The St. Augustine Old Jail Museum offers an immersive glimpse into Florida’s grim justice history. Guests can explore the jail’s cells, maximum security area, and gallows while interacting with Sheriff Joe Perry to learn about past executions and the harsh living conditions faced by prisoners. With tours available every 15 minutes and a free cancellation policy, it’s a fascinating experience. However, accessibility may be limited for those with mobility impairments. Discover the captivating stories that linger within these historic walls.
Good To Know
- The St. Augustine Old Jail Museum offers a guided tour ranging from 1 to 2.5 hours, priced at $18.09 per person.
- The tour allows visitors to explore prisoners’ cells, the maximum security area, gallows, and the sheriff’s quarters.
- Highlights include interacting with Sheriff Joe Perry and learning about harsh living conditions faced by prisoners.
- An optional late-night Paranormal Investigation Tour is available for ages 13 and up, providing training on ghost hunting equipment.
- The museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and provides insights into Florida’s justice and punishment history.
Tour Overview
The St. Augustine Old Jail Museum offers a guided tour that takes visitors on an immersive journey through the jail’s rich history.
The tour lasts between 1 to 2.5 hours and costs $18.09 per person. It’s conducted in English, and travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
Guests can reserve their spot now and pay later, allowing for flexible travel plans.
The tour explores the prisoners’ cells, maximum security area, gallows, and sheriff’s quarters, providing a unique insight into the jail’s past and the state’s justice system.
Looking for more options in Old Jail? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Highlights of the Tour
While on the tour, visitors can explore the prisoners’ cells, maximum security area, gallows, and sheriff’s quarters.
They’ll meet Sheriff Joe Perry, who provides a chilling account of past executions. The tour offers insight into the harsh living conditions and historical significance of the Old Jail, which served as a correctional facility for over 60 years.
Optional features include:
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Late-night Paranormal Investigation Tour for ages 13+
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Training on ghost hunting equipment
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Opportunity to investigate potential paranormal activity
The Old Jail Museum provides a unique glimpse into Florida’s justice system and the realities of punishment in the past.
Historical Background
Built in 1891, the St. Augustine Old Jail Museum was a functioning jail for over 60 years.
Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the museum offers insight into Florida’s justice and punishment history.
Prisoners were housed in cramped cells, subjected to harsh living conditions, and even faced the gallows.
The museum’s guided tours allow visitors to explore these grim realities, from the prisoners’ cells to the sheriff’s quarters.
With its historical significance and engaging presentations, the St. Augustine Old Jail Museum provides a unique window into the past.
Tour Duration and Schedule
Guided tours of the St. Augustine Old Jail Museum range from 1 to 2.5 hours in duration.
The standard 1-hour guided tour departs every 15 minutes from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with the last tour at 3:00 PM on December 24.
For a more immersive experience, the 2.5-hour Paranormal Tour is available for guests aged 13 and above. This tour includes:
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Training on ghost hunting equipment
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Exploring the jail’s haunted cells and gallows
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Insights into the jail’s dark history and paranormal activity
The tour options cater to various interests and time constraints, ensuring visitors can tailor their experience at the historic Old Jail Museum.
More Great Tours NearbyParanormal Investigation Tour
For those seeking a more immersive and thrilling experience, the 2.5-hour Paranormal Investigation Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the Old Jail’s haunted cells and gallows.
Available for guests aged 13 and up, the tour includes training on ghost hunting equipment and the chance to investigate the jail’s paranormal activity.
Participants will search for signs of the supernatural, using digital cameras, EMF detectors, and other specialized tools.
The tour provides a rare chance to uncover the Old Jail’s ghostly past and may appeal to thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts alike.
Accessibility and Mobility Considerations
Unfortunately, the Old Jail Museum may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments. The tour involves navigating narrow hallways, steep staircases, and uneven floors within the historic structure.
Some key considerations include:
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Limited accessibility: The building lacks elevators, ramps, and other accommodations for guests with physical disabilities.
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Challenging terrain: Visitors must climb stairs to access certain areas, posing difficulties for those with mobility challenges.
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Lack of alternative options: There are no alternative tour routes or accommodations available for guests with mobility impairments.
Individuals with mobility concerns may find the Old Jail Museum tour physically demanding and inaccessible.
Customer Ratings and Feedback
Visitors have overwhelmingly praised the Old Jail Museum tour, with an impressive overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 51 reviews.
Reviewers highlighted the knowledgeable and engaging guides, who earned a stellar 4.8/5 rating. Guests also appreciated the tour’s great value for money, scoring 4.5/5.
Many commented on the informative and captivating presentations that brought the jail’s historical significance to life.
While the tour may not be suitable for those with mobility issues, the consistently positive feedback suggests an exceptional experience for those able to participate.
Planning Your Visit
Planning your visit to the St. Augustine Old Jail Museum is straightforward. The museum offers guided tours every 15 minutes from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with the last tour at 3:00 PM on December 24.
For a more immersive experience, there’s also a 2.5-hour Paranormal Tour for guests aged 13 and above, which includes training on ghost hunting equipment. Keep in mind that the tour may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments.
To make the most of your visit, consider these tips:
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Arrive early to secure your preferred tour time.
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Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
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Bring a camera to capture the historic jail’s atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for the Museum Tour?
The museum tour doesn’t have a strict dress code. Visitors should wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for exploring the historic jail’s different areas, as the tour involves walking through prisoner cells and other facilities.
Are Photography or Video Recording Allowed During the Tour?
Photography and video recording are generally allowed during the tour, though visitors are advised to check with the staff upon arrival as policies may vary. Capturing the historical exhibits and atmosphere can enhance the tour experience.
Can Children Under 13 Participate in the Paranormal Investigation Tour?
No, the paranormal investigation tour is not suitable for children under 13. It’s specifically designed for guests aged 13 and above, as it involves training on ghost hunting equipment and exploring the potentially spooky aspects of the old jail.
Is There an Audio Tour Available for the Guided Tour?
No, there’s no audio tour available for the guided tour. The tour is led by live guides who provide an engaging, informative presentation on the historical significance and living conditions of the Old Jail.
Is There a Gift Shop or Souvenir Store On-Site?
Yes, there is a gift shop on-site where visitors can purchase souvenirs and historical memorabilia related to the Old Jail Museum and its history. The gift shop offers a variety of items for guests to commemorate their visit.
The Sum Up
The St. Augustine Old Jail Museum Guided Tour offers a captivating window into Florida’s justice history. Visitors can explore the jail’s cells, maximum security area, and gallows while interacting with Sheriff Joe Perry to learn about past executions and the harsh living conditions faced by prisoners. Although accessibility may be limited for those with mobility impairments, the tour’s interactive nature and historical insights make it a fascinating experience.
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