Pendleton Correctional Facility – Pendleton

The Pendleton Correctional Facility, located in Pendleton, Indiana, is a maximum-security prison managed by the Indiana Department of Correction. Established in 1923, it was built to replace the Indiana State Reformatory in Jeffersonville, which was severely damaged by a fire in 1918.

The facility is designed in a radial plan, with cell blocks fanning out from a central point, and features Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. It spans 31 acres and houses approximately 1,650 inmates in its maximum-security section, with an additional 200 inmates in a minimum-security dormitory outside the main enclosure.

The prison’s history is marked by its innovative use of inmate labor during construction, which significantly reduced costs while providing prisoners with trade skills. Over the years, Pendleton has been the site of notable incidents, including a riot in 1985 and various reforms in inmate treatment. It has also served as the filming location for two films by Madeleine Sackler, showcasing life inside a Level 4 prison.

As of February 2026, visitation at Pendleton is available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Visitors must apply online through the facility’s designated portal, as paper applications are no longer accepted. 

For further information about the Pendleton Correctional Facility, including inmate records search and visitation details, individuals can refer to the official website of the Indiana Department of Corrections or utilize online inmate search platforms specific to the state of Indiana.