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Michigan’s First State Prison Guided Tour

JACKSON HISTORIC PRISON TOURS

These tours begin at Michigan's First State Prison (1838-1934), which built Jackson into a leading industrial town during the height of the Industrial Revolution. Visitors are then bussed to Seven-Block, a closed, fully intact cell block on the grounds of the Southern Michigan
State Prison.

Michigan’s First State Prison, once the world’s largest walled prison, is now Armory Arts Village, a resident artists' community listed on MSN in the top ten most unique buildings in the world in which to live. The 25' stone and granite wall with guard turrets surround it. Here, visitors hear fascinating history, tales of prison life, colorful inmates, punishments, reforms, and see old solitary cells. They visit artists in their studios built out of prison cells, and see how this old brick and mortar building has gone from historic prison to artistic vision. Then, they board a bus to fully intact Seven-Block (1934-2007), on the closed area of the Southern Michigan State Prison. This is where inmates went from the First Prison when it closed in 1934.

Robert DeNiro filmed the movie "Stone" at Seven-Block. See how and where prisoners first entering were placed in the holding cell, given their uniforms, haircuts, numbers and sent to the cells. Hear stories of lively and famous convicts, wardens, officers, a daring helicopter escape, Seven-Block's role during the Detroit Riots, and prison reform.

Dates/Hours of Operation

Tours run from May - October.

Call or Email to arrange days, dates, and times.

A minimum of four people is required.

Tunnel tours at the Armory Arts Village portion of the tour maybe added to the general tour for small groups (maximum 12) for an extra fee. Paranormal groups may arrange tours at Armory Arts Village but not at 7-Block.

Reservations are necessary

Contact: Judy Gail Krasnow
(517) 795-2112
jacksonjourneysllc@comcast.net
100 Armory Court, #107
Jackson, MI 49202

Click here for Judy Gail Krasnow website.

Tours last 2½-3 hours, plus 20 minutes RT for bus

GROUPS OF TEN OR MORE CAN MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO EAT A CATERED LUNCH (NO BREAD AND WATER HERE) IN THE OLD PRISON CAFÉ.

TOUR OPERATORS CALL FOR INFORMATION ON PACKAGES THAT INCLUDE THE JACKSON HISTORIC PRISON TOUR AND OTHER SITES AND VENUES IN JACKSON.

Location and Directions

Jackson, Michigan 2 miles south of I-94 (Exit 139, Cooper Street)
Call for Directions to Parking Area and Bus pick-up

Tour Buses may park at 100 Armory Court/Jackson 49202

Take the tour and return to browse at Armory Arts Village and at Art 634: boutiques, art studios, exhibits and walk or bike on the Grand River ArtsWalk.

Photos:

Michigan’s First State Prison
Seven-Block: Michigan’s Old State Prison
The First State Prison is now Armory Arts Village, a resident Artist’s Community.