Could the echoes of Wyoming’s most notorious inmates still roam these halls? The Wyoming Frontier Prison stands as a preserved monument to justice, punishment, and the dark echoes of lives lived behind bars. Visitors don’t just come for the history—they leave with stories of whispers in empty cells, cold drafts in sealed chambers, and the lingering presence of inmates who may never have left. If haunted prisons call to you, Rawlins has one that might answer back.
Ghost Stories of the Haunted Wyoming Frontier Prison
With over a century of executions, riots, and despair behind its stone walls, the Wyoming Frontier Prison is a natural magnet for ghost stories:
- The Death House – Formerly home to the gas chamber, this area is considered the most haunted. Visitors and guides have felt sudden cold blasts, dizziness, and overwhelming nausea while standing near the execution chamber.
- Shadow Figures in Cell Block A – Staff and investigators have reported full-body apparitions moving between the cells. Some have caught unexplained movement on security cameras long after hours.
- Disembodied Voices – Whispered names, screams, and muttered threats have been captured on EVP recordings during ghost hunts throughout the cellblocks.
- Residual Energy in the Shower Room – Guides often mention guests experiencing temperature drops and hearing running water—despite the building having no active plumbing in that section.
The Wyoming Frontier Prison gained national attention in a 2013 episode of Ghost Adventures, where Zak Bagans and his team investigated the prison’s execution chamber, solitary cells, and Death House. They captured disembodied voices, witnessed unexplained equipment malfunctions, and saw a dark figure near the gallows, while reporting overwhelming dread in the shower room. The prison was later featured on Haunted Towns, where the Tennessee Wraith Chasers focused on a former inmate believed to haunt the solitary wing. Their investigation uncovered unexplained EMF spikes, phantom footsteps in locked corridors, and distant screams recorded during EVP sessions. In recent years, Haunted Rooms America has hosted public ghost hunts, where guests have reported shadow figures darting between cells, whispering voices calling their names, and sudden nausea near the gas chamber. These chilling accounts, combined with repeated high-profile investigations, continue to solidify the prison’s reputation as one of the most haunted locations in Wyoming.
A Historic Legacy in Rawlins
Opened in 1901 and operating until 1981, the Wyoming Frontier Prison served as the state’s primary penitentiary. In its 80 years, it housed over 13,000 inmates—including violent offenders, escape artists, and men sent to the gas chamber. The site still contains original features like the solitary confinement cells, cell blocks, and gallows.
After closing, the prison was preserved as a museum and now offers historical and haunted tours. Its brutal past and preserved condition make it both an educational site and a paranormal hotspot.
Visiting Tips for a Ghostly Adventure
Thinking of experiencing this haunted landmark for yourself? Here’s how to make it happen:
Plan Your Visit: The Wyoming Frontier Prison is open to the public for guided daytime tours and offers seasonal ghost tours in the fall. The museum includes original cell blocks, the execution chamber, and artifacts from the prison’s operational years. For current hours, tour availability, or event schedules, visit wyomingfrontierprison.org or call (307) 324-4422.
Details about hours, access, and events are accurate at the time of writing. Please check the location’s official website for the most up-to-date information before planning your visit.
Spooky Spots to Discover:
- Death House and Gas Chamber – Sudden chills and nausea are frequently reported here.
- Cell Block A – Shadow figures and unexplained voices have been caught on EVP.
- Solitary Confinement Cells – Known for intense feelings of dread.
- The Shower Room – Some guests hear phantom water running and feel abrupt temperature shifts.
Dare to Explore the Wyoming Frontier Prison?
From inmate uprisings to final walks to the gas chamber, this former prison has seen its share of human suffering. Today, it offers history—and perhaps a haunting. Whether you’re here for the history or the hauntings, this prison promises an experience you won’t forget.
