Step behind the stone walls of the historic Kansas State Penitentiary in Lansing—where every corridor echoes with the footsteps of men who would never walk free again.
On this unforgettable tour, you’ll stand inside the very cells that held inmates serving life for murder. You’ll peer into the cold, dark corners of segregation, where the worst of the worst were kept—some awaiting their turn on death row.
This isn’t just a tour. It’s a journey into the past… into the minds of the condemned… and into the heart of a prison that has seen over a century of secrets, sorrow, and survival.
Are you ready to walk where they walked? Book your tour today—and experience history from the inside.
Decommissioned in 2020 after housing inmates for more than 160 years, the Kansas State Penitentiary remains a powerful symbol of Kansas’s complex legacy of crime and punishment. While no longer housing the incarcerated, the facility is far from silent. The Kansas Department of Corrections continues to utilize the historic administration building for training and operational purposes. Most notably, the fourth floor still houses the state’s lethal injection chamber—often referred to as the “death chamber”—which remains intact and operational. Because of this, the penitentiary has not been fully decommissioned.
What makes this site unlike any other in the country is that public tours are conducted within the walls of a facility that is still bordered on all four sides by an active, working maximum-security prison. These rare and powerful tours are led by the Lansing Historical Society Museum, featuring guides who served as wardens, assistant wardens, and correctional officers—offering firsthand accounts and behind-the-scenes insight into one of America’s oldest and most formidable institutions.
This is not a re-creation. This is not a simulation. This is real history, surrounded by real prison operations, unfolding in real time.
On May 15, 1970, Johnny Cash stood on the stage of the auditorium of the Kansas State Penitentiary and launched one of the most audacious feats in music history, a record that has never been broken. That day, the Man in Black, set a record by performing at three different prisons in a single day, starting right here in Lansing, Kansas.
For those of us who grew up in the shadow of the Kansas State Penitentiary, we remember quite well the night—60 years ago—that Richard Hickok and Perry Smith swung from the gallows. It was a rainy night, and the earth was still, but when it came time to put the noose around their necks, the neighborhood dogs began to bark. It was no longer a quiet evening.
Their journey to the gallows began in 1959 when they murdered four members of the Clutter family. Acting on a hot tip, these two ex-convicts went to Holcomb, Kansas, believing the farmer kept a safe with $10,000 in cash. When they discovered it was a hoax and there was no money, Perry Smith took his anger out on the family.
Dick Hickok, who always claimed he never laid a hand on anyone, was still guilty—for going along with it and not stopping it.
The murders made it onto a back page of The New York Times that week. But it was enough for Truman Capote to take notice. Once he started digging into the story, he knew there was a book there. And of course, the rest is “His Story.”
The tours of the historic Kansas State Penitentiary are now closed for the season. We will resume tours on April 10th, 2026. Visitors are already signing up for April and May to get their dates on the calendar, and you might consider doing the same.
With no heat inside the buildings and the cold north wind sweeping through the grounds, winter is not the ideal time to explore the penitentiary. We look forward to welcoming you back in the spring!
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
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!
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!
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.
