How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at Mc Naughton Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Mc Naughton Correctional Center is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of Mc Naughton Correctional Center.

Frequently asked questions about Mc Naughton Correctional Center

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by Mc Naughton Correctional Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Mc Naughton Correctional Center?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at Mc Naughton Correctional Center?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at Mc Naughton Correctional Center. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at Mc Naughton Correctional Center. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of Mc Naughton Correctional Center?

   Mailing address:

   Mc Naughton Correctional Center
   8500 Rainbow Rd
   Lake Tomahawk, WI 54539
   Phone: (715) 277-2484

5. What are the visiting hours at Mc Naughton Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Mc Naughton Correctional Center vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (715) 277-2484 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to Mc Naughton Correctional Center?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with Mc Naughton Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Mc Naughton Correctional Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Mc Naughton Correctional Center through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at Mc Naughton Correctional Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Mc Naughton Correctional Center, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at Mc Naughton Correctional Center?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact Mc Naughton Correctional Center for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at Mc Naughton Correctional Center, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

Work release programs form the cornerstone of rehabilitation efforts at McNaughton Correctional Center, connecting qualified inmates with local employers while emphasizing the importance of maintaining employment after release. These programs allow participants to earn funds that help pay fees, restitution, and other financial obligations, with offsite work opportunities carefully determined through individual risk assessments and case evaluations. This employment-focused approach reflects the facility’s commitment to preparing inmates for successful community reintegration.

Beyond work release opportunities, McNaughton Correctional Center may offer additional programming typical of Wisconsin correctional facilities. Educational services often include adult basic education and GED preparation to help inmates develop fundamental academic skills. The facility may also provide substance abuse counseling programs, anger management courses, and other behavioral interventions designed to address underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior. Mental health services and medical care are typically available to support the overall well-being of the inmate population.

Given McNaughton’s role within the Wisconsin Correctional Center System and its capacity for 102 adult male inmates, the facility likely emphasizes individualized programming approaches. Inmates may have access to vocational training opportunities that complement the work release programs, potentially including skills development in areas relevant to local employment markets. Library services, recreational activities, and religious programming are commonly available features that support rehabilitation goals, while case management services help coordinate an inmate’s progress through various programs and prepare for eventual release back to the community.

Daily Life & Visitation

At McNaughton Correctional Center, residents begin each day within the historic structures that once served as the Lake Tomahawk Tuberculosis Rehabilitation Camp, some dating back to 1910 and now listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings. The facility’s current capacity of 102 adult male inmates allows for a more intimate environment compared to larger correctional institutions, with many residents participating in work release programs with local employers in the Lake Tomahawk area. These work opportunities typically begin early in the morning, with qualified inmates traveling to various job sites while others may engage in facility maintenance, educational programs, or other structured activities throughout the day.

Family connections remain an important part of daily life, with visiting procedures outlined in both English and Spanish materials available through the facility. The center offers both traditional in-person visitation and video visiting options, allowing inmates to maintain regular contact with loved ones. Mail and money transfers follow standard Wisconsin Department of Corrections protocols, enabling families to support their incarcerated relatives. The facility’s location in Oneida County, just west of Lake Tomahawk on State Forest Road D, provides a more rural setting that may offer different recreational and work opportunities compared to urban facilities.

As part of the Wisconsin Correctional Center System’s network of 14 adult male facilities, McNaughton operates under centralized oversight from Madison while maintaining its own daily routines and programs. The emphasis on work release employment that continues post-release helps residents develop job skills and earn funds to pay restitution and other obligations. Evening hours typically include educational programming, recreational activities, and personal time, with the facility’s smaller size often allowing for more individualized attention to residents’ needs and reentry planning.