Ohio State Reformatory

www.ohiostatereformatory.org

Ohio State Reformatory Phone:
419-522-2644

Address:
100 Reformatory Rd.
Mansfield, OH 44905

Hours:
Please call or visit website for information.

 

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. Four major motion pictures have been filmed on location including "The Shawshank Redemption" and "Air Force One".

 HAUNTED MANSFIELD OHIO

The Historic Ohio State Reformatory has been listed on the Travel Channel's "101 Things To Do Before You Die" and in Entertainment Magazine's "Vacation on Location Top 10".   Many stories of haunts can be heard from visitors and workers at the Reformatory. Ghost Hunts and Ghost Walks are a popular tour choice at the Historic Ohio State Reformatory and sell out quickly.

The Historic Ohio State Reformatory invites you to come see the monumental 19th century architectural achievement for yourself.

Groups and individuals may contact the Ohio State Reformatory directly for tours, Ghost Hunts, Ghost Walks or Private Ghost Hunts at 419-522-2644 or visit www.ohiostatereformatory.org for details.

Ask about Private Ghost Hunts.  http://www.ohiostatereformatory.org/pages/private-ghost-hunts.

Haunted Prison Experience, Sept. 28-Oct 28, 2012.  Must be 13 years or older to enter. http://www.hauntedx.com/

SHAWSHANK TRAIL

 Begin your Hollywood Tour at the Historic Ohio State Reformatory. 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). Four major motion pictures have been filed there- Tango and Cash, Harry and Walter Go To New York, The Shawshank Redemption and Air Force One.
To see and hear more on The Shawshank Redemption movie, make sure you take the Hollywood Tour at the Reformatory. The cells, the warden's office and even a replica carving on the ceiling that reads, "Brooks was here. So was Red" are on display. Even more amazing is the tunnel that the main character, Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), dug. It is about 2 feet in diameter. Hazard a trip into the sinister "Hole". View the 1886 West Cell Block used as a Russian prison in Air Force One.

Considered a grand architectural achievement, the massive Reformatory building, large granite pillars and elegant construction encompass 250,000+ square feet and combine three architectural styles: Victorian Gothic, Richardsonian Romanesque, and Queen Anne.

From the tower of the Reformatory, you can see the graveyard that was featured in Shawshank Redemption.

View Ohio State Reformatory Website

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Customer Reviews (7) - Post a Review
I absolutely love this building. It is so intriguing to see it whenever I pass it. It's breathtaking when your standing there looking at the size of the building. Then the overwhelming thoughts of walking into the door getting the feeling of just how much history this beautiful building beholds. It's almost like a rush of emotions going through your heart as you look up at the cells where the inmates stayed. If you ask me I have never liked history but this building made my learning ability on history do a complete one eighty. I love the tours but right around Halloween is when everyone has to agree, your first thoughts around late September early October is going to the amazing Halloween attraction. I don't know about you but I check the reformatory site until I'm blue in the face to see what they are calling the next Halloween title. Mansfield reformatory equals a good time.
julie beer at 1:13pm EST - March 2, 2011
I haven't been yet but made my reservation today - my birthday present to myself to see this much anticipated place with its hauntings!!! Stay tuned for my after-tour post.
Beth B at 7:24pm EDT - September 6, 2010
Why is it fascinating to see a jail??? I'm sure you wouldn't want to be locked up in one.
MayBach Brown at 1:07pm EDT - August 21, 2010
My uncle and dad worked there but my uncle told me one of the stories the night that he worked so the story is that he was sitting by the phone and he heard the phone ring and nobody answered he went home and told his sister and she said that happens to me my uncle said yeah but your phone is plugged in
Aaron Plaster at 11:59am EST - February 22, 2010
I love this prison I go there every other week, I was able to sit in the cells and climb the spiral staircase, but i have to warn you watch your step for the stairs are very small and steep. But overall its a must see place :)
Adena at 3:04pm EST - November 2, 2009
I really love this prison, a lot. I love visiting haunted places such as old buildings like this and I feel very excited when entering with my friends. I have been on a tour of this prison in May 2009 with my friend and loved how this prison was so attractive yet so creepy at the same time! My boyfriend grew up in Moundsville, WV, where the WV state penitentiary is. Of course, I have been there too! But it is not as neat or as large as Mansfield's! You do a great job preserving this prison so it looks as good as ever!
Lisa Walzer at 7:36pm EDT - October 26, 2009
Very exciting! The tour I went on was about two hours long. You really get to get up close with the cells. It is almost unbelievable.
Joe at 10:44am EDT - September 1, 2009


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