MCF Oak Park Heights
Find messaging, video, and phone options for MCF Oak Park Heights. Compare providers and discover what communication services are available. Free, no account required.
- Facility Type
- State Facility
- Security Level
- Maximum
- Inmate Capacity
- 420 approx.
- Established
- 1982
- Operated By
- Minnesota Department of Corrections (MNDOC)
MCF Oak Park Heights Inmate Communication Overview
Minnesota Correctional Facility Oak Park Heights (MCF Oak Park Heights) is Minnesota's highest-security state prison, operated by the Minnesota Department of Corrections and located in Oak Park Heights in Washington County along the St. Croix River, about 20 miles east of Saint Paul. Opened in 1982, MCF Oak Park Heights was one of the first purpose-built, underground correctional facilities in the United States and is designed to house the state's most dangerous and high-profile inmates. The facility sits below ground level for security purposes and is known for its stringent control unit environment. Inmates at Oak Park Heights include those convicted of the most serious offenses in Minnesota as well as gang leaders and individuals posing heightened security risks.
Communication at MCF Oak Park Heights follows Minnesota DOC provider contracts. JPay handles electronic messaging, photo sharing, and money transfers. Families create a JPay account and add the inmate using their Minnesota DOC number to begin correspondence. GTL manages phone calls and video visitation under the MNDOC statewide contract. Due to the facility's high-security classification, communication access may be more restricted than at medium-security Minnesota facilities. Phone and messaging privileges are tied to individual inmate behavior and security classification. Confirm current access with the facility before setting up or funding accounts.
MCF Oak Park Heights is in Washington County, about 20 miles east of Saint Paul near the city of Stillwater. The facility is close to MCF Stillwater, Minnesota's oldest prison, and both are in the western St. Croix Valley. For Twin Cities families, both facilities are accessible from the eastern metro area. The proximity to MCF Stillwater means some families have experience with the Washington County correctional area. For families elsewhere in Minnesota — Duluth, Rochester, or the Iron Range — JPay and GTL video visits are the most practical options for regular contact. Minnesota DOC accounts carry over between facilities if an inmate transfers within the state system.
Facility Information
Contact details and location information for this correctional facility.
Address
5329 Osgood Avenue North, Stillwater, MN 55082
Main Phone
(651) 779-3400
Administrative line — not for inmate calls
Official Website
Visit official siteCommunication Options
Available communication services at MCF Oak Park Heights.
Messaging
Electronic messages to and from the inmate.
Provider: JPay
Available based on individual privilege level. High-security restrictions may apply.
Video Calls
Remote or in-person video visitation.
Provider: GTL
Available for eligible inmates. Restrictions vary by security status. Confirm before booking.
Photo Sharing
Send approved digital or physical photos.
Provider: JPay
Digital photos via JPay subject to high-security content and privilege restrictions.
Phone Calls
Inmate-initiated phone calls to approved numbers.
Provider: GTL
Phone access tied to privilege level. Confirm current access with the facility.
Money Transfer
Send funds to commissary or phone accounts.
Provider: JPay
Trust account deposits via JPay for commissary and personal purchases.
Communication Providers at MCF Oak Park Heights
These providers operate communication services at this facility. Each may cover different services.
JPay
Electronic messaging, photo sharing, and trust account deposits. Uses Minnesota DOC number.
Learn More About JPayGTL
Phone calls and video visitation under the MNDOC statewide contract.
Learn More About GTLCommunication Rules at MCF Oak Park Heights
- MCF Oak Park Heights is Minnesota's highest-security facility. Communication access depends on individual privilege level.
- JPay and GTL are separate platforms. Messaging and phone funds are not interchangeable.
- Messages are reviewed by MNDOC staff before delivery.
- Confirm current phone, video, and messaging access with the facility before funding accounts.
- Senders must be on the inmate's approved contact list.
Related Facilities
Other correctional facilities with communication guides.
Frequently Asked Questions — MCF Oak Park Heights
Common questions from families about communication at this facility.
- How do I message someone at MCF Oak Park Heights?
- Create a JPay account at jpay.com and add the inmate using their Minnesota DOC number. Purchase stamps and compose your message. Due to the high-security environment, messaging access depends on the inmate's individual privilege level. Confirm that messaging is active before purchasing stamps.
- How do I set up phone calls from MCF Oak Park Heights?
- Phone calls use GTL. Create an account at telmate.com or the GTL Connect app and set up a prepaid AdvancePay account. However, at Oak Park Heights, phone access is tied to the inmate's privilege level. Confirm current access before funding the account.
- Why is communication more restricted at Oak Park Heights than at other Minnesota prisons?
- MCF Oak Park Heights is Minnesota's highest-security facility, designed for the most dangerous or high-risk offenders. Communication privileges — including phone, messaging, and video — are tied to behavior and security classification. Some inmates may have full access while others face significant restrictions based on their status.
- How far is MCF Oak Park Heights from downtown Saint Paul?
- The facility is in Oak Park Heights in Washington County, about 20 miles east of downtown Saint Paul — roughly a 30 to 35-minute drive. It is near MCF Stillwater and the St. Croix River. For Twin Cities families, in-person visits are logistically accessible.
- How do I send money to an MCF Oak Park Heights inmate?
- Trust account deposits are made through JPay. Log in, go to Send Money, and select MCF Oak Park Heights. Add funds via debit or credit card. Processing typically takes one to two business days.
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