New & Notable in 2020

Exciting things are coming to Mansfield and Richland County! Meet these notable new arrivals to the area like luxury cabins, newly discovered caverns beneath a fine dining restaurant and winery, a splash park, and unique exhibits.

Garden Gateway at Kingwood Center Gardens

The new Garden Gateway will transform the visitor experience at the historic garden estate of Kingwood Center Gardens. The Garden Gateway will feature an auto garden, a visitor center, and updated garden areas. The visitor center will soon serve as the launching point for guests to the garden. This space will include ticketing, a history-filled exhibit gallery highlighting the legacy of the estate’s former owner Charles Kelley King, the Garden Gateway Café, the Kingwood Ballroom, and a gift shop and greenhouse store. The 2020 season at Kingwood Center Garden will begin April 1. The Garden Gateway is expected to open in July of 2020.

Shawshank Redemption Museum at the Ohio State Reformatory

Immerse yourself in the making of the beloved film, The Shawshank Redemption, at the historic Ohio State Reformatory. The Shawshank Museum will take you behind the scenes with props, set pieces, costumes, photos, reproductions, and videos.

BibleWalk “Kingdom of God” Tour

A sixth tour is coming to Ohio’s only life-sized wax museum! The 30-minute Kingdom of God Tour will take guests through an in-depth look at the primary message of Jesus when he said, “The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” This tour will be opening spring, 2020.

The Wine & Ale Trail Expansion

The addition of two new stops to the regional Wine & Ale Trail has brought the total number of stops to nine. Uniontown Brewing Co. in Ashland, Ohio and Fox Winery in Galion, Ohio join a collection of partners whose passion for craft and connection to history bring people from near and far to sip and savor their way through the trail. Ream more about the trail’s newest members!

The Caverns at Hudson & Essex

Soon, you will be able to host unforgettable special events in the historic caverns that were discovered beneath this restaurant and winery during its refurbishment.

Mansfield Art Center’s Education & Event Space

The Mansfield Art Center is expanding with a new 4,800-square-foot education wing. The expansion will provide more space for art classes and will include a “hot zone” for the creation of high-fire ceramics and glass art. An outdoor event pavilion with ample covered seating is also in the works for hosting special events, performances, weddings, and more.

Mansfield Memorial Museum’s “Breweries & Bottlers of Mansfield” Exhibit

For a limited time, discover the history of Mansfield’s 9 breweries and 31 bottling companies in this limited exhibit.

Mansfield Area YMCA’s Splash Pad Park

The first of its kind, the Mansfield YMCA has opened a fully inclusive splash pad for members and the community to enjoy. The Splash Pad Park is specially designed to foster play for children of all abilities and includes a dumping bucket, gentle jets, misters, a submarine, and a VW van with water, lights, and music effects. The park is open Memorial Day through Labor Day, weather permitting.

Pleasant Hill Lake Park’s Log Cabins

Book a stay at Pleasant Hill Lake Park for horsepower boating, hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and more. Ten new log cabins, opening April 2020, will offer rustic yet modern accommodations within a wooded quiet setting only a short distance from the lake and swim beach area.

What new experience will you be trying? Find more notable things to do and places to eat, drink, and stay at DestinationMansfield.com