Step Inside History
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 $30.00
Approximately 2 hours
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 9 a.m., 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.
A guided walk-through focusing on history, architecture, and life inside the walls.
Behind the Walls Photography Tour
Approximately 3 hours $40.00
Designed strictly for photography, this tour allows extended time for composition, lighting, and capturing details rarely seen. The Photography Tour is focused solely on capturing the site.
Advance Reservations Recommended
While tour times are listed on our schedule, not all tours are available on every date due to guide availability or minimum attendance requirements. We strongly recommend booking in advance to ensure your preferred tour date and time is available.
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.
During the tour, you will have the amazing opportunity to pass through this gate and explore one of the many captivating places on the itinerary.
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.
