Tag Archives: Alcatraz

Scary Places: Alcatraz

Let’s face it – when Alcatraz was open as a prison, it was a scary place. But now, even though the maximum security prison is open for tourism, it is still scary. Maybe because it is so isolated, sitting out there in the middle of the San Francisco bay, Alcatraz, also known as The Rock, has been used as a military fort, a military prison, and a federal prison. (This image from PD Photo.org has been released into the public domain by its author and copyright holder, Jon Sullivan.) The federal government acquired the island back in 1846 and the … Continue reading →

Travel Tidbits: A New and Improved Alcatraz and A Wandering Wallaby

A New and Improved Alcatraz If your family’s summer vacation takes you to San Francisco you should seriously consider making a pit stop at the city’s notorious Alcatraz penitentiary. If you play your cards right you will be one of the first to tour the newly refurbished facility. Alcatraz has just undergone a $3.5 million dollar makeover that has made the Big House more visitor-friendly. Don’t get the wrong idea—the place is still as dank and depressing as ever, but it now has enhanced audio tours, restored cell furnishings, and new archival displays. The prison also has a new exhibit, … Continue reading →