Still searching for the perfect Christmas gift? A gift certificate for a historic Kansas State Penitentiary tour is a unique and memorable option! Give the gift of an unforgettable experience, exploring the stories and history of this iconic site. Perfect for history buffs, true crime fans, or anyone who loves a good adventure!
Please email us at: info@lansingkansashistory.com
Help Wanted
Former Correctional Officers and Wardens
Your stories and insights are what make these tours unforgettable. Join us in preserving and sharing this important history!
Plan Ahead to Secure Your Spot!
Step into history with a guided tour of the historic Kansas State Penitentiary, where stories of notorious inmates, daring escapes, and a rich past come to life. Our tours are a unique opportunity to explore this iconic landmark, offering a glimpse into the architecture, culture, and justice system of its time.
These popular tours often sell out, so we strongly encourage you to book ahead to secure your preferred day and time. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a true crime fan, or simply curious about this one-of-a-kind site, you will want to take advantage of it!
Why Book Ahead?
- Guaranteed access on your preferred date and time
- Limited group sizes for a more personalized experience
- Tours fill up quickly – don’t wait!
Reserve your spot today and make history part of your journey!
We are now taking bookings for the 2025 Season March through November
The Murals of Ernest Aspinwall
Deputy Warden Nic Ball of Lansing Correctional Facility looks at the signature of artist Ernest Aspinwall from 1957.
The Photography Tour
Hey there! We are giving you a heads-up that the photography tour follows the same route as the regular tour. We’ve made the photography tour three hours instead of two because we’ve noticed that people with cameras tend to take a bit longer at each stop. We want everyone to have a great time, so we want to ensure you know that before you book.
All tours begin at the Lansing Historical Society and Museum at 115 East Kansas – A fully restored A.T.&S.F. Depot
Our tourists have been a bit puzzled about where the tours start. The fun begins right here at the Museum, where we’ve been gathering Kansas State Penitentiary memorabilia since 1991. Join us for a fascinating journey through time and history!
Keys to the Prison
From left to right in the picture: Jeff Conklin, Vice President of the Lansing Historical Society and Museum; Debra Bates-Lamborn, President; Gloria Geither, the Deputy Secretary of Facility Management for the Kansas Department of Corrections; Todd Thompson, Leavenworth County Attorney; and Senator Jeff Pittman. Senator Pittman played a crucial role in the Historical Society's acquisition of the prison for tours. of the prison for tours.
On Monday, September 9, 2024, a historical moment unfolded in front of Tower One at the Kansas State Penitentiary. This institution, with a rich history dating back to 1859, has been a significant part of our community. In a gesture of utmost respect and honor, Gloria Geither, the Deputy Secretary of Facility Management for the Kansas Department of Corrections, who has been a guiding force since the beginning, handed over the keys to the institution.
On Friday the 13th, we are opening the doors of the Kansas State Penitentiary for a unique and unforgettable experience. You can secure your spot for this rare opportunity at Lansingkansashistory.com. The tours will be running throughout September, with the last one of the season on October 26th.
Don’t miss out on a truly historic event – the first annual “Behind the Walls” car show. This exclusive event, a rare opportunity to step inside KSP, will be held on Saturday, September 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Be sure to mark your calendars for this unique glimpse into the history of the Kansas State Penitentiary.
“Behind the Walls” a car show
Get ready to rev your engines and join in the excitement at our second annual car show at the historic Kansas State Penitentiary on Saturday, September 27, 2025! This year, we’re throwing open the gates to everyone, so gather your friends and family for a day of automotive fun!
For just $25, you can bring your car along (drivers included!), with the same fee for passengers and walk-ins. And guess what? This isn’t just about cars—it’s also a fantastic fundraiser for the Lansing Historical Society and Museum, so you’ll be supporting a great cause while having a blast!
We have tons of space for all the jaw-dropping vehicles, and the ballfield is ready for action too. So polish up those wheels and prepare for a day filled with spectacular cars, good vibes, and lots of excitement! We can’t wait to see you there!
For just $25, you can bring your car along (drivers included!), with the same fee for passengers and walk-ins. And guess what? This isn’t just about cars—it’s also a fantastic fundraiser for the Lansing Historical Society and Museum, so you’ll be supporting a great cause while having a blast!
Kansas State Penitentiary is Open for Tours Sept 13, 2024
Exciting news! After much anticipation, the Lansing Historical Society and Museum is thrilled to announce the official opening of the historic Kansas State Penitentiary for tours starting on Friday, September 13. Immerse yourself in history and book your tour on our website, on the Menu bar of this website. Join us for an unforgettable journey through time!