace.
• Knowledgeable guides lead you through cell houses and historic spaces, sharing stories that go far beyond the walls themselves.

Before You Arrive

• Please arrive early for check-in.
• Comfortable shoes are recommended.
• All guests must follow guide instructions for safety and preservation of the site.

Behind the Walls, History Lives On

This is more than a tour—it’s a step into the past, where stories remain etched in stone and steel.