Waupun Correctional Institution

The Waupun Correctional Institution is a maximum-security prison for adult male inmates that is located in Waupun, Wisconsin. This facility is operated by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections and can house approximately 1,300 inmates.

Waupun CI is the oldest prison in the state of Wisconsin. On March 14, 1851, the state's first governor appointed a commission to select the site for the Wisconsin State Prison. They chose Waupun because of its proximity to the Rock River Valley Railroad. The first building was completed in 1854 – South Cell Hall – and is still used today.

The prison housed both male and female prisoners until 1933, when the women were moved to the Wisconsin Industrial Home for Women in Taycheedah.  The Wisconsin State Prison was renamed Waupun Correctional Institution in 1979.  The Wisconsin State Prison Historic District is on the State and National Registers of Historic Places.

Waupun Correctional Institution is where Steven Avery is incarcerated. His case was featured on the Netflix documentary Making A Murderer.

The majority of inmates at Waupun are serving sentences of at least five years. Twenty percent of the inmates are serving life sentences. Ninety-three percent of inmates at Waupun committed violent crimes.

Prison Insights

Visiting Hours and Rules

Visiting hours at Waupun CI are as follows: 

VISITING HOURS - GENERAL POPULATION

2:15-8:30 pm Weekdays and Holidays
NO VISITS on Tuesdays or Wednesdays
9:00am-3:00pm Weekends

VISITING HOURS – RESTRICTIVE HOUSING UNIT

2:15-8:30 pm Weekdays and Holidays*
NO VISITS on Tuesdays or Wednesdays
9:00am-3:00pm Weekends*

*Visits will be done through tele-visiting; duration, and number of visits will be based on the offender status

WEEKDAY VISITORS WILL NOT BE PROCESSED IN THE LOBBY BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 3:30PM AND 5:00PM (APPROX) UNTIL INSTITUTION COUNT HAS CLEARED. 

WEEKEND VISITORS WILL NOT BE PROCESSED IN THE LOBBY SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 11:30AM AND UNTIL INSTITUTION COUNT HAS CLEARED. 

Offenders are permitted a total of three, 3 ½ hours visits Monday through Friday, and one 3 ½ hour visit Saturday through Sunday. Holidays that fall on a Friday or Monday do not count toward the weekend visit. 

THERE WILL BE NO ADMITTANCE INTO THE INSTITUTION 45 MINUTES PRIOR TO THE END OF VISITING HOURS. 

General Visiting Rules

Upon your arrival at the Lobby, you must fill out a Request to Visit Offender form. Only visitors on the offender’s approved visitors list will be permitted to visit. 

The maximum number of visitors can't exceed six (children under 2 years of age and inmate's children under the age of 18 are not included) for a single visit. 

Secured lockers are provided in the Lobby for items that are not allowed into the Visiting Room. 

Your hand will be stamped and you will be required to show the stamp on your hand upon exit from the institution. 

Smoking is prohibited on state property. 

Individuals 16 years and older will be required to provide picture identification.

Only the following items may be brought in for your use while visiting: 

• coin change, jewelry (only if worn), two plastic baby bottles, four baby diapers, a baby blanket, a teething ring, a pacifier, a sipper cup, and a plastic comb/hair pick.

All items are subject to being searched by Lobby staff. Personal medication will be controlled by staff at all times. No food items may be brought into the institution.

Dress Code

The dress code has been developed to ensure a tasteful and wholesome family atmosphere in the visiting room at Waupun CI. Footwear and appropriate attire are required at all times during visits. All restrictions apply equally to men, women, and children; failure to comply will result in denial of entrance or removal. 

The following clothing items are prohibited:

• Transparent or translucent clothing  
• Shorts that are shorter than fingertip length with the visitor standing with proper posture, arms straight down, fingers extended
• Skirts and dresses shorter than fingertip length plus tree inches with the visitor standing with proper posture, arms straight down, fingers extended
• Tops and dresses that are strapless, tube or halter style
• Camisoles and tank tops are only permissible when worn under other attire 
• Tops and dresses that expose the midriff (front and/or back)
• Spandex or Spandex-like and Lycra or Lycra-like clothing
• Tights or leggings of this material may be worn under attire of appropriate length as identified in this section
• Exposed undergarments
• Clothing with revealing holes, tears, or slits  
• Clothing or accessories with obscene or profane writing, images, or pictures
• Alcohol and Gang-related clothing, headwear, shoes, logos or insignias
• Any clothing that may have the potential to cause undue attention

Video Visits

Every inmate at Waupun Correctional Institution is allowed to have one 20-minute video visit each week. They are scheduled on a first come, first serve basis as space is limited. Visits can only be scheduled by emailing [email protected].

Please include the following information in your email request:

• Name and DOC number of the person you wish to visit
• Preferred date and time of the visit, during WCI’s tele-visiting hours, 8:00am to 4:00pm Monday through Thursday
• Any alternative date and/or time that would work for you
• Names and dates of birth of all visitors who will be present on the call
• A contact phone number you can be reached at just in case connectivity issues arise

All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visiting list. There is a limit of six adults and four minors per video visit. Requests for visits for an upcoming week (Monday – Thursday) must be submitted to the dedicated account no later than 10:00am. Central Time on the previous Thursday.

Visits are conducted using ZOOM. It is suggested that visitors download the ZOOM app prior to the visit to ensure accessibility. The app can be downloaded on their computer, laptop, cell phone, or tablet. 

How to Call an Inmate

How to Send Money

Programs For Inmates

Waupun Correctional Institution offers the following programming:

• Anger Management
• Coping Skills
• Pre-Release
• Thinking For A Change
• Academic Programs, including an on-site baccalaureate program from Trinity University
• Vocational Training: Building Maintenance & Construction, Correspondence Courses

Pictures of Waupun Correctional Institution

Careers at Waupun Correctional Institution

If you are interested in a career with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections and would like more information about job openings at the Waupun Correctional Institution, click here.