Michigan May Sell Abandoned Prison—Theme Park, Anyone?

Could the State of Michigan interest you in a slightly used maximum security prison? One owner, power locks, tucked away from the world behind a line of trees—and razor wire. Well, if a new bill passes through Lansing, the former Standish Correctional Facility could be your next fixer-upper.

RELATED: Average Annual Cost of 1 Michigan Prisoner Revealed

Frankly, with bipartisan support, it looks like this piece of legislation could get rubber-stamped and put a for-sale sign in front of the vacant facility that hasn't housed a prisoner since 2009 faster than you can say "Lockdown!"

Imagine the Possibilities of Owning Your Own Prison

State Representative Mike Hoadley of Au-Gres sponsored the bill and said in a statement when speaking with MLive that if passed, the legislation would allow Michigan to sell the empty prison in a public sale, transfer it, or sell it to another government body.

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WCMU reports Hoadley's been pushing for the facility to transform into a mental health campus, which is noble and would fill a tremendous need in the state. But what if someone from the private sector buys it who has more whimsical plans?

Converting a Maximum Security Prison into 'Escape! The Theme Park'

If the entire facility were purchased and the aesthetic of a maximum-security prison maintained, it could become a tourist attraction or even a twisted amusement park. I know, it sounds absurd, but the more I think about it, the more I can see the prison cafeteria turned into a restaurant—think Shanks Steakhouse.

RELATED: What is the Leading Cause of Death in Michigan Prisons?

Obviously, one of the buildings will be turned into Michigan's most realistic escape room. Oh, and we need roller coasters! Adults can enjoy Warden's Wild Ride, or the whole family can splash down on the Lockdown Lagoon. Don't forget to visit Red's Shanks 'a Lot Gift Shop and Contraband Emporium on your way out.

It could be Michigan's first-ever Felony Funland, Yard Time Thrill Park, or Mugshot Mountain—This wildly impractical idea? Limitless potential. And nothing says family fun like razor wire and guard towers, right?

As outlandish as it may seem, the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) partnered with the Ella Sharp Museum to transform 516 cells into Cell Block 7, a museum that allowed visitors a glimpse into life behind bars. It would open in June of 2014, and according to a press release, it would close in December 2019 due to high operational costs.