Every Halloween season, the historic site of Eastern State Penitentiary transforms into a destination for haunted attractions. There are many other events offered at the abandoned prison as well, including both daytime and nighttime tours, themed bars for adults, immersive experiences, and live performances.
Eastern State Penitentiary was one the world’s most famous prisons, operating from 1829-1971 in Philadelphia. The prison once housed notorious criminals such as Al Capone and “Slick Willie” Sutton. It was known for its extremely strict discipline, which was designed to make those who were serving time there feel “true regret.”
Today, the Penitentiary’s is preserved as a National Historical Landmark. The money earned from attractions and tours goes towards keeping the history of the abandoned prison alive.
This year, the Penitentiary is offering five different haunted house experiences from Sept. 23 – Nov. 11: Delirium, Machine Shop, The Crypt, Big Top Terror, and Nightmares. They also have other immersive experiences and forms of entertainment such as Gargoyle Gardens (ft. The Skeleton Crew), a live dance performance; Kaleidoscope Hall, a light show that illuminates the prison’s architecture; and S’mores and Lore, a campfire with scary stories.
More educational experiences include the After Dark CB3 Tour, daytime tours, and The Big Graph & Prisons Today, an acclaimed exhibit about criminal justice and mass incarceration.
Visitors to the prison often rave about and continuously return to Eastern State Penitentiary’s seasonal activities. They attract people from everywhere, and of all ages, to come to test their bravery, have fun with their friends, and learn about the history of the facility.
Some people in the GA community have been to Eastern State Penitentiary. Zoe Hellman ’25 says, “I went there once, and I thought it was cool.”
On the other hand, Katie Martin ’25 says, “I went in fourth grade for a birthday party and started crying because of how scared I was.”
Farihah Kemp ’25 says, “Certain attractions were scarier than others; I was terrified!” Though it may not be for everyone, if you are into scary attractions, the Penitentiary is the place for you. If you are looking for a fun, seasonal activity on a weekend night, you should definitely check out some of the exhilarating experiences the prison has to offer.
If you would like to visit the attractions offered at the Eastern State Penitentiary, you can buy your tickets online at their website. Prices may vary depending on the night you want to attend. Be sure to buy your tickets in advance though, as the widely popular attractions and the thrills they deliver sell out quickly.