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| Thanks to Experience Jackson for arranging complimentary admission to Cell Block 7 and Jackson Historic Prison Tours (all thoughts and opinions expressed below are my own). All images in this article were photographed with permission from the Michigan Department of Corrections. |
I really don’t want to go to prison.
Like, ever.
I know that’s a ridiculous statement. Who in their right mind would voluntarily choose to be locked up? And as your run-of-the-mill, overly-cautious girl who isn’t typically mixed up in illegal situations, why on earth would I even worry about it?
As it turns out, there’s a place in south-central Michigan where you can “spend some time on the inside,” and you don’t need a criminal background to get there. Welcome to Jackson’s Cell Block 7 prison museum, located on the grounds of Michigan’s current Southern Regional Prison. Until 2007, Cell Block 7 was an active cell block that housed countless inmates and saw the likes of many notorious names (Kwame Kilpatrick and Jack Kevorkian were among those who passed through here). Now, the former cell block is open to the general public, providing a close-up look at what lies beyond the metal bars and barbed wire.
First, we checked in, passed an old visitors’ window (where inmates once talked with family and friends), and made our way into the former processing area. Filing into a holding cell with several other people (and one very publicly-situated toilet), it wasn’t difficult to imagine how uncomfortable that room would have been if we were actually there as prisoners. Exiting the holding area to make our way to the cell block, we took our last good look at sunlight, turned the corner, and trekked deeper past open showers and strip search stalls.
Inside the cell block, we were free to roam around as we listened to our tour guides tell stories about past inmates and escape attempts. While a few individual cells were staged to demonstrate how inmates might have “decorated” over the years, most ranged from empty to scattered with notes and remnants of inmates who once lived there. We were even treated to a demonstration of how the cell doors were automatically opened and closed (an entire row slamming in succession produces an impressively-loud clanging sound)!
Climbing the stairs to check out the other floors, we found posters detailing prison history and caught glimpses of rules and instructions that were still painted on the walls. Careful not to get too close to the railings (I’m not a huge fan of heights), I walked down the eerie, dimly-lit rows of empty cells. Of course, I knew no one was up there, but I couldn’t help but imagine someone jumping out to scare me.
For visitors who arrived without a tour guide, there was a docent on site: a retired Cell Block 7 guard who regaled us with tales from his days of working at the prison. I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised, but listening to all of the chilling accounts of what happened in that cell block over the years was incredibly sobering and a heavy reminder of just how grim prison life can be.
5 Things To Keep In Mind For Your Visit To Cell Block 7
1.) Cell Block 7 is a self-guided experience, and there are informational signs and staffers floating around to answer any questions you might have. However, if you’re looking for a more in-depth historical account, consider booking a tour with Jackson Historic Prison Tours (which also includes group tours of the old state prison and lunch at a nearby Jackson restaurant). Click here to learn more.
2.) DO NOT bring your phone or camera. Seriously, just don’t do it. If you’re caught, you could end up in hot water and may have to forfeit your device. It’s much easier to just leave all electronics at home or locked in your car trunk.
3.) Set aside 1-2 hours for your visit. This will give you plenty of time to walk around, study exhibit signs, and ask questions before moving on to your next appointment of the day.
4.) Consider leaving younger children with a sitter. Children of all ages are welcome at Cell Block 7 (under 18 must be accompanied by an adult), but the atmosphere and stories you’ll hear may not always be “rated G” (or PG). Upper levels of Cell Block 7 are also limited to kids 13 and older (the railings were not designed with children in mind). My advice: leave little kids with a sitter and consider bringing teens/older kids only.
5.) You can buy prisoner-made artwork. It’s true! The museum store offers unique pieces like cards, art prints, and my personal favorite—bird houses made from license plates.
Cell Block 7 Prison Museum Hours & Ticket Prices
Monday – Tuesday: Large tour groups by appointment only
Wednesday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (last ticket sold at 4:00 pm)
Adults: $15 // Children 13-17: $8 // Children 12 & Under: Free
Seniors, Military, Police, Corrections Employees, & Ella Sharp Museum Members: $10
Group Discount Rates Available
Think you can handle the truth behind prison life? Let me know in the comments what you’d like to see first-hand at Cell Block 7!
