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 Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater 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 Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater.

Frequently asked questions about Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater

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 Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater?

   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 Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater?

   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 Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater. 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 Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater. 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 Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater?

   Mailing address:

   Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater
   970 Pickett Ave N
   Bayport, MN 55003
   Phone: (651) 779-2700

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 10:15 AM – 7:45 PM
   • Tuesday: 10:15 AM – 7:45 PM
   • Wednesday: 10:15 AM – 7:45 PM
   • Thursday: 10:15 AM – 7:45 PM
   • Friday: 10:15 AM – 7:45 PM
   • Saturday: 8:15 AM – 5:45 PM
   • Sunday: 8:15 AM – 5:45 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater?

   Visiting hours at Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater 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 (651) 779-2700 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 Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater?

   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 Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater?

   You can send money to an inmate at Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater 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 Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater, 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 Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater?

   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 Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater 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 Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater, 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

Personal transformation lies at the heart of the comprehensive service delivery system within MCF-Stillwater, where inmates encounter opportunities designed to address underlying issues while building essential life skills. The facility's approach recognizes that meaningful rehabilitation requires addressing multiple dimensions of an individual's circumstances, from educational deficiencies to substance abuse challenges. Through carefully structured interventions, participants engage in processes that may provide them with tools necessary for successful community reintegration upon release.

Educational services typically form the foundation of personal development efforts, offering inmates opportunities to complete their high school equivalency or pursue post-secondary coursework through correspondence programs. In addition to this academic foundation, vocational training services may provide hands-on instruction in construction trades, equipping participants with marketable skills that often include carpentry, electrical work, and general maintenance techniques. These programs typically emphasize both technical competency and workplace readiness, recognizing that successful employment represents a critical factor in reducing recidivism rates.

Therapeutic interventions address the complex behavioral and psychological factors that frequently contribute to criminal behavior, with chemical dependency treatment services offering structured approaches to addiction recovery. In addition to this clinical support, arts and crafts programs may provide creative outlets that serve both therapeutic and skill-building purposes, allowing inmates to explore personal expression while developing patience and attention to detail. These diverse service offerings work collectively to create an environment where personal growth becomes possible, though individual outcomes often depend on the level of engagement and commitment each participant brings to the rehabilitation process.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and steel doors of the housing units at MCF-Stillwater create an environment where every sound echoes and privacy becomes a precious commodity. Within this structured setting, inmates currently navigate their daily routines through a carefully orchestrated schedule that continues to revolve around security counts, meal times, and programmed activities. The facility typically operates on a regimented timeline where inmates generally wake early for morning count, proceed through designated meal periods in the dining hall, and participate in various work assignments or educational programs throughout the day.

In addition to this structured routine, living accommodations at the facility usually consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units, where inmates typically store their limited personal belongings in designated areas and adapt to communal bathroom facilities. The dining arrangements generally provide meals served at scheduled times in a central cafeteria setting, where inmates often have brief opportunities for social interaction while following established security protocols. Despite this controlled environment, inmates may access recreational activities such as outdoor exercise periods, indoor gymnasium time, and library services, which provide essential outlets for physical activity and mental stimulation.

The facility typically offers various work assignments that may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or facility operations, allowing inmates to develop skills while contributing to daily operations. Programming schedules generally encompass educational opportunities, substance abuse treatment, and vocational training that continues to prepare individuals for eventual reintegration. Family connections remain vital through scheduled visitation periods and phone privileges, while commissary access usually provides inmates with personal items and snacks that help maintain some sense of normalcy within the institutional environment.