Indiana State Prison
Find messaging, video, and phone options for Indiana State Prison. Compare providers and discover what communication services are available. Free, no account required.
- Facility Type
- State Facility
- Security Level
- Maximum
- Inmate Capacity
- 1,900 approx.
- Established
- 1860
- Operated By
- Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC)
Indiana State Prison Inmate Communication Overview
Indiana State Prison is a maximum-security state correctional facility operated by the Indiana Department of Correction, located in the city of Michigan City in LaPorte County in the northwest corner of Indiana, about five miles from Lake Michigan and roughly 60 miles east of Chicago. The facility opened in 1860, making it one of the oldest prisons in Indiana, and it houses adult male inmates serving long sentences, including those on Indiana's death row. Its location near the southern shore of Lake Michigan and close to the Chicago metropolitan area means many Indiana families are within reasonable driving distance.
Communication at Indiana State Prison operates through Indiana DOC provider contracts. JPay handles electronic messaging, photo sharing, and money transfers. Families create a JPay account, add the inmate using their Indiana DOC number, and purchase stamps to begin correspondence. GTL manages phone calls and video visitation under the IDOC statewide contract. The two-platform model — JPay for messaging and money, GTL for phone and video — is consistent across Indiana state facilities. For death row inmates, communication access may be subject to additional restrictions compared to general maximum-security population inmates.
Michigan City's location near the Illinois-Indiana border and relatively close to the Chicago area makes Indiana State Prison more geographically accessible for families in northern Indiana and suburban Chicago than most Indiana state prisons. Interstate 94 runs nearby, providing a direct route from the Chicago metropolitan area. For families elsewhere in Indiana or from other states, JPay messaging and GTL video visits are the practical alternatives to long-distance travel. Indiana DOC accounts created at Indiana State Prison will work at other IDOC facilities if an inmate is transferred within the state system.
Facility Information
Contact details and location information for this correctional facility.
Address
1 Park Row, Michigan City, IN 46360
Main Phone
(219) 874-7256
Administrative line — not for inmate calls
Official Website
Visit official siteCommunication Options
Available communication services at Indiana State Prison.
Messaging
Electronic messages to and from the inmate.
Provider: JPay
Full JPay messaging available. Death row inmates may have restricted access.
Video Calls
Remote or in-person video visitation.
Provider: GTL
Remote video visits available. Schedule in advance through GTL.
Photo Sharing
Send approved digital or physical photos.
Provider: JPay
Digital photos via JPay. Subject to IDOC content guidelines.
Phone Calls
Inmate-initiated phone calls to approved numbers.
Provider: GTL
Inmate-initiated calls. Fund GTL AdvancePay account to receive calls.
Money Transfer
Send funds to commissary or phone accounts.
Provider: JPay
Trust account deposits via JPay for commissary and personal purchases.
Communication Providers at Indiana State Prison
These providers operate communication services at this facility. Each may cover different services.
JPay
Messaging, photo sharing, and trust account deposits. Uses Indiana DOC number.
Learn More About JPayGTL
Phone calls and video visitation under the Indiana DOC statewide contract.
Learn More About GTLCommunication Rules at Indiana State Prison
- Death row inmates may face stricter communication limits than general maximum-security inmates.
- JPay and GTL are separate platforms. Messaging and phone funds are not transferable.
- Messages are reviewed by IDOC staff before delivery.
- IDOC system-wide accounts carry over if the inmate transfers to another Indiana facility.
- Senders must be on the inmate's approved contact list.
Related Facilities
Other correctional facilities with communication guides.
Frequently Asked Questions — Indiana State Prison
Common questions from families about communication at this facility.
- How do I message someone at Indiana State Prison?
- Create a JPay account at jpay.com and add the inmate using their Indiana DOC number. Purchase stamps and compose your message. IDOC staff review messages before delivery, typically within 24 to 48 hours.
- How do I set up phone calls from Indiana State Prison?
- Phone calls use GTL. Create an account at telmate.com or through the GTL Connect app. Set up a prepaid AdvancePay account linked to your phone number and add funds. The inmate calls you directly from facility phones.
- How close is Indiana State Prison to Chicago?
- Michigan City is about 60 miles east of Chicago on I-94, roughly a one-hour drive. The location near the Illinois-Indiana border makes this facility significantly more accessible for Chicago-area families than most Indiana state prisons.
- Is video visitation available at Indiana State Prison?
- Yes, remote video visits are available through GTL. Log into your GTL account, search for Indiana State Prison, and select an available time slot. Schedule in advance. Death row inmates may have restricted video access.
- How do I send money to an Indiana State Prison inmate?
- Trust account deposits are made through JPay. Log in, go to Send Money, and select Indiana State Prison. Add funds via debit or credit card. Processing takes one to two business days.
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