huron historic gaol

I grew up visiting the Gaol and was happy to return with my own kids last summer. An interesting look into life in the prison system in the past .... And a look at how people ended up there!!!! The audio system kept the kids engaged in the stories of the Gaol.

A combination ticket gets you into the Huron County Gaol as well as the Huron County Museum. This is a great deal, for both offer fascinating glimpses into the past, in the case of the gaol its penal practices. Well worth visiting!

On our the fist visit a year ago we had no idea what to expect. But having visited once before, our attention was drawn to so many things we'd missed the first time. Well worth a second and third trip. We brought guests from England who pointed out items of interest we would not have see or stopped to look at. Both our guests said it was one of the best "attractions" they'd ever been too. These folks travel the world so it is a great complement. Great for all, not too too elaborate, just compact enough for a good 2 to 3 hours, without being over - whelmed.

The self guided tour was tremendous!! The goal is well worth taking the time to visit. There was nothing I disliked about the Goal

Every time I'm in the Goderich area I visit the gaol. It's such a neat piece of history, and the goal employees are very helpful, and full of knowledge pertaining to the gaol.

The self-guided tour of the premises gave me a surprising insight into an aspect of life in early Canada one doesn't usually get. From the size -- and darkness -- of the cells, to the court room on the top floor, apparently within view of the holding cells, this facility held many surprises.

Very interesting place. We were right by it two years before and didnt know what it was. We paid the $22 and change for 2 adults and a child 10 year old our 2 year old was free. This fee also gave us admission to the Museum around the corner as well. Being allowed to listen to the stories or explanations on the hearing wand you can carry and put in the number for what you want to listen to is easy and helpful. The stories on the wall and the lists of prisoners or those held in the gaol was informative. Lots of medical items and wardrobe and supplies on display. Very cool to be able to do this at your own pace and wander throughout the gaol and homestead at ease. Very informative for my 10 year old son as well as the adults in the group. Friendly staff and worth the time to visit.

whether you are lucky enough to attend "Behind the Bars" or just a tour on your own, this Gaol is an awesome step back in time. I have been on tour several times and loved every single one. My suggestion is to definitely come to the Gaol in Goderich

There is nothing here to dislike - very interest - at times was amazed at the reasons people were jailed here such as cussing in public - argument with hubby in public to name a few reasons - A Must See

Very interesting! Our family really enjoyed visiting the old Gaol and learning about its history and past occupants!

Absolutely fascinating!!! Pay the bit of extra $ and get the electronic listening devices, which you can hear extra bits of history on. Plan to spend the time to go through the whole gaol & the governor's house. Considering this was an actual jail right up 'til the 1970's, you will be surprised, shocked & entertained by the whole experience. (Fine for kids!)

This is great place to spend an hour. As you enter you pass down the long Sally Port through which prisoners entered - look back along the tunnel and imagine what they felt. Once inside you can see what an 19th jail looked like - the central area and the cells radiating out from it. There are displays set up around the museum that explain what you are seeing. You can access the prison yard - again imagine how prisoners felt as they looked at these high walls that separated them from the outside. The last public hanging in Canada took place along the wall of this jail in 1869. Make sure that you visit the Governor's house as well. It is attached to the jail and makes for an interesting contrast with the starkness of the jail.

My family was in Goderich for the day and we chose to take a chance and check out the Gaol. For a family of 4 it cost just under 20 bucks. You could easily spend an hour or two checking out all the rooms and listening to their audio information. When you pay to get it in if you want you can bring along these audio listening devices, there about the size of a tv remote and when you enter each room there is a 3 digit code to put in to listen to all the information that pertains to each subject. My 9 yrs old loved it. Not sure how much he took in but it kept him very occupied. There are 3 levels, winding narrow staircase that takes you to many different rooms, several hallways that lead to other interesting rooms and topics to learn about. We took lots of photos, learned a few things and just really enjoyed the chance for a small fee to get a sense of history.

Who would think that a visit to a Gaol (jail house/prison) could be so engaging? Plan to spend a morning or afternoon, rather than the suggested 90 minutes. The displays are excellent as are the note cards fixed around various points of interest. The audio guide option (included in the entry price) is somewhat long-winded at times and you could find yourself idling so as not to move beyond the next infopoint. That said the interpretative signs, furnishings and knowledegable staff provide plentiful information. It is certainly worth a lingering visit and to consider some of the history which took place within these walls - reading about that history and being able to stand where it all unfolded adds experience to information - well done to the visionaries, curators and staff!

We've visited the Gaol twice now, and really enjoyed our visit each time. The exhibits were interesting and informative, and even our 5 year old was quite fascinated. A great way to spend a few hours for a small price.