Life in Oklahoma is much different today than it was in Indian Territory back in the 1800s. Not only was life much slower paced but the Cherokee judicial system operated in a completely different manner than you would find today. One of the best places to learn more about prison life at the turn of the 20th century is at Cherokee National Prison Museum in Tahlequah.

Cherokee National Prison Museum was built in 1875 to house the most hardened criminals of the day in Indian Territory. The building was built from sandstone and still stands today in the middle of historic Tahlequah.

AE JR/Google Photos

Inside the prison still stands the 100-year-old ironclad doors that kept the prisoners in captivity. You can walk behind them a get a feel for what life was like behind bars.

Chris Guida/Google Photos

It’s now a ywo-story interpretive museum that is open to the public for tours.

Cherokee National Prison Museum/Google Photos

As you walk around you’ll learn about the history of Cherokee crime and punishment, law enforcement, and famous outlaws and their activity in the area.

Cherokee National Prison Museum/Google Photos

Visitors will also get a lesson about life at the National Prison and get to try many hands-on exhibits.

Cherokee National Prison Museum/Google Photos

Back behind the museum, you’ll also get to see a reproduction gallows stand that serves as a reminder for the ultimate punishment.

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Other exhibits include a sheriff’s office, primitive prison kitchen, a blacksmith station, and more.

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The museum is open Tuesday - Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students, and children under the age of five are free.

Cherokee National Prison Museum/Google Photos

Cherokee Nation has several museums that are open to the public for tours. For more details on them, including the Cherokee National Prison Museum, visit their website here.

AE JR/Google Photos

Chris Guida/Google Photos

Cherokee National Prison Museum/Google Photos

Stefan Siems/Google Photos

While Oklahoma does have some fabulous museums, it also has a few on the quirky side. If you’re looking to see a two-headed calf or find the largest collection of banjos on display…Oklahoma has you covered. Click here to discover some of these peculiar museums in the Sooner state.

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Address: 124 E Choctaw St, Tahlequah, OK 74464, USA