Mrs. K. made only one request for this trip and this was it. Given her history of extraordinary stops, the last one having been the famous Lizzie Borden House in Fall River Massachusetts, I was more than willing to reroute our journey to make this one possible. The Texas Prison Museum in Huntsville delivers a surprisingly deep and thoughtfully arranged collection of the state's correctional history with a collection of memorabilia, videos, displays and such that is tremendous and possible overwhelming without being sensational. I thought that the actual prison cell mockup was pretty good because it shares that immediate physical sense of confinement that no documentary ever quite captures. While I never did the "scared straight" thing as a kid, this would definitely work to keep me on the legal side of the law as that spall space made the whole idea of consequences feel quite real. The museum is easy to navigate and completely handicapped accessible. The staff is welcoming and the exhibits seem to strike a balance between historical detail and human stories. I didn't buy any of the prisoner-made trinkets. That seemed too much. This was a tremendous five star stop. Pro tip: Check the Texas Department of Criminal Justice website for scheduled executions. I understand that the protesters and counter-protesters can get quite passionate and while that's a couple miles from here, it does get Livingston rather cloggedup. [Review 351 of 2026 - 677 in Texas - 25538 overall] read more

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Very cool place to visit if you like history of Huntsville or the Texas prison system. Lots of authentic prisoner made items in the gift shop- and lots of authentic items on display read more

What a nice little peak into the Huntsville prison history. Very nice and very informative! I really enjoyed walking around and looking at everything they had here! read more

Interesting place to visit. Their displays were well presented although I felt they slanted their story in their explanations in favor of the system in place, even though it has had many faults. Glad I finally saw it but I would never go back. I found a lot of it depressing. It's easy to find and just off of Interstate 45. read more

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Have driven past this place for years. Always stated wanted to check it out. The wife and I made the 2 hour trip to check it out. There was a lot of interesting prison history. Also at the front there is a place where you can by items made by inmates. They had some nice leather work items, key chains and wood work items. The staff was very nice and answered any questions we had. read more

This was very informational and great experience. This museum is a great way to learn about the prison system in TX without actually getting locked up lol. read more

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As advertised. It's informative and interesting with balanced information. It's pretty good for what it is! They even have a gift shop. Don't use the machine that makes fancy pennies, it's broken. They'll watch you feed it with nothing coming out and won't refund you, so caveat emptor. Other than that, it's pretty cool! read more

Came here with my wife for the first time. This allowed my wife to get a glimpse of what Correctional Officers did and the inmates they babysit during the shift. Small little musuem that gives a lot of great information about the history of one of the Texas State prison, the Wall, which is still active and located not too far from this place. They had a bunch of things that inmates made legally and/or illegally within prison and the different types of tools that they used back in the day such has restraints and the electric chair that was actually used to fry these death rowers. Pretty interestingly creepy that they displayed the chair and some weapons that was used to murder Correctional Officers in the line of duty. They staff are super friendly and knowledgable. There's a huge parking lot and an awesome gift shop that sells some of the the things that inmates have made. If you don't know, Correctional Officers are one of the most dangerous jobs out there whether you work for the State or the Federal. They also give discount to military, first responders, etc. read more

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Small museum that has some really interesting objects. Initially, I wasn't too impressed by the large blocks of text on the wall but they were soon accompanied by ample artifacts. I particularly enjoyed the section with the various weapons (shivs and such) created by inmates, along with the inmate art (the soap carvings were awesome). Also, there is a retired electric chair on display. Morbid and fascinating. I was initially confused by their gift shop (a lot of leather and wood items) but then I realized that these are inmate-made items. Reasonably priced at $7 for adults. Huge parking area. read more

I thoroughly enjoyed this museum! There's a beautiful monument out front with the US and Texas flags waving, perfect picturesque moment. The entry fee for adults is $7, children under 6 are free (I don't know the child fee for older than 6). It was a lot of reading to fully understand what was happening in each exhibit, but just take your time and read. It's worth it. I was crying reading the peoples' last statements before they were executed. Yes, "old sparky" is on display but she's roped off. There are some really good pieces displayed that were made my prisoners from Texas systems, the stories of some of their escapes, and even a kind, handwritten note to a guard once the prisoner was released with the soaps he had hand carved from Dial. There is a gift shop by the entrance with restrooms being just right outside the glass doors of the museum (when you first walk into the building). I would recommend stopping by if you're in the area! You can even get a picture in the jail cell (pay $1 and you can rent the striped prison shirt!). read more

Texas Prison Museum - Gorgeous skies today at the museum - Museums Near Me - Huntsville, Texas

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Not sure what drew me to this museum, other than a fellow Yelper visited some time back. At any rate, I could have spent all day reading the placards. There was so much information. There was also some sort of officer ceremony going on while I was touring the place. Great museum to visit if you're ever in the area. read more

Texas Prison Museum - Museums Near Me - Huntsville, Texas

We had a really great time here! We were bummed not to be able to go inside the cell but there were plenty of artifacts to keep us interested. Fascinating and educational. My son and I stopped at the Sam Houston statue and then decided to come here since we had extra time to kill before checking into a B&B near Willis. The staff was very nice and friendly. Interesting and enjoyable for sure especially for true crime readers or police show buffs. A worthwhile stop if you're ever in the Huntsville area and worth the drive if you live in Conroe or surrounding areas. It wasn't too creepy either considering the subject matter and my ten year old had fun and learned a lot. read more

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Had a great time in this Museum, very interesting. Give yourself at least a couple of hours to tour. Great history, read more

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Local museum surely built from someone's lifelong collection of prison artifacts, confiscated contraband and fascination with criminals and Texas convicts. Displays are well done - be prepared to do some reading. Most interesting are the improvised weapons and primitive escape tools - also displays telling the stories of Bonnie & Clyde and Willie Nelson playing at the Prison Rodeo. Some macabre fascinations with last meals and last statements of death-row convicts & those who've met their fate from old sparky or a syringe-based cocktail of pentobarbital. Definitely felt a dark vibe around the chair responsible for delivering 2000 volts to 361 men. We spent about an hour - worth the stop. Zzzztttttt. read more

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This is an interesting museum from prison city you're not gonna see many other places. Will say, other than it being in a new location from where it was 30 years ago, it has the same stuff that was there 30 years ago. read more

We brought my grandparents here on a bit of a "field trip" to get them out of the house and do something interesting. My grandpa loves stuff like this, and my grandma just likes to get out of the house, so we packed up their walkers, grabbed my mom's crutches, hopped in the car, and headed to Huntsville. The price is $5 for seniors (55+ I think) and $7 for adults. I don't know how much it was for kids, we didn't have any with us. We watched a 4.5 minute video of the prison history, and we were off. There were lots of interesting items, fun facts, bios of some previous inmates, items made by prisoners, etc. You can get through the whole thing in less than an hour, but if you read everything, it will take significantly longer. We took our pictures in the cell they have set up as an example. We saw old sparky the electric chair, and we learned lots of fun information. It's definitely an interesting place to go, and if two octogenarians, a 60 year-old lady, and a gal in her late 20s all enjoyed it, then you will too! Also, there's a gift shop with items made by the inmates, shirts dripping with electric chair sarcasm, and other things. Definitely worth a visit! read more

This is a really cool museum I recommend stopping at while driving though Huntsville. It's full of interesting facts, artifacts, and recreations for a small entry fee. We spent about an hour here and learned a lot about the system and how it works as well as really interesting stories about prisoners and their lives in captivity. So much to look at and well organized. read more

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Lived in The Woodlands since 1993 and today was the first time we have been. Extremely interesting museum about the history of inmates. The displays are age appropriate for all ages and do expect a lot of questions from younger ones with you. My only complaint is that drinks weren't allowed and the temperature of the water in the faucets were both really hot. Wonderful, awesome friendly staff greeting you as you enter as well!!!! We appreciated that alone so very much. read more

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Very historically informative. We enjoyed the showing of all of the talent found once one is forced to slow down. Overall very well worth the entry price. read more

Well worth stopping by! Only $5 admission (and some discount available too, such as military, students, etc.). The tour take around 45 minutes and is a short walk-through exhibit.. but very interesting! And yes, you get to see Old Sparky and a lot of other interesting and creative items. There is also a mock up of a prison cell you can take photos in. They have a gift shop as as well set up near the entrance where you can buy books, shirts, and what we found to be most interesting, are the handmade items created by inmates that are for sale. The proceeds from the sale of the inmate created items goes to the inmates commissary and/or additional craft supplies for the inmate that created the item (per the lady working at the museum). The staff was extremely friendly and very willing to answer questions and converse about inmate created items we were interested in. I also read on the museum website that they are currently fundraising to add an additional 5000 SF to the facility (info regarding GoFund Me, and other ways to donate is on the website as well) Photos are welcomed and encouraged at this museum- no weird rules here when it comes to photos! Perfect for anyone traveling through, and if you were making a trip out of the visit there is also a veterans museum next door and the ladies working there will give you directions if you want to see the prison in downtown Huntsville (about 10-15 mins away). read more

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It was really cool to see all of the history about the Texas Prison System. If you are into history, I'd highly recommend The Texas Prison Museum. read more

We enjoyed this place a lot more than we thought we would. It covers the entire history of the Texas prison system. It took us about 90 minutes but I like to read everything. Lots of interesting information, I was most surprised about all the famous people who have been Texas inmates at one time. We'd go back if we were with other people who wanted to go. It only costs $5. There are a bunch of examples of things inmates have made, which is interesting. The little gift shop sales some things inmates have made out of metal, leather and wood. Another Yelper mentioned you can get your picture taken in the jail cell wearing prison shirts and it's now one of my favorite pictures! read more

This is a small, but great museum.The admission is only $5.I liked a real prison cell. But the toilet was dirty.LOL.I read many famous prisoner's stories including Bonnie and Clyde.I was surprised that there was " Rodeo " at the prison till the 1980's, It was so educational.It took only one or two hours to finish the tour.Please visit! read more

Texas Prison Museum - Museums Near Me - Huntsville, Texas

This museum is so informative and interesting. I was amazed by how well it was laid out. The staff was very nice and helpful. Absolutely recommend a visit here. read more

This museum has scared me straight! The United States has more people behind bars than any other country. That's true whether you count the total number of inmates each, or by percentage of total population. Texas puts more inmates to death than any other state in the union, by far. The town of Huntsville is the largest prison complex in the state, so the Texas Prison Museum is in the right place. The museum has a bunch of quotes of last words of inmates before the State put them to death. It's interesting and moving to see what they have to say. Be sure to check out 'Ol Sparky, the electric chair used for years to enforce the ultimate justice. Texas uses lethal injection now, so the Chair has been retired. I think that the most interesting thing about the museum is the part about the weapons made by inmates. When a person is desperate, has limited resources and unlimited drive and time, they can do some pretty innovative things. The museum shows how anything can be turned into a shank if you have enough time. They have shanks made from toothbrushes, plates, trays, paper, glass, anything you can think of. I learned how shanks can be effectively sharpened be being rubbed on concrete. They show off a trick on how to make a "monkey fist" out of a short piece of rope to effectively maintain prison yard order. They also show you how to put a bar of soap or something solid in a sock to make an impromptu mace. Almost anything can also be turned into a tattoo gun! These inmates McGuyver the heck out of things. They also show what lengths inmates will go to smuggle items into prison. Woody Harrelson's father was a convicted cartel contract killer, and they have his shoes, with the heels hollowed out as a drug stash. They have a surprising depth of information on how inmates break the rules. The artwork is all stunning. All the artworks have been painstakingly crafted by people with nearly infinite amounts of time to hone their craft. They have drawings, small boxes, models, frames, and other items that show the creativity and attention to detail that people can have to get their minds off of being incarcerated. They have a small gift shop. The items in the shop generally revolve around making the buyer appear to be spending time in prison. Think picture frames with bars on them, and punny prison novelties. Fun. Admission is $5 read more

We had a blast at the museum lot of neat things to show the kids and things that blew my mind. Worth the stop! read more

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I was visiting a friend in the Woodlands and we decided to drive up to Huntsville to spend the day as tourists. You might think it is a weird way to spend an afternoon, but I would recommend this museum if you are in the area. Well worth the $5 admission price. The outside looks tiny but we were able to spend 1 hour here. However, the exhibits do seem to be a bit dated. My personal favorites were 1. Reading the quotes from death row inmates and family 2. seeing "Old sparky" the actual chair used for executions in the past 3. All of the cool things prisoners have made - games, weapons, various knickknacks. They are incredibly resourceful and talented. It is also next door to the Veteran's museum if that is more your thing. read more

Interesting history of Texas Prison System. They have some neat displays. Recently remodeled so everything is not fully displayed again yet. History nerds will like it. read more

Dropped in here on my commute from Houston to Dallas. It was a good little break, and also very educational and interesting. Admission is $5, and estimated time of visit up to 45min if you read everything. Starts with a brief video, and then you make a lap around the room. Would recommend if you're passing by! read more

This is a pretty good museum. It explains well the history of this portion of the Texas penal system. While it is thorough in most respects it sanitizes some aspects of the worst abuse- it certainly does not dwell on them. While the museum is small it is hosed in a nice building and the interior is clean and well organized. I wouldn't recommend it unless you are either a crime or history buff. My wife likes notorious criminals and I like history so it was good for us. Some museums you want to return to. This one, once was enough. read more

This was an interesting stop. It told stories about some of the criminals, some of the most famous. Including some of the ones who were executed and for what crimes. They showed the different weapons used to commit the crimes and guard the criminals. They show some of the prison tattoos the inmates had. Along with contraband the prisoners made and then had taken off them. There was an amazing display of art work from the wood shop that displayed the inmates talent! Plus carvings into soap so they could play chess. The detail work was amazing! read more

This is a great little place to visit as a break on a road trip or for an afternoon outing. There are a lot of 'artifacts' to look at like contraband items and historical items. I really found the prisoner made shanks and games interesting. They also have a realistic prison cell where you can take a picture and the actual Old Sparky. Great stop, check it out folks. read more

Interesting stop in Huntsville. A brief history of the Texas prison system that actually acknowledges many of the problems it has had over the years. The most interesting thing (to me) was the incredible creativity of some of the inmates over the years (in good ways and bad) directed toward creating items with the few things available to them. You can make a shank out of anything, or even a gun, or so it would seem. The "Prisonopoly" game one inmate made is pretty incredible; they should license and sell it. Not to mention the banjo and Converse all stars people made. Pretty amazing. I remember attending a Texas Prison Rodeo when I was a kid, so it was interesting to see that display. I remember the "put $500 between a bull's horns and let 'em at it" event. Never seen anything like that since; too crazy. The electric chair display is sobering. I didn't realize Texas had actually stopped using capital punishment for a few years in the 1970s. Too bad that didn't last. read more

This place was really cool and for the price it can't be beat!! It was a small little area but it was full of tons of tidbits of information about all aspects of prison life!! I really loved the exhibit with death row inmates last words, that was really moving. You can even take your picture inside a prison cell! This is not a full day activity, you can probably get through the whole thing, reading every detail in about an hour. So it makes for a perfect afternoon break or a nice little side trip from a road trip off 45. read more

A nice stop to gaze at the history. Old Sparky rests here. Interesting pictures and momentos. A reason to stop downtown for sure. Might as well enjoy the rest of the area. It's all beautiful. Especially the rolling hills throughout the town. You can see the actual prison down the road. Texas prisons are a part of history and this one is Texas death row and Every prisoner leaving the system passes through these doors! They leave and take a walk down the street to the bus station most days. Freaky! But a reality! read more

Texas Prison Museum - Interesting - Museums Near Me - Huntsville, Texas

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I read an article about this today and decided to do a review even though it's been over a decade since I visited the place. It's a great museum with lots of Texas penal history. Obviously the highlight of the place is Old Sparky, the last sitting place of 138 human beings IIRC. The only downside to the place was they have Old Sparky roped off so you can't sit down in the electric chair. What they should have done is let people sit in it but hooked up one of those shock buzzers we had as kids so that when you sat down it would send a jolt through you. BEST PRANK EVER! Anyway - well worth the stop. Makes you glad you follow the straight & narrow. read more

This was a cool little museum. I have always seen the signs for it right off 45 when am coming from or going to Houston. It start with a short historical/ factual video then you have free reign to walk around at your own pace. There was a good amount of interesting stories and artifacts in there. read more

What a history of incarceration here in Texas. It has seen a lot of ups and downs, a really lot of downs especially in the way people have been treated after they have been incarcerated. The museum shows a variety of points of view, which each of us must inhale and Digest. It was pretty touching to see the journalist work that showed people's last statements before being executed, and the last words of the family after the execution. Most eye-opening indeed. One of the stars of the show it's called Old Sparky. It is the electric chair that was used in the prison system here in Texas. There are many old stories and Fables about old Sparky, but that is a story for another time. There are displays of weapons made inside the prison system. There are biographies of the most notorious. The funniest one is about the man who continued to escape and continue to be recaptured for his career as a criminal and as a prisoner. What a job to maintain the jails with over a hundred and fifty thousand people in jail in Texas alone. It's almost mind-boggling. Oh well I had to come see old Sparky on my way by through this beautiful state of Texas read more

Very helpful and friendly staff. Fun place to go and see things. $5.00 admission. Well worth a stop. Children friendly too.

A lot of information to get through . But I love the history and seeing the artifacts. It was pretty cool seeing the electric chair . This is an interesting place to stop and enjoy to break up a amundane / boring road trip to Houston read more