The Huron Historic Gaol is a unique octagonal building which served as the County Jail from its opening in 1841 until closure in 1972. At the time of construction it was viewed as a model of humanitarian prison design. Originally the building served as Gaol for the Counties of Huron, Bruce & Perth but after the counties separated the building served only the County of Huron for the majority of its history.
Throughout its history the Gaol housed inmates registered for crimes from misdemeanors to criminal convictions, including three men who were hanged for crimes of murder. It also provided shelter as the House of Refuge for the ill, destitute and mentally ill. Men, women and children all spent time in the Gaol throughout its history.
The Gaol is now a National Historic Site visited by thousands of people each year. See admission rates and current hours below. Not wheelchair accessible. Please note that we are closed for the season November – April.