State Correctional Institution – Rockview
Interactive map of State Correctional Institution – Rockview | |
| Location | Benner Township, Centre County, Pennsylvania, USA |
|---|---|
| Status | Closed |
| Security class | Medium-security |
| Opened | 1915 |
| Closed | February 2026 |
| Managed by | Pennsylvania Department of Corrections |
The State Correctional Institution – Rockview (SCI Rockview) was a Pennsylvania Department of Corrections prison located in Centre County, Pennsylvania, 5 miles (8.0 km) away from Bellefonte. The facility is mostly in Benner Township, while a portion of the prison grounds extends into College Township.
SCI Rockview, which began construction in 1912 and was completed in 1915, was intended to replace both Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia as well as Western State Penitentiary in Pittsburgh. Instead it became a branch prison of Western housing lesser security risk prisoners employed in the extensive farm program outside the gates. Rockview then became a medium-security institution for men. Pennsylvania's execution chamber is located on the grounds of Rockview; however, there is no "death row" there. Condemned prisoners are transported to Rockview from death rows in maximum security prisons across the state several days before their scheduled execution.
SCI – Benner Township was constructed adjacent to SCI Rockview in 2010.
In September, 2025, Governor Josh Shapiro announced a decision to close Rockview, with the process to begin immediately. Rockview officially closed down in February 2026.