From exploring a historic and haunted prison to fine dining in Prohibition-era caverns, these nine signature experiences have helped put Mansfield on the map as a must-see destination.
The Shawshank Trail & Historic Ohio State Reformatory
Tour the Historic Ohio State Reformatory, the iconic prison where many scenes of The Shawshank Redemption were filmed. Dive deeper into Hollywood history on The Shawshank Trail Self-Guided Driving Tour, which takes you to key filming locations from IMDb’s top-rated movie.
Richland Carrousel Park
Take a spin on the beautifully hand-carved carousel at Richland Carrousel Park, the first of its kind built in the U.S. since the 1930s. Featuring 52 figures, this nostalgic attraction is perfect for visitors of all ages to relive childhood magic.
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course & Mid-Ohio School
Rev your engines at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, home to prestigious events like IndyCar, IMSA and vintage motorcycle races. Want to experience the adrenaline firsthand? Buckle up and sharpen your skills with a driving course at the Mid-Ohio School.
Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival
Rock out at Inkcarceration, a high-energy music and tattoo festival held on the grounds of the Historic Ohio State Reformatory. This much-anticipated event combines live music from well-known bands with top-tier tattoo artistry for an unforgettable experience.
Kingwood Center Gardens
Discover the beautifully manicured grounds and formal gardens at Kingwood, once the estate of Mansfield industrialist Charles Kelley King. Tour the historic 1920s-era mansion and enjoy seasonal highlights like the Pumpkin Glow and Christmas at Kingwood.
BibleWalk
Step into the pages of the Bible at BibleWalk, Ohio’s only wax museum and Christian dinner theater. This faithful spot showcases over 100 scenes, bringing powerful biblical stories to life. Don’t miss the on-site Museum of Woodcarving, home to the world’s largest single-artist carving collection!
Snow Trails
Experience winter fun at Snow Trails, Ohio’s go-to attraction for skiing and snowboarding. “Let’s Get Started” packages are ideal for families new to winter sports. On weekdays, enjoy relaxed daytime skiing and snowboarding. Book ahead to make memories!
Malabar Farm State Park
Malabar Farm State Park also has ties to Hollywood. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Louis Bromfield’s 900-acre estate and “Big House” was the location of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall’s wedding. Tour the home, hike the scenic trails and enjoy seasonal events like barn dances and the Maple Syrup Days Festival.
Shelby Mall (Glen’s Surplus)
Find one-of-a-kind treasures at Glen’s Surplus, known locally as the Shelby Mall. This 25,000-square-foot retail space offers everything from obscure hardware to military surplus, making this eclectic store a haven for bargain hunters, collectors and DIY enthusiasts.
By Tonya Prater