Tour jail cells, prison grounds and a museum that houses artifacts and interpretive displays at the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park.

Chris Richards / Arizona Daily Star

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Today we'd like to send you to prison. In Yuma. In the hottest season of the year.

It's not as crazy as it sounds at first. Many Tucsonans travel through Yuma in the summer months on the way to California beaches — and a short stop at Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park can be a good way to break up the trip.

Remains of the prison, which was in operation from 1876 to 1909, include cells, an entrance gate and a guard tower. A museum at the park houses artifacts and interpretive displays of prison life a century ago.

A total of 3,069 prisoners spent time at the territorial lockup — serving sentences for crimes ranging from larceny to murder.

The prison had dark cells for inmates who broke regulations and a ball and chain for those who tried to escape. But it also offered schooling, medical services and a library for convicts.

Park hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. It closes at 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve, and it's closed on Christmas Day.

Entrance fee is $4 for visitors 14 or older. Those 13 or younger get in free.

The park is at 100 Prison Hill Road in Yuma. To get there from Tucson, take Interstate 10 northwest to Interstate 8 and then follow I-8 west to Yuma. In Yuma, take Exit 1 to Giss Parkway and continue to Prison Hill Road.

Information: 1-928-783-4771. – Doug Kreutz