Why There’s a Jail Cell in Front of this Northern Colorado Store

Masonville Mercantile is located less than half an hour from Fort Collins, conveniently at the corner of W. County Road 38E and Buckhorn Road. The rustic store is a popular pit stop for locals, and also for those just passing by. The inside of the business is stocked with all sorts of interesting antiques, clothing, food items, and tons of quirky gifts - but it's the eclectic exterior that initially draws people in, and also takes people back.

When one of Masonville Mercantile's former owners, Bob Webb, renovated the outside of the building during the 1980s, he added a unique piece of Northern Colorado history that's still standing today.

Webb made an old jail cell taken from the Loveland Prison a main part of the exterior facade on the south side of the store.

The historic, metal cell sits on the corner of the porch and visitors are encouraged to stop by and step inside.

Two metal bunks are behind the heavy door, where actual prisoners once slept. The cell is small and gives a good glimpse into what penitentiaries in Colorado used to look like.

Mugshots of some of Colorado's most infamous criminals, including Butch Cassidy, "Black Jack" Ketchum, and Poker Alice, hang above the cell on the weathered wooden building. These images and stories paint a better picture of the Wild West.

Related: Crime Junkies: Pay a Visit to These 5 Historic Former Jails in CO

To further fit the theme, the door to the right of the jail cell is marked as the 'U.S. Marshal Office.' It's locked, but still makes for a good photo opportunity.

Masonville Mercantile can be found at 9120 N. Co Rd 27 in Masonville. Take a drive past the scenic Horsetooth Reservoir and stop by!