Situated right on the edge of where Arizona meets California and Mexico, you’ll find Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park. This historic site is Yuma, Arizona’s #1 tourist destination for good reason. This park is rich in history and has mastered long-time preservation. Therefore, it provides some of the best history in all of Arizona!
If you’re interested in learning more about why a trip to Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park might be right for you, stay with us. This article will teach you all about what Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park is known for, the park’s must-see spots, nearby hiking and trails information, park information, and your closest lodging options.
1. What is Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park Known For?
Locals and tourists are drawn to this park every year. While some come to check out the historic prison’s history, others come annually for the exciting and entertaining events that are put on annually.
Prison History
Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park was opened while Arizona was still only a United States territory. It was July of 1876 when the first inmate was admitted into the prison. Between that opening day and 1909, over 3,000 prisoners — some of which were women — served sentences within those prison walls for everything from murder to polygamy. Today, the park serves almost as a place frozen in time to encapsulate the Wild West era of United States history.
Annual Events
Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park is certainly known for its unique and exciting annual events. While the schedule changes yearly, here are two of our favorites:
- Gathering of the Gunfighters – Every January, Old West reenactment groups come to Yuma, Arizona and Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park for their Annual Gathering of the Gunfighters. In basic terms, this means that the Southwest Ghostriders, Arizona Ghostriders, Pistols & Petticoats and the WesTroupe perform skits set in the time period between 1876 to 1909 for prizes and admiration. This popular annual event draws swarms of onlookers from around the Southwest United States looking to transport back in time and enjoy a weekend of good fun and community.
- February’s Yuma Crossing Day – Every February, the Colorado River State Historic Park and Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park put on events that go hand-in-hand with the town’s Yuma Crossing Day. Yuma Crossing Day is a day to remember the historical era of Yuma’s past– ranging from the arrival of the first colonial explorers in the 1500s to today. Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park’s Yuma Crossing Day events include historic reenactments, Cocopah exhibits, food sales, an arts and crafts sale, and even a screening of “Old Plank Road” in the Prison’s audiovisual Room. Talk about fun!
2. The Top Spots to See In Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park
Once you’re at the park, there are three must-see spots. First, you’ve got to check out the introductory exhibits at the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park Museum. This will help you put the place into context, even if you have no prior historical knowledge of the prison. From there, we recommend heading outside and taking in the view from the original guard tower. After that, walk the cell block and FEEL the history!
Museum
Before setting out to tour the prison grounds, it’s highly recommended that you swing by the introductory exhibit that is located in the Visitor Center along with original photographs. This way, you’ll understand what you’re seeing once you’re outside. The Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park museum is 3,600 square feet and showcases a short video presentation, original prison artifacts, exhibits interpreting prison history, and records of past prison staff and convicts. In addition, a massive mural painting of Arizona Native Americans and scenery by a WWII Italian POW is painted onto one of the walls. The mural alone is worth stopping by the museum!
Once you’ve seen the museum, it’s time to head outside. There, you’ll get an up-close look at the original cell blocks, water tank, guard tower, entrance gate, library room, and much more. Interpretive signage is placed throughout the historic site for your convenience.
Prison Guard Tower
Take in the best views in all of Yuma at the top of the prison guard tower. From this viewpoint, you’ll have sweeping views of the Colorado River, the infamous Ocean to Ocean Bridge, Yuma’s Historic Mission, the nearby East & West Wetlands Parks
Walk the Cell Block
For all of those history enthusiasts out there, trust us when we say this one is a must-do. By walking the cell block, you can experience what a prisoner’s life in the late 1800s was really like. In addition, this self-guided tour will teach you all about hospital and prison medicine from the time period through interactive exhibits and well-preserved artifacts.
3. Hiking and Trails Information
While Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park is mainly intended to serve as a historical park, there are still plenty of walking options inside and around the park for hikers and walkers of all ages.
Inside the park, we recommend taking an easy stroll down the Nature Trail and along the cactus garden, or around the Prison Cemetery. Both of these trails are detailed on the state park’s map and will show you the true beauty and mystery of this historic area.
Outside the park, the town of Yuma offers a number of hiking trails and walking path trails. Our favorites are around the uniquely beautiful Yuma east wetlands. Feel free to ask a Park Ranger for more nearby walking and hiking recommendations!
4. Park Information
Park and Facility Hours
Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The park exhibits close at 4:30 pm. From June through September, the park is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Hours are subject to change seasonally, so please contact the park office at (928) 783-4771 to confirm before arranging your visit!
Park Entrance Fees
- Adult (ages 14+): $8.00
- Youth (ages 7 to 13): $4.00
- Child (ages 0 to 6): Free Admission
Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park Visitor Center
This park’s Visitor Center includes a gift shop with several Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park souvenirs and books, as well as restroom facilities. The Visitor Center is open from October through May from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. From June through September, the Visitor Center is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Picnic Grounds
For those who want to pack a picnic lunch, there is a lovely picnic area inside the park. From the picnic tables, you’ll have a great outlook over the river with a view that reaches all the way to California!
Park Rules
Please observe the following rules while visiting Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park:
- Pets are not allowed in the park.
- No running permitted inside of the museum.
- Photographs of the paintings are not allowed.
- Damaging or removing the artifacts, natural rocks, vegetation, or public property is prohibited.
5. Where To Stay Near Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park
If you’re hoping to spend a weekend exploring the beauty of southwestern Arizona and want to stay near Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park, you don’t have to look too far. We can’t recommend staying in the town of Yuma, Arizona enough. There’s plenty to do, plenty to eat, and plenty of lodging options as well! If you’re traveling by RV, they’ve still got you covered.
No matter where you stay if you’re crossing through Yuma, you’ve got to hit their #1 tourist destination: Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park! Trust us, the United States historical experiences that are this in-depth are few and far between. Don’t miss your chance, be sure to make this park part of your next Arizona trip!
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