Anamosa State Penitentiary Museum

Anamosa State Penitentiary, AKA Big Annie, is famous for housing notorious inmates and for its castle-like Gothic revival architecture. The maximum-security prison is still in use today. The public can not explore the prison but you can find out more about it at the adjacent Anamosa State Penitentiary Museum, which is tucked inconspicuously into a building set beside and toward the back of the prison. Visit this unique museum to learn about prison history and life within. See a model of the prison, learn about the life of prisoners, how prisoners keep themselves busy and how they develop currency when no money can be exchanged. See how they have participate in sports and view the unique art pieces they have made out of the limited materials they are allowed. You can even see what an actual cell looks like. The institution is on the National Register of Historic Places. Visit year-round by appointment, call or e-mail in advance.