The closed Kansas prison where the convicted killers highlighted in Truman Capote’s book “In Cold Blood” were put to death has turned into a popular tourist destination. Starting this week, former wardens and corrections officers will guide visitors on two-hour tours of the historic stone prison in Lansing, Kansas. This penitentiary, originally known as the Kansas State Penitentiary, has a long history dating back to the 1860s.
After the opening of the modern Lansing Correctional Facility in 2020 left the old prison vacant, instead of demolishing the building, the Kansas Department of Corrections handed over control to the Lansing Historical Society and Museum. The upcoming events at the prison include a car show within the prison walls scheduled for later this month.
The prison, which used to carry out executions by hanging at the gallows, now inaccessible to visitors during tours, holds a significant place in history. Notable inmates Richard Hickock and Perry Smith, convicted of the infamous Clutter family murders in 1959, were among the last prisoners to be hanged in the state at this facility. Truman Capote and Harper Lee visited the prison while researching their book on these killings.
A highlight of the tour includes the Chow Hall, where the legendary country musician Johnny Cash gave a performance for inmates in 1970. The prison tour in Lansing is inspired by a successful prison tour in Missouri. Following the suggestion of a state lawmaker, the Lansing Historical Society and Museum decided to convert the prison into a tourist site.
The tours will operate on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until October 26, as the facility lacks heating and electricity and will close during the winter. The president of the society, Debra Bates-Lamborn, expressed excitement about the expected large turnout of visitors eager to explore the history held within the prison walls.
