Minnesota Correctional Facility - Moose Lake

Notice: Starting October 21, 2024, the DOC is updating approved book vendors—read the full memo here.

Aviso: a partir del 21 de octubre de 2024, el DOC actualizará los proveedores de libros aprobados; lea el memorando completo aquí.

Effective November 1, 2024, the DOC is launching a new mail delivery service. Learn more by visiting: https://mn.gov/doc/family-visitor/contact-and-general-information/how-send-mail/ 

MCF-Willow River/Moose Lake, can house roughly 1,000 men at the medium security facility off of Highway 73 in Moose Lake and another 180 minimum security individuals at the Challenge Incarceration Program (CIP) facility in Willow River. MCF-Moose Lake is the former Moose Lake Regional Treatment Center. Conversion to a correctional facility began in 1988. 

Drinking Water Reports

• 2022
• 2021
• 2020
• 2019
• 2018

Job Opportunities for Incarcerated Persons:

MINNCOR Industries operates a textile/garment plant which produces the clothing for all incarcerated individuals in the DOC system. MINNCOR also operates a state-of-the-art print shop which produces products for state government and subcontracts with private companies. Both of these, and other manufacturing job opportunities provide excellent training for post-release employment.

Employment opportunities also exist in maintenance, educational tutoring, clerks, and food services.

Educational Opportunities:

Incarcerated persons who do not have a high school diploma or GED are placed in educational classes first, to achieve this important step in their progress toward release, prior to being offered any other vocational or employment opportunities. 

In addition, vocational education is offered in Carpentry, telecommunications, computer literacy and technology; as well post-secondary educational opportunities.

Additional Programming:

MCF-WR/ML firmly believes those who are incarcerated can benefit from the programming opportunities made available to them. Some of these programs are mandated, and some are optional. This is based on the individual assessment of each incarcerated person. As a result of program participation, not only does the individual benefit; but so does society as a whole.

Examples:

• Chemical Dependency Treatment
• Restorative Justice Group
• Building Character Group
• Thinking for a Change
• Parenting Classes
• Transitions (Planning for Release)
• Minnesota Prison Writing Workshop
• Workplace and Human Relations Classes (“soft” job skills)
• Library and Recreational Activities

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 phones 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. and 1:00 p.m. 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 under garments 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:

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