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 - Willow River/Moose Lake.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Minnesota Correctional Facility - Willow River/Moose Lake 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 - Willow River/Moose Lake.

Frequently asked questions about Minnesota Correctional Facility - Willow River/Moose Lake

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 - Willow River/Moose Lake.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Minnesota Correctional Facility - Willow River/Moose Lake?

   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 - Willow River/Moose Lake?

   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 - Willow River/Moose Lake. 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 - Willow River/Moose Lake. 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 - Willow River/Moose Lake?

   Mailing address:

   Minnesota Correctional Facility - Willow River/Moose Lake
   1000 Lakeshore Dr
   Moose Lake, MN 55767
   Phone: (218) 485-5000

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at Minnesota Correctional Facility - Willow River/Moose Lake?

   Visiting hours at Minnesota Correctional Facility - Willow River/Moose Lake 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 (218) 485-5000 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 - Willow River/Moose Lake?

   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 - Willow River/Moose Lake for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Minnesota Correctional Facility - Willow River/Moose Lake?

   You can send money to an inmate at Minnesota Correctional Facility - Willow River/Moose Lake 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 - Willow River/Moose Lake?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Minnesota Correctional Facility - Willow River/Moose Lake, 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 - Willow River/Moose Lake?

   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 - Willow River/Moose Lake 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 - Willow River/Moose Lake, 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

Comprehensive rehabilitation initiatives at MCF Willow River typically focus on addressing the diverse needs of residents through evidence-based approaches that emphasize skill development and personal growth. The facility’s philosophy centers on providing structured opportunities that help residents build the foundation for successful community reintegration. These initiatives often include multiple pathways for learning and development, recognizing that each resident may benefit from different combinations of educational, vocational, and therapeutic support.

Educational initiatives form a cornerstone of the facility’s approach, with programs that may deliver basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and post-secondary educational opportunities. ESL (English as Second Language) services are often available to support residents whose primary language is not English, helping them develop communication skills essential for employment and community participation. Additionally, vocational training initiatives typically provide hands-on experience in various trades and technical fields, allowing residents to develop marketable skills that align with regional employment opportunities and industry demands.

Support services and therapeutic initiatives complement the educational and vocational components through comprehensive programming designed to address underlying challenges. Chemical dependency treatment may deliver group and individual counseling sessions, while grief counseling often helps residents process personal losses and trauma. The facility typically offers commercial driving (CDL) preparation programs that can lead to employment opportunities upon release. Additionally, mentoring programs may connect residents with community volunteers or peer mentors who provide guidance and support throughout the rehabilitation process, creating networks that often extend beyond incarceration and into successful community reintegration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Structured wake-up calls currently mark the beginning of each day, as residents follow a consistent schedule that continues to provide predictability in their daily lives. The routine typically begins early in the morning with count procedures, followed by breakfast service in the dining hall. Residents generally move through their day according to scheduled programming blocks that may include work assignments, educational classes, or treatment sessions. This framework delivers stability and helps residents develop positive daily habits.

Living accommodations at the facility typically consist of shared housing units where residents maintain personal living spaces. Each resident usually has access to basic furnishings and storage for approved personal property. Meals are generally served at designated times in common dining areas, with menus that often follow nutritional guidelines established by correctional standards. Additionally, residents may have access to commissary services where they can purchase approved personal items and snacks using funds from their institutional accounts.

While maintaining security protocols, the facility often provides various recreational opportunities that may include outdoor exercise periods, indoor fitness activities, and structured leisure time. Work assignments typically range from kitchen duties and maintenance tasks to laundry services, helping residents develop job skills and contribute to facility operations. Family connections continue through scheduled visitation periods and telephone privileges, which generally allow residents to maintain important relationships with loved ones. Additionally, residents may participate in programming schedules that deliver educational opportunities, life skills training, and other structured activities designed to support their rehabilitation goals.