The Arrest and Processing
You be arrested, handcuffed and taken to jail
You will be arrested and taken to the intake room where your rights will be read to you. When you enter this room, you will become one of the hundreds of inmate guests who have come since 2016. You will become an inmate in the most popular, and frankly the best, jail role playing venue in the world.
Your first cell is a holding cell
You’ll be placed in a holding cell, your belongings taken from you, and you’ll receive a uniform. Mug shots are part of the process.
You will be searched and required to shower
The search is done the same way that it is done in operating jails and prisons. The inmate is always in a separate area and is never touched. You are searched by an officer of the same gender. It is done in a professional manner.
You will be processed in as an inmate
The procedure is realistic. Our, nearly all volunteer, staff members know how to provide a professional, intense, and immersive experience for the guests. It can be very intimidating, but don't forget, this is all just role play.
Note: Usually, we use orange uniforms as were used during the final twenty years that the jail operated. However, we have access to a very large collection of antique and modern prison uniforms. If you are interested in this collection, let us know so that we can arrange to let you wear some of them during your role-playing adventure.
The Cell Block
The old jail cells are an ominous site to see. Soon you find yourself locked in the big cage that sits in the middle of a large metal room. You will spend a lot of your time in this room, as well as your cell.
Cell Assignment
You will be locked up
Depending on your roleplay, you might find yourself in medium security or maximum security. You will probably do both at some point.
Medium security inmates have some privileges—they can leave their cells at scheduled times for meals, TV, games, and optional yard time.
Maximum security inmates, however, stay in their cells with no privileges.
Arraignment Hearing
You will probably see the judge
As a defendant, you may see the judge and make your plea of guilt or innocence. Spoiler alert: everyone ends up going to jail as an inmate.
Doing Time in Jail
You will be treated as a high risk Inmate
You’ll be treated as a high-risk inmate. Cell searches, scheduled meals, and showers are part of the routine.
Recreational activities are a privilege, and discipline awaits those who don’t comply with officers.
You will be controlled by the officers
Routine becomes your life. Officers dictate when you eat, shower and go the the recreation yard. There are times when you will be bored sitting in a cell. Other times are more regimented. But remember, this is just a roleplay experience, but it sure feels real.
Restraints are used when appropriate
You will be treated as a high-risk prisoner. Restraints will likely be used on you during much of your incarceration.
The jail has restraints that were used during various times that the jail was in use between 1880 and 1988.
Let us know if you are interested in exploring the various restraints that are and were used in jail settings as we have a rather large collection of historical and modern prison restraints. These not only include handcuffs and leg irons, but also soft medical restraints that used to be used, including historical canvas straitjackets, and a padded cell.
(Note that only authentic gear that would be used in a jail or prison are used. This is not intended as a place of "adult entertainment" that is not permitted on this property.)
If you act crazy you might be put in a padded cell
Some guests are curious about what it would be like to be locked in a padded cell for a while. During the time that this jail operated, straitjackets were used in jails more often than they were in hospitals.
These days, they are not used anymore in any facilities. We have some authentic historical canvas straitjackets for those who would like to experience what it felt like. You can literally bounce against the walls.
Outside Yard Time
A visit to jail isn't complete without some outside yard time. Sometimes the jail yard can be used for work projects. Other times it is used for recreation such as shooting basketballs, playing games, visiting, or an an occasional outside barbeque. Inmates are led out to the jail yard in handcuffs.
If you are good, you may get some recreation time
We operate much like other jails. Those inmates who are compliant get priveleges. They might be able to play a game out in the jail yard, shoot hoops, read, or watch an old movie from the period that the jail operated.
But if you disrespect the officers, don't make your bed, attempt escape, or don't obey orders, you will find yourself disciplined.
Discipline might include restraints
This is one of two restraint chairs at the jail. These are in nearly all jails and prisons in the United States. This chair is made right here in Iowa. So, we had to have one for the jail. We also have an ADEC chair.
During the time that the jail was open, restraints were used as a form of punishment. Since 2005, policies have changed. Jails and prisons are not allowed to use restraints as punishment anymore.
We roleplay as if it was during the times that the jail operated (1880-1988), so restraints can be used as punishment. Inmates are carefully monitored.
Diesel Therapy
Some inmates may experience some "diesel therapy" as they are taken in cuffs to the scene of the crime, or for a field trip to Beads Lake (where in the past, the jailer used to take inmates to go fishing.) One time we took the inmates to see a spectacular display of the northern lights at 2AM. Our field trips are optional.
Your experience can be intense, or relaxing
Depending on your interests, your visit to the Franklin County Historic Jail can be relaxing as you rest in a cell, or quite intense as you plan your escape or rebel against the guards. Just remember, your actions will have consequences. Just remember to play safe and within the rules. It usually doesn't take very long when grown-ups are playing "cops and robbers" like they did as kids. Many have made lifelong friends through the jail role play experience.
Your Experience can be Customized
The Franklin County Historic Jail is an old and small jail. We generally limit the number of inmate guests to three or four at a time. This allows us to personally customize the experience to your particular interests. If you are interested in what it would have been like to be in the heavy shackles of the 1800's, we can do it. If you are interested in the old chain gangs of the 1920's, we can do that. If you have an interest in how they delt with "disturbed" inmates in the 1940's, we can do that. If your interest is in the many different institutional restraints used over the years, we can do that as well. Your experience is not just a cookie cutter. We usually blend the realism of incarceration with some of the fictional portrayals of jails we may have seen in old movies or television shows. Note: No play that would be considered "Adult Oriented" is permitted.
You could end up on a chain gang
Some guests have been interested in seeing what it would be like to be on an old-style chain gang as seen in some of the old prison movies. Let us know if you are interested in this as it is only done for those who choose this scenario. If you do choose to do this, expect to get hot, dirty, and sweaty. You should be in fairly good physical health if you want to try doing a prison chain gang. Just ask.
Special themed roleplay Events
If you are interested in a special themed roleplay, let us know. The picture on the left is of a Military Boot Camp roleplay event that we had at the jail. It featured authentic uniforms from the middle of the last century.
We have had themed events dealing with P.O.W resistance and interrogation, Early 1900's Chain Gangs, murder mysteries, escape from jail challenges, and Jail Roleplay events set in specific times. So, if you have an idea for a special themed event, let us know. If we have enough interest, we can try to make it happen.
Unique Spaces at the Jail
SWEAT BOX: An authentic sweat box is located in the Jail Yard. These were used for brutal punishment in the early 20th century. Those who want to feel what it is like aret be carefully monitored for safety.
PIT CELL: The concrete Pit Cell is located under the floor. It is one of the most intimidating places. Not for the claustrophobic.
PADDED CELL: Padded Cells were common in cells in the 20th century. This one is not original to the Franklin County Jail, but it gives an example of what some were like in many jails across the United States.
Inmate in the padded cell
Additional Information
Who can come
Inmate guests are selected based on the applications that they send. A link to the application is located at the bottom of this page. To participate, guests should be in fairly good health both physically and mentally. Keeping the roleplay safe for all who attend is important. We screen the applicants in an attempt to make sure that that we don't have anyone who might be inappropriate, dangerous, or not mentally grounded in reality. We accept people of all genders, races, orientations, and religions. Applicants should read everything on this web page, including the rules of conduct, before sending an application.
Preparing to come
If you are invited to come, you should do the following to prepare for your visit.
1. Get your transportation set up. Once you know an arrival time and date, let us know so that we can prepare for you. If something comes up and you need to cancel or change the time, please let us know as soon as you can.
2. let us know of any special needs relating to food, health needs, time outs needed for work, or any other considerations we might need to deal with. We can be flexible in order to meet your needs but let us know before you come so we can plan for it.
3. A few days before you come, check in by text or email just to confirm that everything is still scheduled as planned.
4. The day you come, send a text message to us when you are about an hour or two out. If there are any delays in travel let us know.
Getting to the Jail
Getting to the Jail
The nearest major Airport is Des Moines, Iowa. (DSM) It is a 100-mile drive to Hampton. DSM is serviced by United, American, Delta, Southwest, and Allegiant. There is an airport shuttle service that we recommend. The shuttle service is $120 each way and accepts cash only. It has to be scheduled at least two weeks in advance.
Minneapolis - St. Paul Airport is 165 miles from Hampton. (No shuttle service from there.) Flights into Minneapolis are usually less expensive than into Des Moines, but the travel to get from Minneapolis would likely make your travel end up costing you more.
Mason City Airport. This is a small municipal airport that is only 40 miles from Hampton. If you fly into Chicago, you can take a flight on United Airlines to Mason City. There are only two flights per day, so scheduling can be a challenge. If you fly into Mason City, one of our staff members can pick you up at the airport and take you to the jail and back to the airport later. Please help, by paying for the cost of the fuel used for this service. You will likely travel to the jail in handcuffs if you choose to have us pick you up in Mason City.
If you are driving to the jail, you can park in the alley between the jail and Napa Auto Parts. You may park on the street on the opposite side. Text or call us when you arrive. We will come outside to arrest you.
What to bring
Getting to the Jail
Pack light. Separate your medications and things that you will need in the jail into a separate bag so that the intake will go more smoothly. The only thing you will be allowed to have during the jail roleplay is your medications and medical devices such as CPAP devices. You are also allowed to have a book if you want. No other personal items will be allowed unless you let us know of your needs in advance. Your jail inmate uniform, underclothing, bedding, and personal items (toothbrush, soap, towel) are all provided by the facility. Note: Some of the people who come to the jail want to bring their own restraints. Do not bring them. We only use the approved realistic institutional restraints that belong with the jail. Our staff is trained in their use.
Cell Phones
Food Service
Guests are permitted to get cell phone time when needed. In order to not interfere with historic role playing, inmate guests are taken out to the intake cell to use thier devices.
Food Service
Food Service
As part of the jail roleplaying adventure, simple basic meals are provided to inmates by an outside vendor. If you have a special diet (Diabetic, vegetarian, allergies, etc.) let us know in advance of your visit.
Handicap Needs
Handicap Needs
Because of the age of this historical building, access could be limitted for some guests. The doors (made before 1880) that open into the cells and cell block are only two feet wide. There are low doors, steps, and uneven floors. This may prevent some individuals from full participation in all areas of the facility. We still want to provide as much of an adventure as possible. Let us know your needs.
Costs
Handicap Needs
We ask all those who roleplay as inmates to contribute $400 per day (24 hour period). All guests who have had their applications accepted and have set a date need to deposit $400 through PayPal to hamptoniowajail@gmail.com in order to hold their space on the calendar. This will also cover the cost of their first day in jail. Please be advised that if you have agreed to a time to come and not paid a deposit, you are not on our calendar unless other arraingements have been made.
Safety
Safety
Safety is a priority. Inmates are monitored constantly. The jail staff is trained for emergencies. Evacuation from the building can be done quickly if needed.
A hospital and emergency room is only a mile away from the facility. If you feel like you are having a health emergency, do not hesitate to let the staff know.
If you are feeling like you are getting sick, please cancel before you come. We can reschedule you for a later time.
General Rules of Role Playing
You are encouraged to play and make up the background of the inmate that you are playing. You may choose to resist the person playing the officer. You may choose to be compliant. Don't be afraid to "get into your role". The way that the guards treat you, depends much on your behavior. If you play a bad inmate who is resisting or being disrespectful to the officer, you will be treated more severely. You may be put in police restraints, strapped to an emergency restraint chair, or even get strapped into a in a straitjacket. We play cops and robbers like we did as children.
Throughout the day we will jump in and out of the roleplaying. You stay locked up as an inmate, but we often end up having conversations as happens in real jails. It is a safe non-judgmental place.
Please do not resist us to the point of excess. We do not want to have anyone hurt.
Play must be wholesome and not "adult entertainment" in nature.
Do not pretend that you are sick or hurt. If you say that you are sick, we will believe you. If you are having any physical or mental problems, please make sure that you tell us. If you need to pause or stop the role playing, simply tell us so we can deal with any problem or issue. Staff members will stop the roleplay and possibly remove a player from the jail if they are playing unsafe, or inappropriately.
Be aware of the other inmates and the guards who are volunteers in the jail roleplaying. Make things fun for everyone.
Rules of Conduct
1. Role playing must be safe and sane.
2. No inappropriate sexual conduct.
3. No fluid transfer of germs like spitting.
4. No aggressive physical contact.
5. No illegal substances or Alcohol.
6. No pornographic materials.
7. If you need to use tobacco, you may use it outside by request.
Jail Roleplay Winter/Spring
December 5 - 7
February 6 - 9
March 27 - 29
April 17 - 19
May 7 - 10 (one space left)
May 14 - 17 (one space left)
May 28 - 31
Jail Roleplay Summer 2026
June 4 - 7 (SOLD OUT)
June 11 - 14
June 25 - 28 (one space left)
July 9 - 12
July 16 - 19
July 30 - Aug 3
Aug 6 - 14
Sept. 3 -6