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I hate winter. But I’ve also never been one to turn down an activity because of bad weather (ie- standing outside Genos eating a cheesesteak at 3am in 20 degree weather) So when I heard that Eastern State Penitentary would not be closing their doors this winter, it was only a matter of time before you would see me at their door, anxious for a tour.

Normally, when December hits, the gates close on the prison, but many a person have asked to look inside during winter and the people at Eastern State were happy to accept their invitation. Thing is, never in the 13 years of being open to the public has one been able to step inside during the winter months and for one good reason- it isn’t heated. Say what???

Titled the “Winter Adventure Tours”, three tours are given a day with only two rooms that have space heaters to get that feeling back in your fingers and toes. One of the rooms is the underground ticket booth where our tour group gathered for this winter wonderland experience…

More after the jump!

If you’ve been to Eastern State in the warmer months, you’re familiar with the audio tour and the art installations but it’s a no-go during the winter. With that being said, Erin, our tour guide, gave us a overview of Eastern State by examining cells that included the famous mobster Al Capone and the baseball diamond where prisoners got their daily exercise. Halfway through the tour, we come inside the center surveillance hub where there are large space heaters and hot chocolate! Make no mistake, this was all well received because it was really cold and the wind was howling. That five minute break to refuel gave everyone enough gusto to finish the last leg of our tour and then shop for goodies in their heated gift shop.

Although snow didn’t fall on my day of arrival, I was able to watch icicles form on the sides of the prison walls. Everyone that joined our group was looking forward to coming back after some fresh powder had fell in the city the night before. After all, the bar is only a block away.

Eastern State Penitentiary -Winter Adventure Tours
WEAR LAYERS – IT’S COLD BUT IT IS AN ADVENTURE!
11am, 1pm, 3pm are the scheduled times
1hr tours that cost $9.00 for adults, $7.00 for
students and seniors, and $4.00 for children 7-12.

Eastern State Penn
2124 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 236-3300
www.easternstate.org