Name: Historic Ohio State Reformatory
Address: 100 Reformatory Rd., Mansfield, OH, 44905, United States
Telephone: 419-522-2644

The Calendar of Events is not supported by Internet Exploreryour current browser. For best viewing, please use Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.

Historic Ohio State Reformatory

100 Reformatory Rd.
Mansfield, OH 44905

419-522-2644 www.ohiostatereformatory.org

Overview

With the cornerstone laid in 1886, this castle-like prison was designed as a reformatory for young offenders. Abandoned in 1990, the original cell-blocks and administration areas remain intact and continued restoration is ongoing. Five major motion pictures have been filmed on location including “The Shawshank Redemption” and “Air Force One”.

Tour the prison and learn the history of its Hollywood connections and paranormal activity. Shawshank Museum, online virtual tours, gift shop, Ghost Hunts/Walks, facility rentals, and special events all year.

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. Included in the admission price.

Click here to view their VIRTUAL TOUR. *Does require fee.

The Shawshank Trail

The Ohio State Reformatory was used as the fictional Shawshank Prison in New England in the movie. Make sure to take the Hollywood Tour at the Reformatory. The warden’s office, Brooks’ hotel room, the parole board room and even the replica carving on the ceiling that reads, “Brooks was here. So was Red” are on display. The hole that Andy dug through his cell wall to escape is also on display as well as the tunnel he crawled through. Chocolate syrup, saw dust and water were in the tunnel to mimic an actual sewer pipe. Look for replica standups of Red, Andy, Warden Norton, Heywood and Brooks inside the Reformatory for a photo opportunity! Visit ShawshankTrail.com for information on all filming sites.

Haunted Mansfield

General Scoop & History: With the cornerstone laid in 1886, this castle-like prison was designed as a reformatory for young offenders. One of the top five largest castle-like structures in the USA, the Reformatory houses the world’s tallest free-standing steel cell block (6 tiers; 12 ranges, 600 cells). Abandoned in 1990, the original cell-blocks and administration areas remain intact. Motion pictures filmed on location include The Shawshank Redemption, Escape Plan 3: The Extractors, Air Force One, Harry and Walter Go To New York and Tango and Cash. Music videos include Awake by Godsmack and Go DJ by Lil Wayne.

Haunted Testimonials & Tidbits: There’s a guard killed in Solitary Confinement back in 1932 that still does his rounds. He’s been known to jab people with his nightstick and push guests. The 3rd floors of the administration wings are known for shadows and footsteps. The activity is always changing.

There’s not an area in the building that people haven’t experienced something over the years. Footsteps are very common. Shadow people are seen. Audible voices/whispers are common. Physical interactions like being touched, hair pulled, being grabbed/scratched, happen often.

What To Expect: Paranormal investigations at the Ohio State Reformatory provides a unique way to experience the building’s macabre history. Most of the paranormal programs are conducted in the evening with the guidance of a knowledgeable tour guide. Investigations includes Public Ghost Hunts, Private Paranormal Investigations, Ghost Walks, and Special Paranormal Events. Ghost hunting equipment, books, and merchandise are available through our Museum Store.

During a Ghost Hunt, you are free to roam any area of the Reformatory except those areas blocked off by “caution” tape, chains or locks. Admission includes access to the building from 7pm-3am and a late dinner of pizza and soda. Flashlights are recommended. You are on your own to investigate; there is no guide. The building contains hazards like steep steps, uneven surfaces and lead-based paint.

Seen On: The Shawshank Redemption movie; Travel Channel’s “Ghost Adventures”, “Scariest Places on Earth” & “101 Things To Do Before You Die”. The SyFy Channel’s “Ghost Hunter’s Academy” & “Ghost Hunters”. Fox Family Channel’s “Scariest Stories on Earth”.

Public Ghost Hunts– Have you heard the dark, harrowing stories of the Historic Ohio State Reformatory? Now is the time to experience the sinister tales for yourself. Get your adrenaline pumping by exploring the 130-year-old Gothic structure with your adventurous friends.

Ghost Walks travel through the dark halls and corridors of the Reformatory as you are taken on a 2 hour guided tour to the hot spots where reports have been made about paranormal activity. Hear about what people have experienced and the stories of murder and death that cause many to believe the prison is haunted.

Escape from Blood Prison (Halloween event): In October. Every Halloween the Ohio State Reformatory dares anyone to try and make it through the famous prison for their annual Halloween event.
Contact Kathy – kathy@mrps.org at the Reformatory for all paranormal investigations and events at 419-522-2644 or www.ohiostatereformatory.org.

Visit HauntedMansfield.com for information on all Haunted sites.

Groups

Walk the same halls as history’s most infamous prisoners. Immerse yourself into the foundation that formed The Shawshank Redemption. Whether you’re hunting for the paranormal or simply looking to tour the beautiful architecture, you can find it here at the Ohio State Reformatory.

With the cornerstone laid in 1886, this castle-like prison was designed as a reformatory for young offenders. Five major motion pictures have been filmed on location including “The Shawshank Redemption” and “Air Force One.” Abandoned in 1990, the original cell-blocks and administration areas remain intact.

The Reformatory does house many sets of stairs and some parts of the Reformatory will be unavailable to those requiring handicap accessibility. The building is equipped with a chair lift, which provides access to the Museums & Museum Store areas. Handicap patrons, as well as those with limited mobility, may ask for a customized “Cell Block Tour” of the ground level of the East and West Cell Blocks, the Bull Pen, Mini-Bullpen, Central Guard Room, Lower East Diagonal, & Solitary Confinement.

GROUP TRAVEL CONTACT:
Ashleigh Ramey
419-522-2644 ex. 101
Ashleigh@mrps.org

GROUP INFORMATION:
Group tour price: call 419-522-2644
Payment policy: Payment in Advance
Reservations required: Yes
Open for special hours: By Appointment
Length of time for tour: 1-2 hours, flexible
Maximum # of motorcoaches at one time:
Motorcoach parking: on grounds
Escort & driver complimentary: Yes
Handicap accessible: yes
Number of restrooms available (men/women): Men 3, Women 3

Meetings

With the cornerstone of this unique facility laid in 1886, this castlelike prison was designed as a reformatory for young offenders. Abandoned in 1990, the original cell blocks and administration areas remain intact.

Rental Information

Four major motion pictures have been filmed on location, including “The Shawshank Redemption” and “Air Force One”. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this non-traditional meeting space lends itself to unforgettable events. The central guard room is the most used space and offers a grand appearance that keeps any meeting lively.

MEETING PLANNER CONTACT:
Rita Miller-Bunker
419-522-2644
rita@mrps.org

SERVICES & AMENITIES:
Lodging property: No
Restaurant: Nearby
In-house catering: No
External catering permitted: Yes
Wifi Access: Yes
Projector available: No
A/V Screen: No
Handicap accessible: Some spaces, not the whole facility

TOTAL SPACE/CAPACITY:
# of meeting rooms: 3
Total meeting space (sq.ft.): 4,500
Largest meeting space (sq.ft.): 4,500

Meeting Room	SQ. FT.	Width By Length	Theatre Seating	Banquet Seating	Classroom Seating	Reception Seating
Guard Room	4500	50′ x 90′	250	200	N/A	N/A
East Diagonal			250	200	N/A	N/A
Wardens Dining Room			N/A	15	15	N/A