cell block 7

Experience the goosebumps of a real prison cellblock. Cold stale air, cold steel cell bars, hard uncomfortable mattresses, and the eerie feel of lingering souls in anguish.

Walking into the holding area you stand where prisoners were stripped down and searched before entering into their new home at cell block 7. Its cold and fluorescently lit. I felt it really set the scene for stepping into the large prison section. Cells built up four levels with a large echoed common area below. Each prisoner got a cot, a locker, a toilet, and a sink. You can walk in and sit in a cell to get a feel for how life would be like in a prison setting. There are no windows to see out of, an ominous buzzing sound from the lighting, and you can imagine how loud it would be inside full of prisoners. Each stairwell has stories, photos, and historical artifacts of prison life, the history of Jackson, and some of the famous escapees. Its well worth a stop, plan on about 2 hours to visit.

A eye opening visit into life in Jackson Prison, someplace I would never want to live. Visit the museum dedicated to the history and process of the Michigan Department of Corrections at this unique site located within an active working prison. I am sure as time passes it will become an even better exhibit. Worth the time to visit, and bring the family. Involves walking and steps, but there are many places to sit and rest. The gift shop has a few things now, but I am sure in time they will have even more interesting items for souvenirs.Cell Block 7 is an active representation of current life as an incarcerated inmate at what was once the largest walled-prison in the world. Located adjacent to working cell-blocks on the grounds of the active Southern Regional Prison, Cell Block 7 is designed to give attendees both the history and current state of corrections in Michigan. Admission can be combined with a ticket to the Ella Sharp Museum, also located in Jackson.Hours of Operations:Summer season - June through Sept:Monday - Tuesday - Tour Groups By AppointmentWednesday - Sunday - 10:00 AM - 5:00 PMTickets:Adults - $15Children 5-12 - $8Under 5 - FreeMilitary, Seniors, Ella Sharp Museum Members - $10