Featured Exhibit

Old Pepin County Jailhouse

Stories from the Slammer

OVERVIEW

The Jail next door to the Old Courthouse was built in 1895 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is significant for its original lattice-work iron cellblock which is rare in Wisconsin. The jail was still being used in 1984 despite having been determined by the state Division of Corrections as unfit for occupancy by prisoners.

Cell inside of the Old Pepin County Jailhouse

Used for Almost 90 Years

The jail next to the courthouse served Pepin County for almost 90 years, being used from 1895 until 1984. The jail was still being used in 1984 despite having been determined by the state Division of Corrections as unfit for occupancy by prisoners.

Sheriff’s Residence & Jail

The Sheriff of Pepin County lived in the house attached to the jail.

Original Lattice Metal Cells

The jail looks similar to how it would have looked for its many years of service. It is significant for its original lattice-work iron cellblock which is rare in Wisconsin.