Alcatraz held some of America’s most notorious criminals. Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly, and Robert Stroud—known as the “Birdman of Alcatraz”—were among the high-profile inmates. Each brought national attention to the prison during their time there.

There were 14 known escape attempts involving 36 inmates. Most were caught or killed, but in 1962, three men—Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers—vanished without a trace. Their fate remains unknown, fueling decades of speculation.

Alcatraz’s isolation made it ideal. Surrounded by cold, fast-moving currents, it was believed to be escape-proof. Before it became a federal prison in 1934, it served as a military fort and detention center.

Yes. You can walk through actual cell blocks, including solitary confinement units. The audio guide takes you into the heart of the Cellhouse, where you'll see how inmates lived—and sometimes, tried to escape.

In 1969, Native American activists occupied Alcatraz to protest federal policies and demand land rights. The 19-month occupation became a landmark event in Indigenous activism. Graffiti and signs from that protest are still visible today.

Expect moderate walking and an uphill climb. The path from the dock to the Cellhouse rises about 13 stories. A free mobility tram is available for visitors who need assistance.

Today, Alcatraz is a protected site managed by the National Park Service. It serves as a museum and historical landmark, preserving both the prison era and the island’s layered history, from military use to Native activism and beyond.

Yes. Over the years, visitors and former staff have reported strange sounds, unexplained cold spots, and eerie sensations—especially in the Cellhouse. While nothing is officially confirmed, Alcatraz’s haunting past makes it a hotspot for ghost stories.