Notorious Kansas prison, known for spectacular executions, is now open for tours

The Kansas State Penitentiary was once home to dangerous criminals and known for some spectacular executions.

The infamous Kansas prison has a rich history dating back to 1859.

It is also the prison where author Truman Capote interviewed murderers for his popular novel “In Cold Blood.”

And although you may have hoped never to have to enter the prison building with its stone walls, you can now plan a visit.

When the Kansas Department of Corrections opened a new Lansing Correctional Facility in Lansing, Kansas, in 2020, the former Kansas State Penitentiary closed its doors and ceased prison operations, according to the Kansas City Star.

But instead of tearing it down, the Lansing Historical Society and Museum took control of the former Kansas State Penitentiary last month – and will now open it for tours.

The idea was originally conceived by Kansas Senator Jeff Pittman and his wife Holly Pittman, mayor pro tempore of Leavenworth, who were inspired by the work of the Missouri State Penitentiary. The project is intended to ease the financial burden on taxpayers and also attract tourists from around the world.

The tours begin appropriately this Friday the 13th and will run through September, with the final tour of the season taking place on October 26th.

“The former prison has so much history – Johnny Cash performed there for prisoners in 1970, it is the site of some of the most spectacular executions in Kansas history, and the stories of the guards and inmates from the time of the prison's founding during the Civil War are a unique story that deserves to be told,” Pittman said in a press release in August. “We are working with stakeholders to develop a brand and acquire historical artifacts to present this rich history to visitors in a compelling way.”

The senator also helped secure state funds to stabilize the roof and walls of the historic prison grounds.

The project attracted national attention, and now the Discovery Channel plans to air a two-hour special about the Kansas State Penitentiary on Halloween.

Tickets to visit the facility can be purchased here.

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