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12 Museums to Visit in Richland County

Are you planning a visit to Mansfield, Ohio and looking for something to do in the area? Here are 12 museums to visit in Richland County. 12 Museums to Visit in Richland County Biblewalk 500 Tingley Ave., Mansfield

Ohio’s only life-size wax museum, Biblewalk takes visitors on a guided tour through the Old and New Testament, the Reformation and history of the early church and up close look at Christian Martyrs. Guests will also find a collection of rare bibles, wood carvings and other folk art.

Tours are available year round and cost for adults start at $5.00 with discounts for multiple tour purchases, families and AAA members.

Field Trips 44 West Fourth St., Mansfield

Mansfield’s newest museum is more like a playground than a gallery. With hands-on, interactive exhibits, this fun space is guaranteed to provide plenty of playtime for the family.

You can read my full review, Embrace Playtime at the Little Buckeye Children’s Museum for an overview.

Mansfield Memorial Museum 34 Park Avenue West, Mansfield

The Mansfield Memorial Museum is a must stop for those interested in Mansfield’s history, or just fun and quirky artifacts. Housed in the museum you’ll find, Elektro, the robot built by former Mansfield company, Westinghouse for the 1939 World’s Fair in New York. You’ll also find a rare collection of  anthropomorphic scenes- animals dressed and posed in various positions.

Mansfield Fire Museum 1265 W 4th St., Mansfield

Learn about the history of fire service while browsing the displays at this museum. The museum also has a Safety House which teaches fire safety as well as proper Stop, Drop and Roll techniques. Open May through mid-October, Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

Richland County Museum 51 Church St., Lexington

Formerly a school built in 1850, the Richland County Museum offers a glimpse of life in Richland County during the 19th and 20th centuries.  Open Sunday afternoons, May through October, or by appointment. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

Mansfield Art Center 700 Marion Ave., Mansfield

The Mansfield Art Center offers free admission to the exhibits and gallery shop Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. You’ll find art exhibits, unique gifts and the opportunity to take art classes.

Ohio State Reformatory 100 Reformatory Rd., Mansfield

The Ohio State Reformatory has been the location for the filming of The Shawshank Redemption, Air Force One and other movies and music videos. The reformatory offers guided and self-guided tours of the property as well as an on-site museum where visitors will have the opportunity to see a collection of weapons made and confiscated in prison as well as “Sparky”, the electric chair. Tours available May 1st- September 1st and prices begin at $9.

Read my Tips for Visiting the Ohio State Reformatory.

Kingwood Center  900 Park Ave. West, Mansfield

Kingwood Center is the former estate of Mr. Charles Kelley King, who served as the President and Chairman of the Board of Ohio Brass. The public garden opened in 1953. Open April through October and in December for “Christmas at Kingwood”. Cost is $5 per carload with an additional charge for home tours during December.

The Big House at Malabar Farm 4050 Bromfield Rd., Lucas 

Visit the Big House and get a glimpse of novelist and conservationist, Louis Bromfields’ life before and after his arrival at Malabar Farm and learn about the connection Malabar Farm has to Hollywood. Hours and days vary throughout the year.

A visit to Malabar Farm wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the Visitor’s Center or a meal at the Malabar Farm Restaurant. Check out 15 Things to do with the Family at Malabar Farm for more ideas.

Oak Hill Cottage 310 Springmill St. Mansfield

Oak Hill Cottage is known as “One of the Most Perfect Gothic Homes in America”. This restored and well cared for Gothic Revival also has ties to Malabar Farm and is referred to in Louis Bromfields’ book, Shane’s Castle. In addition to a guided tour of the home, your visit also includes a glimpse of the newly restored Carraige House.

Open Sundays afternoons, April through December.  Cost is $5 for adults, $1 for children.

Morton One Room Schoolhouse Historical Museum 5028 St. Rt. 96 Shelby

Open for field trips, this one room schoolhouse gives students a glimpse of days long past. Open by appointment or on special events.

The Shelby Museum of History 23 East Main St. Shelby

Opened in 1976, this museum contains artifacts and memorabilia from people and businesses of Shelby. Open Sundays, May through October from 2-5 and at other times by appointment. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

We’d love to see where you’ve been visiting!

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Dominique-Midwest Guest

Thursday 30th of January 2014

Sounds like a great group of museums! We managed to see a bit of the museum at the reformatory (got there too late in the day when we visited to take the tour) and I've always wanted to visit Malabar.

Sandra (at) Coasahmom (dot) com

Wednesday 29th of January 2014

I will be keeping this put up for our vacation planner. Thanks for the great post!

Crystal Green

Wednesday 29th of January 2014

I love all of these suggestions. I wish I had known about your site when I was living in Ohio. I would have enjoyed visiting these places. Knowing me back then I would have made the trip without any hesitation. I've been sharing them with my loved ones in Ohio though.

Audrey at Barking Mad!

Wednesday 29th of January 2014

I used to live in Newark OH back when I was on the air at WCOL and WNCI, and went over to Mansfield to voice track a station that fed that area . . . I've been to two of those museums and they are really cool! The Big House at Malabar farm was fascinating!

Tonya

Wednesday 29th of January 2014

Yep, Newark is so close! I love the Big House and my family LOVES exploring the grounds at Malabar Farm. My teens insist on driving to the top of Mt. Jeez with the changing of each season.

Kat B.

Wednesday 29th of January 2014

We love museums. I wish we had more than one here. These all look awesome!

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