Skip to Content

You can sleep in a real Indiana jail cell where John Dillinger was once held

You can sleep in a real Indiana jail cell where John Dillinger was once held

Sharing is caring!

Nestled in the heart of Rockville, Indiana, the Old Jail Inn offers an experience unlike any other. This unique accommodation allows guests to stay in an authentic jail cell, which once held the infamous John Dillinger.

A historic building dating back to 1879, it now combines its storied past with modern comforts, making it a must-visit destination for adventurous travelers.

The Bonnie and Clyde Suite

The Bonnie and Clyde Suite
© Old Jail Inn Parke County

A stay here evokes the thrill of history and the comfort of modernity. The Bonnie and Clyde Suite stands out with its luxurious amenities within the confines of what was once a cell.

This suite offers a private bathroom, complete with a shower and sink, ensuring an experience that feels more like home than a jail.Natural light streams through a window just outside the bars, providing a bright and welcoming atmosphere. Guests often enjoy the quirky graffiti that adorns the walls, adding a touch of humor and history to their stay.

It’s a room where past meets present, capturing the essence of infamous outlaws with a touch of comfort.Perfect for those who seek a unique experience, the suite embodies elegance within a historic setting. The Bonnie and Clyde Suite is an ideal choice for those wanting to embrace the narrative of these notorious figures while enjoying the serenity of a well-designed space.

The Drunk Tank Winery

The Drunk Tank Winery
© Drunk Tank Wine Bar

In the depths of the Old Jail Inn, the Drunk Tank Winery offers a delightful escape. This basement winery is a popular spot, where guests can enjoy wine slushes and a friendly atmosphere.

Unlike typical cellars, this space is alive with character and charm.The winery features an array of wines, sourced both locally and internationally, ensuring that there’s something for every palate. Visitors often find themselves lingering longer than planned, drawn in by the engaging conversations and warm hospitality.Whether you’re a wine aficionado or a casual enthusiast, the Drunk Tank Winery provides a memorable experience.

It’s a place where the past is celebrated with a toast, making it a must-visit for anyone staying at the inn.

The Gangster Suite

The Gangster Suite
© Old Jail Inn Parke County

Step into a world reminiscent of a bygone era in the Gangster Suite. This room captures the essence of classic gangster tales, blending nostalgia with comfort.

With its distinct jail cell design, it offers a unique space to unwind.Despite its compact size, the suite is thoughtfully designed with amenities like a cozy bed and a small closet. The decor reflects its storied past, offering guests a narrative experience that is both intriguing and comfortable.Perfect for history buffs and thrill-seekers alike, the Gangster Suite provides an immersive stay.

From its fascinating decor to its cozy confines, this room is an invitation to explore the tales of those who walked these halls before you.

Historic Cell Overnight Experience

Historic Cell Overnight Experience
© Old Jail Inn Parke County

Step through a heavy steel door and settle into a cell that once echoed with whispers about John Dillinger. The bunk is dressed for comfort, but the details remain authentic, from scuffed floors to numbers stenciled above the bars.

You feel history breathing beside you.

Night brings a hush that heightens the thrill. Listen for the rattle of hinges and the distant tick of old radiators.

It is a safe, curated stay, yet nothing about it feels staged.

Wake to soft morning light slicing through iron. Breakfast tastes better when your table used to be a booking desk.

You will talk about this for years.

Guided Breakout History Tour

Guided Breakout History Tour
© Old Jail Inn Parke County

Before turning in, join a guide for a walk-through of notorious escape lore. You will see period handcuffs, replicas of improvised shivs, and newspaper clippings that made Dillinger a household name.

The storytelling is crisp, respectful, and deliciously suspenseful.

Corridors stretch like timelines as footsteps echo behind you. You learn how guards worked, where inmates exercised, and which door set rumor mills spinning.

Every corner has a footnote.

By the end, you feel oriented and brave enough to sleep behind bars. The tour adds context without killing mystery.

Expect questions to chase you back to your cell.

Mugshot Photo Booth Experience

Mugshot Photo Booth Experience
© Old Jail Inn Parke County

Capture the moment with a cheeky mugshot you will actually want to frame. Stand beneath a height chart, clutch a placard, and channel your inner scofflaw without breaking any laws.

The sepia filter ties it neatly to the era.

Props include trilby hats, faux suspenders, and felt coats for extra flair. A retro camera clicks and the print slides out warm.

It is lighthearted, but the setting adds grit.

Share the shot later and watch reactions flood in. Everyone asks where you found this place.

You just smile and say time travel is real.

Cellblock Candlelight Stories

Cellblock Candlelight Stories
© Old Jail Inn Parke County

When night falls, gather for candlelight stories that turn the cellblock into a stage. The flicker skims over iron, and every tale lands with a hush.

You will lean closer without even noticing.

Expect legends, verified anecdotes, and thoughtful reflections on justice. The host threads facts with feeling, making space for questions and empathy.

It is moody, not macabre.

Afterward, walking back to your bunk feels cinematic. Your senses stay dialed up, catching every clang and whisper.

Sleep comes, but the stories linger like perfume.

Artifacts and Evidence Mini Museum

Artifacts and Evidence Mini Museum
© Old Jail Inn Parke County

Between check-in and lights-out, explore a compact museum tucked inside the old booking area. Behind glass you will find sheriff badges, court sketches, and a clacking typewriter that once wrote headlines.

The history feels tactile and near.

Placards keep it concise and candid. You will see how evidence moved, how cases were cataloged, and how myths outgrew facts.

It is a thoughtful counterweight to sensational stories.

Take your time with the newspapers. The fonts roar, the photos stare, and the margins whisper context.

You leave with a fuller picture than you expected.