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The Shawshank Trail 2023
Enjoy stepping into real-life filming sites from The Shawshank Redemption movie. We suggest starting at the Historic Ohio State Reformatory to begin your experience.
Day One
Shawshank Prison (Historic Ohio State Reformatory)
Stand in those famous warden’s shoes as we enter the “Shawshank Prison”. You’ll experience the parole board room, the Warden’s office and Andy Dufresne’s escape tunnel and see the “Brooks was here. So was Red” sign. A tour highlight, participants can even take a trip into the sinister “hole,” Shawshank’s designation for solitary confinement. Do time in the Shawshank Museum where you’ll immerse yourself in props, set pieces, costumes, and other treasures involved in the movie. And bring home souvenirs from the Museum Store, so you can relive your visit to the cherished movie site. Inquire about cost.
Brewer Hotel & Portland Daily Bugle (Bissman Building)
Stand outside the Bissman Building where actor James Whitmore’s character, Brooks, stayed after his release from Shawshank. Sadly, Brooks hung himself after being paroled. The Bissman Building also served as the site for the Portland Daily Bugle. Great photo opportunity under the “Brewer Hotel” awning or the Shawshank Movie Site sign.
Pawn Shop Window (Mansfield Antiques Gallery)
Red looks in one of their windows and sees the compass that leads him to the famous oak tree. While you may not discover Red’s compass, browsing this charming shop is a memorable stop for visitors who appreciate fine antiques, collectables and vintage finds.
1285 Winery at the Blueberry Patch
While not featured in the film, the Blueberry Patch is the perfect spot for lunch, shopping, and even wine tasting in the area’s largest blueberry plantation. Inquire about group menu options.
Brooks’ Bench
Park yourself on the replica bench where Brooks sat in picturesque Mansfield Central Park feeding the birds, hoping his pet crow, Jake, would show up to chirp hello. The perfect spot for a group photo.
Prison Break Soda (Richland Carrousel Park)
Sip an old-time root beer or strawberry Prison Break Soda, hand crafted by the Richland Carrousel Park. Choose your favorite animal from the menagerie of animals as you enjoy a whirl on the historic, hand-carved Carrousel. Inquire about cost.
1994 Movie Premiere (Renaissance Theatre)
Sit in the exact theater where The Shawshank Redemption first premiered in 1994. Peek backstage behind the scenes, see the pit, hear celebrity stories and enjoy the very same view the stars do from center stage. Inquire about cost.
Der Dutchman Restaurant
The perfect respite from the Hollywood tour, your group can sit back, relax and reflect on your day with a generous helping of Amish kitchen cooking. Packed with two floors of souvenirs, non-perishable Amish foods and snacks, Der Dutchman’s gift shop is always a hit with tour groups. Inquire about group menu options and cost.
Area Lodging
Mansfield area hotels offer lodging options to suit all tastes and familiar chain hotels to fit every budget.Day Two
Andy's Conviction (Wyandot County Courthouse)
As you enter the courtroom, image Andy Dufresne standing in front of the judge as he’s sentenced for murdering his wife and her lover. Scenes shot here appear early on in the film, setting the stage for one of the greatest American movies. Perched proudly atop the courthouse, Lady Justice was restored by donations collected during the Shawshank 15th Anniversary reunion in 2008. Thus, a DVD of the movie is encased in the statue. Donations
Shawshank Woodshop
Among the film’s many powerful scenes is that where Red and the other inmates are working in the prison workshop and stop to listen to “The Marriage of Figaro,” as Andy blares it loudly over Prison’s public address system. Today, the workshop is packed with movie memorabilia, yet it remains much the same as it was the day Hollywood filmed in 1994. Donations
Maine National Bank (Crosby Advisory Group)
In the movie, this location stars as the Maine National Bank. See the location where Andy withdrew $370,000 of Warden Norton’s money and make sure to take a photo with the massive bank vault.
Red’s Bus Ride and the Road To Buxton
Your scenic road trip takes you through the picture-perfect rolling countryside, on the very same bus ride Red took just after he was paroled from prison. Then, you’ll stand in the same location where Red walked along the road to “Buxton.”
Shawshank Oak Tree
“There’s a big hayfield up near Buxton … a big oak tree. It’s like something out of a Robert Frost poem.” This legendary line from Andy’s letter to Red sets the scene for the movie’s powerful ending. Hear the story of the legendary Shawshank Oak Tree that once stood proudly in the hayfield. Sadly, it fell to high winds on July 22, 2016.