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A Glimpse at the Creepy Interior of the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio

If you’re looking for things to do in Mansfield, Ohio, a tour through the historic Ohio State Reformatory is a must!

The imposing façade of the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield does nothing to deter visitors from flocking to the site today.

The chapel inside the Ohio State Reformatory
Red Chair at the Ohio State Reformatory
The secret Jesus Room in the Ohio State Reformatory
The Ohio State Reformatory, only one of the things to do in Ohio.

 Next to Mid-Ohio Raceway, the prison is possibly the most visited attraction in Richland County.

Visitors have come from around the world and events like Inkcarceration, the Shawshank Hustle and Escape from Blood Prison draw record crowds throughout the year. 

During the rest of the year, tours are offered most days, with both self-guided and docent-led tours available.

I’ve been on both and while the self-guided tours allow you to explore the entire prison on your own and focus on what you find most fascinating.

But I suggest a guided tour for your first tour or rent a listening wand so you can learn as you go.

The latter allows you to learn about the history of the prison, the inmates, the warden, and the architecture, which is pretty fascinating.

Interior photos of the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield Ohio

I enjoyed learning the intriguing history of the property.

It was nearly demolished and then purchased for $1 (no, that is not a typo) and went on to become the filming site for the famed Shawshank Redemption.

The movie is based on the novella Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption by famed author, Stephen King.

A wall mural of The cast of the Shawshank Redemption

You could say the movie saved the prison, as the filming crews showed up on the very day the wrecking ball was set to strike.

The movie has also boosted tourism in Mansfield, as fans descend on the area from across the country to view the prison and other filming locations along the Shawshank Trail.

The Ohio State Reformatory has been seen in music videos, Hollywood movies, and the much-talked-about, Ghost Hunters.

Those with an affinity to all things creepy may enjoy spending the night entering the dark cells, slowly making their way through the dark passageways in search of things that go bump in the night.

Me? I prefer to tour the prison by day, which may be creepy enough.

Library photos inside the Ohio State Reformatory

The prison boasts several exhibits, one that includes Old Sparky, the original electric chair in the state of Ohio.

Surprisingly, the contraption was made by a prisoner on death row.

I’m not sure that would pass as humane punishment these days.

You’ll also have a chance to learn more about the on-site filming of the Shawshank Redemption in the Shawshank Museum which opened during the 25th anniversary of the movie.

The prison has seen better days as evidenced by this photo with peeling lead paint on the walls.
An old rusty chain in a jail cell in the Ohio State Reformatory
An old prison cell inside the East Cell Block at the Ohio State Reformatory

The prison also features the East Cell Block which is the world’s largest, free-standing, steel cell block, The Hole, where unruly prisoners were sent, and the Warden’s Quarters, where the warden lived with his family.

a glimpse inside the ohio state reformatory

Friendly staff members are on hand to answer questions you have about the property.

Depending on who you speak to during your visit, you may hear a few tales of prisoner misconduct.

Or you may hear where they’ve glimpsed the Shadowman, a guard who was murdered by prisoners, who is said to roam the halls of solitary confinement.

Looking for more things to do in Ohio? Check this out ——-> 50 QUIRKY THINGS TO SEE IN OHIO THAT ARE FREE OR LOW COST 

The prison is a photographer’s dream so make sure you have plenty of space on your smartphone for photos or pack your DSLR.

This room was the former library in the historic prison.
A ripped page from the bible in the library of the prison
The circulation desk in the abandoned prison is pretty bleak.

Today visitors can tour just about every inch of the prison.

You can even step inside the prison cells! Just do everyone a favor and don’t slide the door closed behind you.

Most of the keys have been misplaced and you may have a bit of a lengthy stay as you wait for a locksmith to come to your rescue.

Did I mention the prison is creepy? Oh yeah, I think I did.

Have you been to the prison? Is this someplace you’d like to go?

A Peek inside the Ohio state reformatory in Mansfield Ohio can be rather creepy.

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Plan A Visit to Kingwood Center Gardens in Mansfield, Ohio

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Ruth

Sunday 14th of July 2019

How can I get information on when tours are given And price on the Mansfield reformatory?

Tonya Prater

Sunday 14th of July 2019

You can find information about the tours here: https://www.mrps.org/explore/tours

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