Murderers. Convicts. Prisoners. Death row. Who needs a haunted house when you can have a haunted prison? It sounds like a chain rattling event: “Frightened Felons Halloween” at the Old Idaho Penitentiary, 2445 Old Penitentiary Road (off Warm Springs). The Old Pen is going to creak open its prison gates from 6 to 10 p.m. on Halloween eve for spooky tours for all ages — plus tales of executions and escapes, a costume contest and more.
“The Old Pen’s rich — and sometimes spooky — history is a perfect setting to celebrate Halloween,” said Janet Gallimore, executive director of the Idaho State Historical Society. “This event uses one of our state’s most significant historical assets to offer a unique alternative to fabricated haunted houses.”
Take your ghastly pick from a ghost, execution or escape tour. There will be a kid-friendly scavenger hunt to “catch the felon” with candy and prizes, a costume contest and even spooky tales: the Treasure Valley Storytellers will tell fact-based fictional stories throughout the night. Snacks and beverages will be available next door at The Bishop’s House, courtesy of The Friends of the Bishop’s House.
Tickets are $10 for ages 12 and up or $8 for children 6 – 12. Families with younger kiddies can come early for child-appropriate tours from 6 p.m.- 8:30 p.m., and take part in the costume contest at 7 p.m. After 8:30 p.m. the spook level gets cranked up a notch for ages 12 and up when tours showcasing the Old Pen’s “darker” side start. NOTE: This event is NOT recommended for children under the age of 5, and children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
For more information: 334–2844.
Learn more about the Idaho State Historical Society at www.idahohistory.net.
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