Hidden in the heart of the old mining town of Cripple Creek, Colorado, the Cripple Creek Outlaws & Lawmen Jail Museum is a rare historic gem—and a hotspot for paranormal enthusiasts. Once a working jail that housed some of the rowdiest criminals of the Wild West, this eerie brick building now stands as a time capsule of crime, justice, and lingering spirits. Whether you’re a history buff, a ghost hunter, or just intrigued by the Old West’s shadowy past, this museum delivers a unique mix of facts and fright.
Step into the cells where outlaws once scrawled their names on the walls. Wander down narrow halls where echoes of footsteps—possibly from another era—still linger. This isn’t just a museum you observe; it’s one that watches you back. Let’s take an in-depth look at the stories behind its steel-barred past… and the spirits that may never have left.
The History
Mining Boom and Boomtown Lawlessness
Cripple Creek was thrust into fame in the 1890s during Colorado’s last big gold rush. As miners flooded into the region, the population exploded—bringing with it saloons, gambling halls, and, inevitably, crime. To keep the mounting lawlessness in check, the town built a substantial jailhouse in 1901 that still stands today as the Cripple Creek Outlaws & Lawmen Jail Museum.
This two-story brick facility was built with strength in mind. Designed with thick masonry and steel-barred cells, it served as the primary detention center for criminals throughout the rough-and-tumble early 20th century. In its heyday, the jail was a revolving door for outlaws, drunkards, and the occasional unlucky gambler who got caught cheating.
A Jail in Continuous Use Until 1992
One of the most fascinating aspects of this old jail is just how long it remained active. Long after the gold had dried up and the Wild West had become history, the jail was still operational. From 1901 until July 1992, it served the local law enforcement community. Over its 91 years of use, it housed thousands of inmates—from petty thieves to dangerous criminals.
Unlike many “Old West” jails that were shut down and then reconstructed as tourist attractions, the Cripple Creek Outlaws & Lawmen Jail Museum uses the actual facility where criminals were once locked behind iron bars. The building contains twelve original cells and retains its stark, chilling atmosphere. Inside, visitors can view historical exhibits, artifacts from law enforcement history, and even the original booking desk.
Infamous Inmates and Colorful Characters
The jail played host to a colorful mix of the area’s most notorious ne’er-do-wells, including con artists, bootleggers, and bank robbers. Though official records are incomplete for certain years, local lore keeps the memory of many infamous inmates alive. One such tale involves a judge who found himself locked up overnight—by mistake, according to some, but on purpose, locals like to claim with a wink.
Other stories detail the cramped conditions and questionable hygiene within the jail, making it a dreadful place to serve out any sentence. Some say that the emotions—and perhaps the souls—of those inmates have never truly left.
The Haunt
While the museum draws attention for its historical value, it also occupies an esteemed place on the list of Colorado’s most haunted sites. Over the years, both museum staff and visitors have documented chilling encounters and unexplained phenomena that suggest some of Cripple Creek’s roughest outlaws have refused to check out.
Paranormal Reports and Local Legends
Cold spots, phantom footsteps, disembodied voices, and moving shadows are among the most commonly reported occurrences at the Cripple Creek Outlaws & Lawmen Jail Museum. Staff members recount hearing cell doors slamming when no one else is in the building, and visitors have reported the feeling of being watched—even followed—while exploring the corridors.
One of the most frequently seen apparitions is that of a tall man in prison garb who reportedly lurks near one of the rear cells. Some say he appears only during thunderstorms. Another nameless entity is suspected of tugging on visitors’ clothing or whispering incoherent sounds through the bars. Paranormal investigators have captured EVP (electronic voice phenomena) recordings of gruff voices laughing, cursing, or just breathing heavily.
Ghost Hunts and Investigations
The museum welcomes ghost hunters and has even hosted several overnight investigations. Many professional teams have reported substantial evidence of paranormal activity, including captured photos of orbs, inexplicable temperature fluctuations, and equipment malfunctions near cell block C.
In one chilling investigation, a medium claimed to have made contact with a former inmate named “Red,” who said he was wrongly convicted and wasn’t “done with the place.” Another team reported physical interaction, including a partially shut cell door that opened completely on its own during a live recording.
The jail’s architecture itself may also play a role in the hauntings. The thick walls, steel doors, and limited lighting create an almost timeless atmosphere where the past doesn’t just speak—it sighs, screams, and sometimes reaches out from the shadows.
Planning Your Visit
Located on Bennett Avenue in downtown Cripple Creek, the Cripple Creek Outlaws & Lawmen Jail Museum is open seasonally, typically from May through October. It’s a self-guided tour experience that lets you explore the jail at your own pace—though be aware you may not feel alone, even when you are.
The museum features informative plaques, period artifacts, and a host of original furnishings, including lawmen’s uniforms, wanted posters, and confiscated weapons. If you’re particularly interested in the paranormal side, consider contacting the museum ahead of time to see if any ghost-tour events are scheduled during your visit.
What to Bring:
- Flashlight for darker corners
- EMF detector and audio recorder if you’re a ghost hunter
- Camera—paranormal or not, the jail makes for stunning photos
- Notebook for jotting down odd feelings or experiences
Just be warned: Some visitors have walked in ghost-curious… and walked out ghost-believing.
Conclusion: A Must-Visit for Paranormal Investigators and History Lovers
If haunted history and high-altitude chills sound like your kind of adventure, then the Cripple Creek Outlaws & Lawmen Jail Museum absolutely belongs on your travel list. The town of Cripple Creek itself is known for ghost stories, but the old jail stands out as one of the most active and authentic supernatural sites in all of Colorado.
It’s not just the rusted locks and creaky foundations that make this place special—it’s the echoes of the past that refuse to fade. Whether you’re there to study the turbulent history of the Wild West or hoping to catch a whisper from the other side, this museum offers an unforgettable experience.
So pack your gear, charge your devices, and steel your nerves. The spirits of Cripple Creek are waiting… and some of them may just have a story to share with you.