Squirrel Cage Jail (Pottawattamie County Jail)

Squirrel Cage Jail (Pottawattamie County Jail) is off I-80 exit 3 at 226 Pearl St. next to the courthouse. Known as the “Squirrel Cage Jail,” this unusual jail is a three-story revolving drum, divided into 10 pie-shaped cells on each level. The facility, built in 1885 to control prisoners with minimum attention from the jailer, was used until 1969 and contains graffiti and wanted posters.

Guided tours are available by appointment (minimum 15 people) and include an explanation of the history and workings of the jail.

Guided tours are available.