Next open
Open year-round · Sat, Oct 3 · 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
Admission
See website
Location
100 Reformatory Road, Mansfield, OH 44905
The story
The Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio, is a massive castle-like former prison known for its imposing architecture, dark history, and reported paranormal activity. Construction began in 1886, and the institution housed prisoners for nearly a century before closing in 1990. After escaping demolition, the reformatory was preserved as a historic attraction and became internationally recognizable as a major filming location for The Shawshank Redemption. Decades of incarceration, violence, deaths, and harsh conditions have contributed to the building’s haunted reputation. Visitors, employees, and paranormal investigators have reported shadow figures, apparitions, disembodied voices, footsteps, sudden cold spots, and unexplained sounds throughout the cellblocks and administrative areas. Locations including the East Cell Block, solitary confinement, and former residential quarters are frequently associated with reported activity. Today, visitors can explore the prison through historical and movie-focused tours, while ghost walks, public hunts, and private paranormal investigations offer after-dark access to one of Ohio’s most famous historic landmarks.
What you'll find
When to come
Season dates
Open year-round
Weekly hours shown for the next two months
Weekly hours
★ 4.7 on Google · 1901 reviews · A selection of reviews provided by Google
Heather Franklin
2 weeks ago
This place... WOW. We did the self guided tour and got to walk through in our own time. It is amazing. If you are a paranormal sensitive person, you will definitely feel it. My daughter actually had a pebble thrown at the back of her head in the hospital wing and there was no one in the room with us that was even near. Some very cool stuff from the Shawshank Redemption movie. If you love that movie, go here.
Review from Google
Ilyanna Bruno
3 weeks ago
Awesome experience. This building is massive! If you’re into history, movies, architecture, abandoned and paranormal this is the place for you. There’s a part that is a museum with information about inmates and the old reformatory. Did a self guided tour and even on a Saturday there were moments we were alone in a lot of the abandoned parts of the prison. Multiple levels of the jail cells were not open all the way down the cell hall for the self guided tour, unsure for other tours. One level that was open all the way down was 3rd level above ground level. The top floor was pretty high up so if you are scared of heights you may be uneasy on that level even without it being open down the hall.
Review from Google
Pill Cosby
2 months ago
We recently visited the Ohio State Reformatory, and it was one of the coolest historical sites I've ever toured. Walking through the building honestly felt like traveling back in time. The architecture, the cell blocks, and the history of the prison are incredible to see in person. The fact that you can go up into the guard towers on the roof and look out over the grounds makes the experience even better. It's also wild knowing there's another prison right next door. As a fan of The Shawshank Redemption, I do wish there had been a little more movie related content on the basic reformatory tour. We didn't take the Hollywood tour, so maybe that's where more of that is covered. Still, there were enough references to appreciate the connection. My only real complaint is the gift shop. For such an iconic location, the souvenirs felt a little lacking. I would have gladly paid $50 or more for a small rock hammer keychain like the one from the movie. That seemed like a missed opportunity. Overall, the history, atmosphere, and sheer size of the prison made this an amazing experience. If you're anywhere near Mansfield, this place is absolutely worth visiting.
Review from Google
Marc Crawford
3 months ago
I guess if you are really into history and want to see something that looks like it has not been taken care of, then this is the place for you. I think the main thing that attracts people to this place is that the movie Shawshank Redemption was filmed here. I sure hope they are working to restore this place to better condition.
Review from Google
Erica Ann
3 months ago
The Ohio State Reformatory is honestly one of the coolest places I’ve ever visited. Whether you’re into history, architecture, photography, paranormal stuff, or live music, this place has something for everyone. The building itself is absolutely stunning. The details in the stonework, the massive cell blocks, and the overall atmosphere make it hard to believe a place like this even exists in Ohio. Pictures really don’t do it justice. I originally wanted to visit because of The Shawshank Redemption, and seeing the filming locations in person was incredible. Walking through the same areas from the movie was surreal, especially if you’re a fan. The self guided tours are perfect because you can take your time and really explore everything at your own pace instead of feeling rushed through. What surprised me most was how much they offer beyond just tours. The ghost hunts are a really unique experience and definitely add to the atmosphere of the building at night. You can feel the history the second you walk inside. On top of that, the concerts here are unforgettable. Seeing live music surrounded by this huge historic structure creates such an amazing backdrop and vibe that you really can’t get at a normal venue. You can tell a lot of care goes into preserving this place while still making it fun and accessible for visitors. It’s one of those places you leave already planning to come back to again. Definitely worth the trip.
Review from Google
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