Minnesota Correctional Facility - MCF Moose Lake

State Prison

Last Updated: February 23, 2025
Address
1000 Lake Shore Dr, Moose Lake, MN 55767
Beds
1023
County
Carlton
Phone
218-485-5000
Fax
218-485-5120
Email
becky.dooley@state.mn.us

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MCF Moose Lake is for State Prison offenders sentenced anywhere from one year to life by the State Court in the county where the charges were filed

All prisons and jails have Security or Custody levels depending on the inmate’s classification, sentence, and criminal history. Please review the rules and regulations for State - medium facility.

The phone carrier is Global Tel Link (GTL) - ConnectNetwork, to see their rates and best-calling plans for your inmate to call you.

If you are seeking to send your inmate money for commissary, one recommended for this facility is MoneyGram There is a fee for sending money, see their rates and limitations.

If you are unsure of your inmate's location, you can search and locate your inmate by typing in their last name, first name or first initial, and/or the offender ID number to get their accurate information immediately Registered Offenders

Satellite View of Minnesota Correctional Facility - MCF Moose Lake

You can support your loved ones at MCF Moose Lake on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 218-485-5000.

Located at 1000 Lake Shore Dr in Moose Lake, MN, MCF Moose Lake carefully assigns inmates based on their custody level, considering factors like criminal history. MCF Moose Lake offers diverse educational and vocational programs aimed at equipping offenders for successful reintegration into society and reducing recidivism. Through these initiatives, inmates gain skills and confidence, fostering personal growth and resilience.

When someone you care about ends up in a state prison, it can be tough to navigate the ins and outs of the system. From figuring out how to stay in touch to understanding what you can do to make their time easier, it can feel overwhelming. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get the lowdown on Minnesota Correctional Facility - MCF Moose Lake so you can stay connected and support your loved one during their time inside.

Communication is important, the prison offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

While incarcerated, reading is often the best use of time. Please note that books and magazines, puzzles, and word searches ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. Prisons and jails enforce this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

MCF-Willow River/Moose Lake comprises two facilities: a medium-security prison in Moose Lake housing around 1,000 men, and a minimum-security Challenge Incarceration Program (CIP) facility in Willow River accommodating approximately 180 individuals. The conversion of MCF-Moose Lake from the former Moose Lake Regional Treatment Center began in 1988.

Job opportunities for incarcerated individuals are diverse and aimed at providing valuable skills for post-release employment. MINNCOR Industries operates a textile/garment plant and a state-of-the-art print shop, offering training and employment in manufacturing. Additionally, employment opportunities exist in maintenance, educational tutoring, clerical work, and food services.

Educational opportunities are prioritized, with a focus on individuals without a high school diploma or GED. These individuals are placed in educational classes to achieve this milestone before accessing vocational or employment programs. Vocational education is also offered in areas such as carpentry, telecommunications, computer literacy, and technology, as well as post-secondary educational opportunities.

MCF-WR/ML emphasizes the importance of programming for incarcerated individuals, offering both mandated and optional programs based on individual assessments. Participation in these programs not only benefits the individuals but also contributes to the well-being of society. Examples of available programs include chemical dependency treatment, restorative justice groups, character-building groups, parenting classes, transition planning for release, the Minnesota Prison Writing Workshop, workplace and human relations classes focusing on "soft" job skills, and library and recreational activities.

Inmate Locator

MCF Moose Lake maintains a database of current inmates and their locations within the system. To locate an inmate, begin by using the DOC locator tool, which requires entering the first three letters of the inmate's first and last name, allowing for variations in spelling.

If unable to locate the desired information through free resources, users may opt to use the Arrest Record Search, which requires payment. While this option incurs a small fee, it provides access to the most up-to-date data available.

Get an Arrest Record immediately.

Visitation Information

Visiting at Moose Lake is now available every week on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

Visiting - Moose Lake - Although visits may be scheduled over the phone with visiting staff for special circumstances, no appointment is necessary. Registration is available at the time of the visit, MCF-Moose Lake visiting phone lines are open: Friday - Sunday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Due to staffing, voicemails left with the intent of requesting a visit will not be returned. Visitors can also go to the facility directly during visiting hours to schedule a visit.

All Moose Lake visitors must mail their applications to MCF-Rush City 7600 525th Street, Rush City, MN 55069.

Visiting room Hours will be 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday to Sunday, every week.

Registration desk Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 1 to 3:30 p.m.

  • Regular visits are either 1 or 2 hours in duration. 3-hour extended visits are allowed, although the incarcerated person is required to set up any extended visits, in advance.
  • Photography is available.
  • Information regarding the status of applications will not be provided over the telephone. Visiting applications take 3-4 weeks to process once received at MCF-Rush City. So, please be patient with the process.
  • Visiting will be limited to a total of 4 visitors, including children.
  • Visitors are encouraged to arrive up to 30 minutes prior to the start of their visit to ensure adequate processing time.
  • All DOC-required COVID protocols will be followed at all times.
  • Please limit the type of clothing you wear as you will be required to go through a metal detector. (Failure to pass metal detection can result in a denied visit)
  • No Hoodies or Jackets, no undergarments containing metal (clips, clasps or prongs), women are encouraged to wear a cloth compression top. Clothing containing excessive snaps, zippers or pants with holes will be denied entry.
  • No Sheer or see-through clothing, please refrain from excessive colognes or perfumes.

Hours of Visiting:

General population

Friday, Saturday, Sunday

8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Monday - Thursday

No Visiting

Holidays (see below)

No Visiting

Restrictive housing population

Those in Restrictive housing may have visits on Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. via teleconference television, by appointment only.

To make an appointment, you must call 218-485-5170 at least 24 hours in advance.

Visiting Staff Contact: 218-485-5170

Directions: Interstate 35 to Moose Lake exit. Go left (west) on Hwy. 73 about 1 mile to the main entrance on right. Watch for signs.

Visiting Regulations: Please read Visiting Information prior to visits.

There is no visiting on the following State recognized holidays:

  • New Year's Day
  • President's Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Juneteenth
  • July 4 (Independence Day)
  • Labor Day
  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving and the following Friday
  • Christmas Day

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Frequently Asked Questions

Minnesota Correctional Facility - MCF Moose Lake – FAQs

  1. What is a state prison?
      A state prison is a correctional facility operated by the Minnesota Department of Corrections, housing individuals convicted of state crimes. Inmates typically serve sentences longer than one year. State prisons have different security levels and provide rehabilitation, education, and work programs.

  2. How do state prisons differ from federal prisons?
      State prisons hold offenders convicted of crimes under state laws, while federal prisons house those convicted of federal offenses. State prisons are managed by state DOCs and vary in policies, security levels, and resources. Federal prisons, run by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), often have more structured programs and uniform policies nationwide.

  3. What are the different security levels in state prisons?
      State prisons are classified as minimum, medium, or maximum security, based on inmate risk assessments. Minimum-security facilities house non-violent offenders with lower risks. Medium-security prisons have higher security protocols and structured daily routines. Maximum-security prisons, or supermax facilities, house the most dangerous offenders with strict confinement measures.

  4. How are inmates classified in state prisons?
      Classification is based on criminal history, sentence length, behavior, and medical or mental health needs. The DOC assesses inmates upon intake to determine their housing assignment, work eligibility, and rehabilitative program access. Inmates may be reclassified based on behavior or security concerns.

  5. What types of programs are offered in state prisons?
      State prisons offer GED courses, vocational training, substance abuse counseling, mental health treatment, religious programs, and work release opportunities. Many prisons collaborate with colleges and trade schools to provide certificates in fields such as welding, plumbing, and computer technology.

  6. Can inmates earn early release from state prisons?
      Some inmates qualify for parole, good behavior credits, or sentence reduction programs. State laws determine eligibility based on offense type, institutional behavior, and participation in rehabilitation programs. Some states offer compassionate release for elderly or terminally ill inmates.

  7. How do state prisons handle medical care for inmates?
      Inmates receive basic medical, dental, and mental health care inside the facility. For specialized care, they may be transported to hospitals under security escort. State DOCs often contract with private healthcare providers such as Corizon Health, Wellpath, and Centurion Health.

  8. Are state prison inmates allowed to work?
      Yes, inmates can work within the prison (kitchen, janitorial, maintenance) or in prison industries (manufacturing, farming, sewing, furniture-making). Some states allow inmates to participate in work-release programs, where they work outside the prison and return at night. Inmate workers may earn small wages (often $0.10 to $2.00 per hour) depending on the job.

  9. What are the visitation rules for state prisons?
      Visitation varies by facility but generally requires pre-approval of visitors, background checks, dress codes, and scheduled visiting hours. Some prisons allow contact visits (where inmates and visitors can hug or hold hands), while others allow only non-contact visits (separated by glass). Video visitation services are provided by companies like GTL (ViaPath), Securus, and IC Solutions.

  10. Can inmates receive mail and packages?
      Yes, inmates can receive letters, photos, and books, but all mail is screened for contraband. Some state prisons require mail to be sent through third-party processors, which convert letters into digital copies. Packages with clothing or hygiene items must often be ordered through approved vendors like Access Securepak, InmateCanteen, JailCanteeniCareGifts, MyCarePack or Union Supply Group.

  11. How do phone calls work in state prisons?
      Inmates can make outgoing calls to approved numbers through prison phone services, but cannot receive calls. Calls are typically monitored and recorded. Services like GTL (ViaPath), Securus, and IC Solutions provide prepaid accounts for families to deposit funds for calls. Some states offer tablet-based calls with limited messaging services.

  12. What are the disciplinary rules in state prisons?
      Inmates must follow prison regulations regarding behavior, movement, and interactions with staff and other inmates. Infractions like fighting, possession of contraband, or rule violations can result in loss of privileges, solitary confinement, or additional time added to their sentence.

  13. Do state prisons offer religious services?
      Yes, state prisons have chaplains and religious volunteers who provide services for various faiths. Many facilities offer Bible study groups, prayer meetings, and religious dietary accommodations for inmates who follow specific religious beliefs.

  14. How does parole work in state prisons?
      Inmates eligible for parole must appear before a parole board, which reviews their behavior, program participation, and risk to society. If granted parole, inmates serve the remainder of their sentence under supervision in the community, following specific rules such as curfews and employment requirements.

  15. Can inmates transfer between state prisons?
      Yes, inmates may be transferred for medical needs, security risks, disciplinary actions, or administrative reasons. Some may request transfers to be closer to family, but approvals depend on facility capacity and eligibility requirements.

  16. What happens when an inmate finishes their sentence?
      Inmates released from state prison may receive reentry services, such as job training, housing assistance, and substance abuse counseling. Some states require certain inmates to remain under supervision (such as parole or probation) after release.

  17. Are state prisons overcrowded?
      Many states struggle with overcrowding due to high incarceration rates. Solutions include alternative sentencing programs, early release initiatives, and building new facilities to accommodate growing populations.

  18. How can family members send money to an inmate?
      Families can deposit funds into an inmate’s commissary account through services like JPay, ConnectNetwork, or  Access Corrections. Money is used for purchasing snacks, hygiene items, and phone calls. Some states have limits on how much an inmate can receive per month.

  19. Do state prisons offer educational opportunities?
      Yes, many prisons provide GED classes, college courses, and vocational training programs. Some offer Pell Grants for inmates to take college-level courses. Popular vocational programs include auto repair, HVAC, and culinary arts.

  20. Can inmates be placed in protective custody?
      Yes, inmates who are at risk of harm due to gang conflicts, former law enforcement ties, or other safety concerns can be placed in protective custody (PC). These inmates are housed separately from the general population, often with limited movement and privileges for their safety.

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