Penmate Inmate Support Guides
Visitation

Dakota Unit Weekend Visiting Hours: What to Know Before You Go

Planning a weekend visit at Dakota Unit? Here's what matters most: there are two daily visiting blocks, general population visits happen on specific days, and you should always confirm details by phone before making the drive.

• 2 min read Verified from official sources

Weekend general population visits at Dakota Unit run in two blocks: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. These visits are held on Saturdays, Sundays, and posted holidays. Pick whichever time window works best and plan around it.

Quick schedule: Two visiting blocks each day, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Yes. General population inmates at Dakota Unit can receive visits on both Saturday and Sunday.

Note: Even with both days available, I'd recommend confirming any person-specific eligibility or restrictions when you call visitation.

Visit length at Dakota Unit depends on the inmate's phase level. Before you head out, ask what visit length to expect for your loved one. That way you can plan your day around the time you'll actually have together.

4

  • ✓ Call Dakota Unit Visitation at (928) 627-8871 ext. 16926.
  • ✓ Ask which visiting block (8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.) your loved one is approved to visit in.
  • ✓ Confirm whether the day you’re planning to visit is treated as a “posted holiday” schedule.
  • ✓ Ask how long the visit is expected to be, since visit length is based on the inmate’s phase level.
  • ✓ Double-check any day-of instructions you need to follow (for example, where to check in and what time you should arrive).

A quick phone call can save you a wasted trip. Calling ahead lets you confirm which visiting block to aim for, how long the visit will be based on the inmate's phase level, and whether any posted holiday schedules affect the weekend you're planning around.

Dakota Unit treats posted holidays like regular weekend visitation days for general population visits. If you're planning a holiday weekend visit, call visitation first. They can confirm how that specific holiday is being handled and which block you should plan for.

Find an Inmate at ASPC-Y DAKOTA II

Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.

Exact spelling helps find results faster

Free to search · Used by families nationwide
Woman using phone to connect with loved one

More from ASPC-Y DAKOTA II

Applying for Visits at ASPC‑Y Dakota: The $25 Background Fee, Phone‑Only Exception, and Which Vendor Costs Least

Applying to visit someone at ASPC‑Y Dakota? Budget for a one-time, non-refundable $25 background check fee per adult visitor. This fee applies to both in-person visits and phone privileges. One exception: if you only want to receive phone calls from an inmate (not initiate them), you can skip the $25 fee. You'll still need to complete the phone privileges application, though.

Before You Apply for Visits at ASPC‑Y Dakota: Timing, Deadlines, and Common Pitfalls

Timing matters if your loved one just entered the system or was recently transferred. ADCRR won't process visitation applications while an inmate is going through intake at Alhambra or Perryville. Before you submit anything, confirm where they're currently housed - especially if their status is still in flux.

Before you mail: what gets scanned for Dakota Unit, how originals are handled, and how to get them back

Dakota Unit's digital mail system scans a specific list of items: letters, greeting cards, kid artwork and drawings, and photos. That's it. If you're considering sending something outside that list, don't - it won't be scanned. When in doubt, stick to written correspondence.