30 Years of Shawshank
By Tonya Prater
Celebrate the classic film and see it come to life on The Shawshank Trail.
On Aug. 9–11, 2024, fans from around the globe will converge in Mansfield, Ashland and Upper Sandusky to celebrate The Shawshank Redemption’s 30th birthday. Take a trip down cinematic memory lane with special events, tours and celebrity appearances. It may just be the biggest Shawshank celebration yet — you won’t want to miss it. shawshanktrail.com
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the iconic movie The Shawshank Redemption. When the film crews rolled up at the Historic Ohio State Reformatory over three decades ago, little did anyone know the movie they were filming would put Mansfield on the map
As an international destination.
Shawshank may not have soared at the box office, but in the past 30 years, it has ascended to legendary status as the No. 1 movie of all time on the Internet Movie Database (IMDb). Just as Andy offered hope to Red in Shawshank, the film brought a sense of redemption to Mansfield. More than just saving a historic prison from demolition, it created a path of discovery for visitors through The Shawshank Trail.
The self-guided driving tour, detailed on the brochure and Shawshank Trail website, includes 15 well-marked stops. While you can explore in any order, many visitors begin at the Historic Ohio State Reformatory, then journey through key filming locations in Richland, Ashland and Wyandot counties. Visitors can explore the cabin from the movie’s opening scene, sit on Brooks’ bench where he fed the birds and take a photo with the mural at the grocery store where Red and Brooks worked. The easiest way to enjoy the trail is on a Shawshank Bus Tour, which starts and ends at the Reformatory. You’ll learn behind-the-scenes facts from an expert tour guide as you ride in style.
Although most stops on the movie trail are free, the paid tour of the prison is well-worth admission and a highlight for many on this pilgrimage. Opt for a guided tour or wander the hushed halls of Shawshank Prison at your leisure to see where Brooks slept, find the tunnel where Andy escaped to freedom and view the Shawshank Museum’s behind-the-scenes exhibits and photo ops. The prison also offers fans and collectors a chance to buy Shawshank- themed souvenirs, including 30th anniversary memorabilia.
Follow the Trail
Get your virtual brochure (or request a paper version) at ShawshankTrail.com. The brochure offers a suggested itinerary, but feel free to visit the stops in any order and at your own pace — just keep an eye out for the Shawshank Trail Movie Site signs. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of souvenirs and photo ops (like the colorful murals at KV Market), learn fun facts, hear behind-the-scenes stories and maybe even meet some fellow Shawshank fans.
Tales From the Trail
Trail blazers Emily Pugh and Abraham Klein are two super fans who have a unique connection to The Shawshank Redemption and to The Shawshank Trail.
Emily Pugh
What was the most memorable stop for you on the shawshank trail?
The road to Buxton. It was the first stop I made with my mom. I will never forget the second we turned on the road — it was like we had entered the movie. The scenery was breathtaking and unchanged after all those years, and I knew from that stop forward the trail would be a great experience.
Were there moments on the trail that made you feel connected to the movie?
I have to say the prison. Everything there is so well preserved and I was able to recreate my movie scene pictures to a T! To walk in the same place as Andy, Red, Tommy, Brooks, etc. was a magical experience.
Would you recommend the trail for someone who has never seen the movie?
Even if one has not seen the movie, the trail is interesting. There’s scenery for nature lovers, the prison for history buffs and paranormal enthusiasts, plus restaurants and shops and everything in between.
Abraham Klein
When did you last experience The Shawshank Trail?
I’ve stopped in Mansfield four times while traveling to Chicago with my aunt, but the most recent time was in 2019 for the 25th anniversary. I still keep in touch with people I met during the meet & greet.
Was there a particular movie scene that came to life for you on the trail?
I had planned to propose to my fiancé on our first trip in 2015 and was disappointed to learn the oak tree had fallen down and was on private property. I decided to propose as close to that spot as possible, but when we started walking the road to Buxton, I knew that was the spot. It was peaceful and reminded me of home.
What would you say is the “can’t miss” spot on the trail?
Of course, the road to Buxton, but also Pugh Cabin and the prison — it looks like a castle when you see it. I went on a private tour and got to lean up against the wall where Andy and Red had their final conversation behind bars.