Stillwater Prison, also known as the Minnesota Correctional Facility, is a prison located in Bayport, Minnesota. The prison, which was established in 1914, is one of the oldest correctional facilities in Minnesota. It is home to over 1,600 male inmates, most of whom are serving long-term sentences for serious crimes.
The prison has a reputation for being one of the toughest correctional facilities in the state, with a high level of security and strict rules and regulations. Inmates at Stillwater Prison are housed in cells and are closely monitored by prison staff.
The prison offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates rehabilitate and prepare for life outside of prison, including education and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. Despite these efforts, the prison has been criticized for its harsh conditions and high rates of violence.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 1,616 |
| Physical Address | 970 Pickett St Bayport, MN 55003 |
| Mailing Address | 970 Pickett St Bayport, MN 55003 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 651-779-2700 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History
The history of corrections in Stillwater dates back to 1853 when the Territorial Prison (Minnesota was not yet a state) was built on the north side of the City of Stillwater. The prison was established with a $20,000 Congressional appropriation and was designed to house 50 inmates. By the mid-1850s, the prison included a yard enclosed by a 14-foot high stone wall with gates of heavy iron, a cell house with 16 cells, two shop buildings, other small structures, and a stable.
The prison was originally built to house prisoners who were convicted of territorial crimes, but it also housed federal prisoners during the Civil War. The prison population grew over the years, and by the early 1900s, it was overcrowded and outdated. In 1914, the prison was closed and operations were moved to the new site south of Stillwater in what is today the Town of Bayport.
The new prison was named the Minnesota State Prison at Stillwater and was designed to house 1,000 inmates. The prison was built on a 1,600-acre site and included a farm, dairy, and other facilities for self-sufficiency. The prison was also designed to be a model institution, with modern facilities and programs for rehabilitation.
Over the years, the prison has undergone many changes and renovations. In the 1980s, the prison was expanded to include a new maximum-security unit, and in the 1990s, a new education building was added. Today, the Minnesota Correctional Facility – Stillwater is the state’s largest close-security prison, housing over 1,600 inmates.
Throughout its history, the Stillwater prison has been an important part of Minnesota’s corrections system, providing a secure and humane environment for the incarceration and rehabilitation of offenders.
Directions
Minnesota Correctional Facility – Stillwater is located at 970 Pickett Street North, Bayport, MN 55003. The facility is situated on the east bank of the St. Croix River, approximately 25 miles east of Minneapolis/St. Paul. The prison is easily accessible by car, but visitors are advised to use caution when driving on the narrow and winding roads that lead to the facility.
For those using GPS, the coordinates for the prison are 45.0081° N, 92.7653° W. Visitors can also use the Minnesota Department of Corrections website to get directions to the facility.
Facilities
The prison has a capacity of 1,616 inmates and is the oldest prison in Minnesota. The prison has several facilities that cater to the needs of the inmates, including medical facilities, administrative segregation, and a hospital.
The medical facilities at Stillwater Prison are equipped to handle various medical emergencies and provide medical care to the inmates. The medical staff at the prison includes doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals who are trained to handle medical emergencies and provide medical care to the inmates.
Administrative segregation is a facility that is used to separate inmates from the general population. Inmates who are placed in administrative segregation are usually those who pose a threat to the safety and security of other inmates or staff members. The facility is equipped with cells that are designed to prevent inmates from harming themselves or others.
The hospital at Stillwater Prison is a fully equipped medical facility that provides medical care to the inmates. The hospital has a staff of medical professionals who are trained to handle medical emergencies and provide medical care to the inmates. The hospital also has a pharmacy that provides medication to the inmates.
Oak Park Heights is another high-security prison located in Minnesota. The prison is located in Stillwater and is designed to house the most dangerous and violent offenders. The prison has several facilities, including administrative segregation, a hospital, and a mental health unit.
In conclusion, Stillwater Prison and Oak Park Heights have several facilities that cater to the needs of the inmates. These facilities include medical facilities, administrative segregation, a hospital, and a mental health unit. The staff at these facilities is trained to handle medical emergencies and provide medical care to the inmates.
Inmate Education
Inmate education is an important aspect of rehabilitation and reintegration into society. At Stillwater Prison, educational programs are available to inmates to help them acquire skills and knowledge that will be useful in their lives after release.
Adult Basic Education and GED
Stillwater Prison offers adult basic education and GED programs to inmates. These programs provide instruction in reading, writing, and math to help inmates improve their literacy and numeracy skills. Inmates who have not completed high school can also take classes to prepare for the GED exam. Successful completion of the GED exam can lead to better job opportunities and higher education.
Vocational Programs
Vocational programs are also available at Stillwater Prison to help inmates acquire job skills. These programs include computer careers and higher education certificate programs. Inmates can learn skills such as computer programming, web design, and office software applications. These skills can be useful in a variety of job settings and can increase their chances of finding employment after release.
Literacy Programs
Stillwater Prison also offers literacy programs to inmates. These programs are designed to improve reading and writing skills and to promote a love of reading. Inmates can participate in book clubs and writing workshops to enhance their literacy skills and engage with literature.
General Educational Development (GED)
The general educational development (GED) program is a high school equivalency program that is available to inmates at Stillwater Prison. The program is designed to help inmates who have not completed high school earn a high school equivalency diploma. The GED program consists of four subject areas: math, science, social studies, and language arts. Inmates who successfully complete the GED program can go on to pursue higher education or better job opportunities.
In conclusion, Stillwater Prison offers a variety of educational programs to inmates, including adult basic education, GED, vocational programs, and literacy programs. These programs are designed to help inmates acquire skills and knowledge that will be useful in their lives after release.
Work Programs
Inmates at Stillwater Prison have access to various work programs that allow them to develop job skills and earn wages. These programs are designed to help inmates transition back into society and reduce recidivism rates.
One of the programs available to inmates is through Minncor Industries, a state-owned company that provides job training and employment opportunities to prisoners. Inmates can work in production, manufacturing, and warehouse settings, gaining valuable experience and earning a wage.
The warehouse program, in particular, allows inmates to learn skills such as inventory management, order fulfillment, and shipping and receiving. The program also teaches inmates the importance of punctuality, teamwork, and communication in a work environment.
In addition to Minncor Industries, Stillwater Prison offers other work programs, including food service and janitorial work. Inmates who work in the food service program are responsible for preparing and serving meals to other inmates and staff. This program teaches inmates cooking skills and kitchen safety, as well as the importance of following health and safety regulations.
The janitorial work program gives inmates the opportunity to clean and maintain the prison facilities. This program teaches inmates the importance of cleanliness and organization, as well as the value of taking pride in one’s work.
Overall, the work programs at Stillwater Prison provide inmates with valuable job skills and work experience that can help them succeed upon release. These programs also benefit society by reducing recidivism rates and helping inmates become productive members of their communities.
Visiting Information
Visiting a loved one in prison can be a challenging and emotional experience. It is important to have accurate information before planning a visit to the Stillwater Prison. The Minnesota Department of Corrections has strict visiting regulations that must be followed by all visitors. For general visiting information, call 651-748-7909. MCF-Stillwater does require an appointment for general population, Minimum Security Unit, non-contact visits, and restrictive housing visits.
Visitors
All visitors must be on the prisoner’s approved visiting list. Visitors who are not on the list will not be allowed to visit. Visitors must also bring a valid photo ID and be dressed appropriately. Clothing that is revealing, provocative, or gang-related is not allowed. Visitors who do not follow the dress code will not be allowed to visit.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours vary depending on the prisoner’s housing unit. Visitors should check with the prison for specific visiting hours. Visitors should arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of visiting hours to allow time for processing.
- General Population
- Sunday: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm (1-hour visit)
- Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday: 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm, 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
- Restrictive Housing Population
- Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday: 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am – 10:00 am, 10:15 am – 11:15 am, 12:15 pm – 1:15 pm, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm, 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm, 4:15 pm – 5:15 pm
- Minimum Security Unit
- Sunday: 8:15 am – 9:15 am
- Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday: 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Restrictive Housing Visits
Prisoners in restrictive housing have limited visiting hours. Visitors should check with the prison for specific visiting hours. Visitors must also follow additional regulations, including being searched and passing through metal detectors. If assistance is needed to make the visit call 651-748-7909.
Visiting Regulations
Visitors must follow all visiting regulations, including no physical contact with prisoners, no exchange of items, and no use of cell phones or cameras. Visitors who violate these regulations will be asked to leave and may be banned from future visits.
Bayport
The Stillwater prison is located in Bayport, Minnesota. Visitors should plan for travel time and parking when visiting the prison. There are limited parking spaces available, so carpooling is encouraged.
Visiting Information
For more information on visiting the Stillwater prison, including visiting hours and regulations, visit the Minnesota Department of Corrections website. Visitors can also call the prison for more information.
Prison Rules and Regulations
Stillwater Prison has strict rules and regulations that all inmates must follow. These rules are in place to ensure the safety and security of everyone in the facility. The Department of Corrections has established these rules to maintain order and discipline within the prison.
Inmates are expected to comply with all rules and regulations, and failure to do so may result in disciplinary action. Some of the rules and regulations that inmates must follow include:
- No physical violence or threats of violence are allowed.
- Inmates must respect the property of others and not damage or destroy it.
- Inmates must not possess any weapons or contraband.
- Inmates must not engage in any type of gambling or betting.
- Inmates must not engage in any type of sexual activity.
- Inmates must not use drugs or consume alcohol.
- Inmates must not engage in any type of gang activity.
The corrections officers are responsible for enforcing these rules and regulations. They monitor inmate behavior and take appropriate action when necessary. This can include disciplinary action, such as loss of privileges, segregation, or transfer to another facility.
It is important to note that Stillwater Prison observes state-recognized holidays. During these holidays, all visits to the facility will be stopped. Inmates may still have access to certain programs and services, but there may be some restrictions.
Overall, the rules and regulations at Stillwater Prison are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in the facility. Inmates who follow these rules and regulations are more likely to have a successful experience while incarcerated.
Behavior and Rehabilitation
The Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater offers various programs and services to help inmates improve their behavior and prepare for their eventual release. These programs and services include educational courses, vocational training, therapy, and restorative justice programs.
Inmates are encouraged to take part in rehabilitation programs to address their behavior and underlying issues that may have led to their incarceration. These programs are designed to help inmates develop life skills, improve their mental health, and reduce their risk of reoffending.
Restorative justice programs are also offered to inmates at Stillwater Prison. These programs aim to repair the harm caused by the inmate’s behavior and help them take responsibility for their actions. Inmates are encouraged to participate in victim-offender dialogues, where they meet with the victim of their crime to discuss the impact of their behavior.
Inmates at Stillwater prison are identified by their names and inmate numbers. The prison staff monitors their behavior and progress in rehabilitation programs to determine their readiness for release. Inmates who demonstrate good behavior and participate in rehabilitation programs may be eligible for early release or shortened supervision.
Overall, the Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater strives to provide inmates with the resources and support they need to improve their behavior and prepare for their eventual release. By addressing the underlying issues that led to their incarceration, inmates can develop the skills and knowledge they need to successfully reintegrate into society.
Notable Inmates and Incidents
Stillwater Prison has housed many notable inmates throughout its history. Some of these inmates have gained notoriety for their crimes, while others have made significant contributions to society during and after their incarceration. Here are a few notable inmates and incidents that have occurred at Stillwater Prison:
Arson and Younger Brothers
In 1876, the infamous Younger brothers were incarcerated in Stillwater Prison for their involvement in the James-Younger Gang. While in prison, Cole and Jim Younger set fire to the prison’s mattress factory, causing significant damage. The brothers were transferred to the state penitentiary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where they both died by suicide.
Murder
One of the most notorious inmates in Stillwater Prison’s history is Henry Wolfer, who was convicted of murdering a fellow inmate in 1912. Wolfer was sentenced to death, but his sentence was commuted to life in prison. He died in prison in 1920.
Tuberculosis
In the early 1900s, tuberculosis was a major problem in American prisons. In 1915, Stillwater Prison was hit particularly hard, with over 300 cases reported. The prison responded by quarantining sick inmates and implementing measures to prevent the spread of the disease.
The Prison Mirror
The Prison Mirror is the longest-running prison newspaper in the United States, and it has been published by inmates at Stillwater Prison since 1887. The newspaper has covered a wide range of topics over the years, including prison conditions, rehabilitation programs, and inmate artwork and writing.
Faith Rose Gratz and Axel Rene Kramer
In 2023, former Stillwater corrections officer Faith Rose Gratz and inmate Axel Rene Kramer were charged with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine within the prison. Gratz was sentenced to ten years in prison, while Kramer received an additional 20 years on top of his existing sentence for second-degree murder.
Overall, Stillwater Prison has a rich history filled with notable inmates and incidents. While some of these stories are tragic, they all contribute to the complex legacy of this historic institution.