We visited the reformatory both during the day and overnight for a paranormal tour/ghost hunt. During the day, we accessed only the gift-shop and admired the grounds from the outside. The merchandise in the store was priced high, in my opinion, with zip up hoodies tagged at $70 each. The staff during both of our visits were friendly and helpful. The overnight ghost hunt included complimentary beverages, a 30-45 min pre-tour, and support from the staff throughout the night. The building is maintained pretty well and the areas that aren't safe are clearly marked off limits. I'd love to come back and take a different tour. read more

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Second visit for a tour, and this place never disappoints. Staff is fantastic, public facilities are great, and historic areas are epic. 100% recommend a visit! read more

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You are able to see so much of the Reformatory on the self-guided tour! It's wonderful and inspiring what they're able to do with the restoration and maintenance of the building and the history itself. We went on a Beyond the Bars tour as well and my favorite part of that was being able to go to the attic and hear about when they used the space as a free-roaming cell for 300+ prisoners... how sad some of these stories are. I would love to come back for a paranormal tour! read more

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My wife and I have visited multiple times over the years as my mom's partner was one of the curators. There is so much to absorb and sights to see in this place! If you've never been, take the time to experience! read more

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While on a road-trip south, we decided to visit the Ohio State Reformatory-the site of where Shawshank Redemption was filmed. There are all types of tours available from self guided to bus tours showing all the filming sites. We focused on just the prison and opted for a guided tour. The tour lasted approximately 1 1/2 hours and covers most of the prison. The prison opened in 1886 (completed in 1910) and closed in 1990. Many of the sites used in the movie were shown. Especially interesting were the six stories of cells and the "attic" where prisoners also were put. Also interesting is when the movie was released in the US, it was somewhat of a flop. Europe and Asia had a much better box office result. Once the movie became available on video, it became a cult classic almost overnight in the US. (Shawshaw Redemption competed against Forest Gump and Pulp Fiction in 1994) When doing the guided tour, you also have the opportunity to do the self guided tour if you want to revisit certain areas or spend more time. The facility also has a gift shop and small restaurant. read more

The Ohio State Reformatory - Museums Near Me - Mansfield, Ohio

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Have been wanting to visit this place for years.Halfway between Cleveland and Columbus and worth the dive. Many different tours to fit your budget but they all explore a lot of the same areas with different emphasis. The guided tours use ear bud audio devices so you can hear your guide. Truly one of the coolest places Ive visited on this planet. read more

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This is something you have to see in person. Pictures don't do justice. This is when prison was treated as prison and not an adult daycare! There is so much to see. Examples would be the electric chair, jail made weapons, the wardens living space, and so much more. We did the self guided tour but I would say do the guided tour! They also have a gift shop if anyone is wondering. Definitely worth giving a visit read more

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On 11/25/25 my business rented out the Ohio State Reformatory for a photoshoot. I would like to add, this was not my first trip to the reformatory, there used to be an annual shoot here hosted by a man named William. Moving forward, all my business was with Ashleigh. We signed a contract for a venue rental months before the event, people drove hours to get there, some even flying in to make this happen. On top of our contract, I was told there were additional fees for four more rooms, the attic, the Jesus room, the theater, and the hospital. Of course I wanted people to have full access but it was NOT transparent when the contract was signed that more money would be asked for. So, I ended up paying for those extra spaces. It's important for my business that I deliver what I say I am going to. Upon our arrival, we were met with non-welcoming staff, that did NOT want to be there. They were not friendly with attendees whatsoever. The only thing I can say is there was a man named John working there who was an absolute GEM. He saved the face of the venue. We were not told that Christmas and Halloween "BLOOD Prison" was being set up at the same time as our rental, so we were unable to be in the main area, which is gorgeous and large. And the main cell blocks had Christmas lights all over them. That would have been excellent information to have, as I would have booked earlier to avoid the lights and the non-use of many spaces that were paid for. All the models were shoved into a basement bullpen to get dressed, it was small and cramped. Absolutely not what I was used to experiencing. Myself and two other models used a side room, which was wide open, John stated it was just fine, and I got horrid looks from staff that kept going into a side office. Such unpleasant faces really impacted the feeling of being there and creating. I got an email from Ashleigh at about 3pm stating that "if my people aren't OUT of the building by 5pm I'd be paying the over time". She did not come to find me, she did not call me, instead it was a very threatening message regarding paying them more, and actually most people were out with a bad taste in their mouths by 430 due to this. We were paid until 5pm. We knew how the contract worked. This is why I hire someone to work for me at these events and keep everyone doing what they should be. I would have had absolutely no issue kindly going around [as we did anyways] and respectfully telling people it was time to start wrapping up. This was nobody in attendances first rodeo. Everyone is respectful, and we were there to follow the rules and have a wonderful experience. With the added money after signing the contract; the non-use of areas paid for. The Christmas and Halloween explosions going on everywhere, and the horrible attitudes of 90% of the staff, besides one very kind man, thank you John! The whole group Absolutely loved and appreciated that man as he engaged with us and was so kind about the history and so kind to all the people. We have shot at hundreds of venues all over the Midwest, with thousands of people. I would say half of the experience IS the venue and how the staff treats you. John was amazing. I was told I could leave my comments regarding how the event went right with Ashleigh. I was going to leave this as a Google review, but those are turned off. We treated that building with respect. And the staff respectfully. It would have been amazing to have gotten the same in return. And to have been made aware of spaces that would not be accessible or lit up with horror christmas in November. For every bad look I got from the blonde woman working there, I tried to return a smile. I did say in a return email that everyone was out by 430/445 latest, not a car but mine in sight, that I was glad the staff didnt have to go into overtime. It was not met with kindness either. When you have bad administration, places go under, they get bad reputations. This building has always been so beautiful. And so much change has happened over the years. Just as we love old architecture and preserve that which what was.. we should also respect those that pay to enter them, and put money towards the preservation, even if it was thousands and not millions to film. Thank you, John, for making this trip fantastic! I hope one day you are running things over there. You deserve the role. read more

The Ohio State Reformatory - Ohio State Reformatory - Museums Near Me - Mansfield, Ohio

I wanted to do this tour for some time. So I took my son here. We both loved doing the self guided tour. Maybe next time we will do the behind the scenes tour. They take you in the basement with that tour. And I think to a higher up not accessible floor too. I enjoyed it. And will take other people here as well. read more

The Ohio State Reformatory - Museums Near Me - Mansfield, Ohio

We did the Beyond the Bars tour. Our tour guide was Austin and he did a great job of telling the history and keeping it interesting. The Beyond the Bars tour was a bit of an extra cost but we got to go into areas not covered by the self-guided tour. The attic area was probably my favorite and seeing the inmate "artwork" dating back to the 1930s was really interesting. The guided tour was almost 2 hours. When we finished that, we got sandwiches at the cafe, retrieved our friend who didn't want to do the guided tour, and then headed back inside for the self-guided tour. The self-guided tour covered more of the areas that were used for Shawshank. There was also an electric chair that had been used previously (but not at this location I believe). It still gave some gravity to the location. There is also a gift shop with a lot of Shawshank merchandise and they keep the movie on a loop in the cafe. This was definitely an interesting place to visit and I'd love to come back for the ghost tours! read more

Fun trip to see places where the movie was filmed. Also very interesting to see the living conditions of the inmates.

Have always wanted to tour the reformatory and set aside a day to see it. We paid for the audio tour which was well worth it. Gives you many facts you wouldn't get otherwise. We are planning to return in the spring. read more

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Took the shawshank tour. Melody was the guide and she and the tour were fantastic. Absolutely going back for more. So much to see.

"blood prison" at the OSR is an incredible experience. it was terrifying and still fun, and touch passes are available. i did NOT buy a touch pass however, and my face was touched - up my lip and my nose. the actors this year, compared to my last trip in 2023, are much more confident in getting close to the guests, and MUST STAY AWARE OF THEIR SURROUNDINGS. the actors know the layout much better than any guest could. this was still such a fun experience - but i am disappointed that i had to experience a panic attack while trying to enjoy a haunted attraction. it is important to remember that while terrifying people is the goal, you still have to remember the rules you set - no touch pass, no touching. read more

My favorite place in Ohio. Staff is so amazing. I love taking tours and walking around here

Its really time consuming but u can see I mean really take time to look at what u went to see. Should have pictures of the festival they have every ur. LOUD and if u live on this side of town prepare to have to leave home 3hrs early due to traffic.. read more

The Ohio State Reformatory - Its a small kitchen that's totally pizza making efficient Decorated with pic za decor oven and all. - Museums Near Me - Mansfield, Ohio

This is such an awesome place. We went with a large group and it really does have something for everyone. My dad is a CO and loved the museum. We're all haunted horror junkies and movie buffs. So we loved it and had a great time and you can't beat the price. read more

The visit, the place, the grounds, the entire experience was extremely interesting, fascinating!!!! We specifically took the "Old Sparky" (name of the electric chair) tour guided by Tom Lane. Tom was ABSOLUTELY extraordinary !! Very interesting, detailed, informative and even intriguing, sprinkled with fun anecdotes!!! Tom is an amazing guide!!! Never envisioned that we would have so much fun!!! Grateful for the experience !!! read more

Forgot this review... The stories, history, REALness, and character of this place is worth it! The steel bars and construction is SOLID unlike today's TRASH buildings and products of America including the prisons. This place could be rehabbed and used today. This place is HUGE and the chapel is grand. The prisoners scribbled on their walls and the graffiti is STILL visible. Really cool to see their marks of who they are going to jump, their names and dates, and their drawings lol. The story of this place is fascinating. Sold for $1 dollar to the people who maintain it as a historical landmark, they BANK off tours I'm sure, and they also rent it out for the Blood Prison, which ALONE is worth a whole trip to Mansfield Ohio! BUT, you have to do the touching and grabbing option because it's HILARIOUS, tho ya might get injured, but it's all in fun! Great place and fun people. I love exploring! read more

If you find yourself anywhere near Cleveland, The Ohio State Reformatory is a must see. Located in Mansfield roughly an hour and a half south of Cleveland. We were visiting friends who live in Hartville and it was about the same hour and a half drive. The reformatory's claim to fame is that it was the location where the movie "Shawshank Redemption" was filmed, but it is oh so much more than that. We took the self-guided tour. We paid, I think, $20. If you're taking the self-guided tour the extra $5 for the wand is a must. As you walk through the prison there are numbered plaques throughout on the wall. Push the corresponding number on the wand and listen to the story about that particular site in the prison. The tour does, of course spend ample time on the filming of "Shawshank", but as I said, it is so much more. At one time this was an actual working prison. There is so much rich history to hear about and see while on the tour. There are several locations where people have purportedly experienced paranormal activity. There are interviews with former inmates. Hearing stories former inmates was totally cool. It was fascinating to hear everything about the prison. From the movies that were filmed all or in part at the reformatory to actual prison history. It was just a really great experience. During our visit to Ohio we visited the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Pro Football HOF, even the house where "A Christmas Story" was filmed. The Ohio State Reformatory was my favorite. And that's saying something because I'm a huge music (metal) fan, a huge football fan (Go Seahawks!) and "A Christmas Story" is my 2nd favorite Christmas movie next to "Die Hard". The Ohio State Reformatory is most definitely a must see. read more

The Ohio State Reformatory - Museums Near Me - Mansfield, Ohio

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We visited for two reasons: One, because Ohio State Reformatory is a famous landmark in the Mansfield area. And two: Because MrBeast once filmed one of his challenges here. Guess which reason belongs to my children? So yeah, MrBeast did visit this abandoned prison, but that's not the only reason to visit. Ohio State Reformatory is an amazing piece of history, and not just that, but: It's kind of creepy! In that way that large, abandoned prisons can be. We chose to opt out of the group tour and just walked around the prison by ourselves. This was a great choice, because we could walk as fast or slow as we wanted. We took more time around certain places. (Like the prison cell where a prisoner set himself on fire. What the heck! That was kind of disturbing to read, but that happened.) And we walked fast up stairs and past places that didn't interest us as much. This prison is very large, and I imagine you could spend all day here. We spent about an hour there walking at a pretty quick pace. Personally, I really liked visiting this prison because of the photo ops. There are so many spaces that are worn away, crumbling, and full of remnants of history. I loved just walking around with my camera, taking photos of all of the patina and rust. There are certain areas that you can't take photos, though. There's an actual low-security prison located next door that you can see from certain windows, and there are signs telling you not to take photos out the windows. Also: This was the filming location of the Oscar-winning film, The Shawshank Redemption! Part of the museum in the prison is dedicated to the movie, with info and props from different scenes. On the first floor, as you exit, there's a gift shop where you can buy Reformatory things. It is a little disorienting. It's like, you've just spent an hour or more absorbing the lives of prisoners, and then you're met with a room selling t-shirts and keychains making light of the things that happened in the prison. There is like a whole range of human emotions going on here when you visit the Reformatory, and they all culminate at the gift shop as you pay for your Straight Outta Shawshank mug. read more

This was a very interesting tour. Our grands, 10/12 were just ok with it. We did the Hollywood tour, lots of Shawshank info and relics. The cell areas were the best to see. Beautiful architecture and restoration in areas. Private group owns the property now, monies generated goes to the restoration and maintenance. read more

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If you're a big fan of Shawshank Redemption, it's essentially sacrilegious to not visit this prison! Driving up and seeing it for the first time was breathtaking. It's such a beautiful building. We did the "Behind the Bars" guided tour, which showed us parts of the prison not open to the general public like the sub-basement. It was neat! It lasted about two hours, then we explored the rest of the building afterwards. I loved the administration parts of the prison and rooms that were used in the movie. They did a great job with displaying props from the film. There's also a small industrial museum on the ground floor. Seeing the prison cells in person was incredible. The whole experience was amazing. I'm dying to go back during Halloween! This is a must see place that's great for all ages. read more

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06/0302022 Went to this place last year. But it still is in my mind and impressive. If you are looking for an attraction to see this is it. The prison is no longer in use, but it is where the movie Shawshank Redemption was made. Spent four hours on the self guided tour, and to me it was worth it. read more

This was awesome! The gothic architecture, the checkered history and its use as a backdrop to the movie Shawshank Redemption. It's worth taking the "Behind the Bars" tour to learn more about the good intentions when it was built to the horrific conditions and its inevitable close. We spent over 2 hours in both the tour and the self guided walking tour where you can go many places within the facility. Highly highly recommend! read more

The Ohio State Reformatory - Stairs to upper cell floors. 5 levels in each cell block - Museums Near Me - Mansfield, Ohio

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We had a great time here. It was old and creepy. Just how I like it. All of the staff were friendly and knowledgeable and I like the fact that you could just basically just wander around at your own pace. read more

We had a busy road trip from Chicago to Ohio. My fiance planned this stop for me and oh my! I loved it. I am a huge fan of Shawshank redemption and had no idea that this jail was located in Ohio. We booked tickets for our family, including 2 younger girls and I was nervous that it would bore them but they had a blast. The history of the jail is so interesting and the girls were fascinated by every room they saw. I would come back in a heartbeat read more

This place is definitely a must see if you're in the area. And if you were into the history, then it's worth the trip as well. They do certainly market for the movie footage, but seeing Old Sparky was both intriguing and spooky. read more

Absolutely amazing place! Had a tour with tour guide named Abi and she was amazing!! I would recommend this strongly! If you are able I would ask for a tour with Abi!!! read more

I knocked this cool place off my bucket list! What an interesting, cool, and terrifyingly sad place OSR is. The architecture and massiveness of this place is incredible. The level of care and dedication the organization that owns it has to restore it back to life is astounding. Some places in the reformatory are still in movie production condition after Shawshank Redemption was filmed the over 30 years ago. Other areas of OSR are still being restored. And still other areas feel like inmates could be returning any minute. I didn't feel any paranormal activity while there but did encounter moments where I did feel a heavy sense of pain, panic, anxiety, fear, sadness, and loneliness. The staff were incredible and they were very knowledgeable about the history of OSR. I took the time Beyond the Bars tour that took us through most every area of the place and that was amazing. One recommendation. Please watch Shawshank Redemption before going. It will make the experience even more interesting. read more

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What a place. We highly recommend checking this place out. Take a self guided tour or a private tour. The choice is yours. We chose the self guided & spent about 2.5 hours & still felt like we could have taken longer. Wether you're there for the movie facts from Shawshank, the paranormal or simply for the architecture alone.. You should go :) read more

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Went here yesterday and loved it. Experienced a few different paranormal activities. Definitely worth the drive and the money to go and check this out. read more

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WOW. Kinda creepy. We paid the extra $5 per person to participate in a guided tour. Well worth the expenditure. You were taken to areas where the self guided tours didn't go!! I sure hope they gain enough funds to preserve this facility. If the walls could only talk. It eventually became a maximum security facility. During its early reformatory days each inmate was required to learn a trade and to support his faith while incarcerated. The Chapel I'm confident was beautiful in it's day. Three inmates were allowed to assist the priest during service. As he got more comfortable with the three he would leave them alone at times until it was found that they were trying to dig a hole in the wall and escape. See my pics. I am looking forward to coming back to do a tour with a prior inmate as the guide!! read more

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Just go. The only other jail I have toured before was Alcatraz. I'm a big fan of the Shawshank Redemption which was the main reason for my visit. The Ohio State Reformatory is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes from my house. Thankfully the guided tours have recently resumed. My family visited on a Sunday. Our tour was scheduled for noon. We arrived around 11:15 and were able to walk on our own. We did that and then joined our scheduled Hollywood tour at noon. Tour lasted for approximately 90 minutes which was highly informative. I would certainly recommend the guided tour. We easily spent 2.5 hours and could have spent an additional hour or so there. Whether or not you are a Shawshank fan, there is plenty to see and appreciate. If you are a fan of the movie, architecture of that time period, or prisons, you need to visit. It is definitely worthwhile! read more

This is such an interesting place. The outside looks like a castle and the inside is obviously a prison but some parts have a lot of historical items and feel. I've done a self guided tour, blood prison twice (during covid it wasn't as fun bit they had very little prep time), and their murder mystery dinner. Might do Inkcarceration rock concert too. The place feels fine no matter the weather. It's a part of history. (Warning: lead paint in cells so might want to avoid that portion if preg or have a breathing issue.) read more

The Ohio State Reformatory - Blood prison - Museums Near Me - Mansfield, Ohio

Very informative, interesting. A must see while in Mansfield! There are 4 types of tours one behind the Hollywood scene, to the inmate perspective and 3 behind the bars. My sister in law and I chose the inmates perspective. Gives you the day to day life of an inmate back then. Their story telling ability really does take you back behind the bars. I highly reco.mend this tour. You can also do a self guided tour on tour own. Lots of walking and stair climbing, but so worth it. We spent almost 4hrs and we could've stayed longer if given the choice to roam. read more

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Such an impressive building full of history to be explored. I took the self guided tour on a Friday. It was busy but no packed. Masks were required! You have the option of buying the wand to walk around with that gives information for parts of the building. There are rooms with artifacts and then mostly empty rooms. I would say my favorite part was walking around the cell blocks. It gives you an erie feeling knowing all the cells held inmates and there are so many cells. Throughout there are also movie props from Shawshank Redemption which was filmed there. Neat place to visit. I reccomend visiting at least once. read more

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Loved this experience. Please, please please come hydrated and ready to walk and climb stairs in extreme heat. Bring a personal fan and bottle of water. This is completely worth the price of tickets. Take all the guided tours if you can. Interesting and eye opening. read more

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Wow! What a fascinating place to visit. If you like history or movies or the supernatural then you need to go to the OSR! The history of this place is amazing and seeing it in person on how these inmates lived is a sight to see. Or if you are a fan of the Shawshank Redemption or Air Force One then this place is also for you. Lil Wayne and Godsmack also filmed music videos here and the staff will point these out along the tour. Lastly, the OSR is a hot spot for paranormal activity, so get your ghost investigation gear ready! I found myself at the OSR via Oakland University via Alumni Office coordinating alumni to have a night of ghost hunting. The price per person was $75.00 which included a tour from 7p-9p, pizza/pop, and then 10p-3a of having the place to yourself to connect with the supernatural. We had an amazing tour guide and fellow alumnus, Lon show us around and connected with the spirits at the reformatory. All the staff were amazing and you can tell they love to volunteer at the OSR. The tour from 7p-9p is not the same tour as the one during the day. I wish we had more time to take a day tour because you get to see the reformatory in a different light and go into different rooms full of history. However, the tour we went on were the hotspots within the place and stories of haunting/frequent spirits. Make sure you wear your walking shoes - no matter the tour you go on because this place is huge! I easily walked almost 7,000 steps within 8 hours. I also recommend to wear layers. It can easily be very hot or you may encounter cold spots where a light jacket is needed. The building is gorgeous but in desperate need of repair (which OSR is slowly doing). Lots of lead based paint chips falling from the walls along with dust and other crumbling areas. Along our tour we also were shown where the scenes within Shawshank Redemption were filmed and this is very cool. Highly recommend re-watching or watching if you have not seen it before coming to the OSR so you can really connect the scenes to the actual building. The OSR rents/buys out equipment you can use for your ghost hunt. During our stay the most successful equipment were the dowsing rods (I do not think these were very expensive to rent or buy). The spirits communicated quite a bit via the rods. However, using your cell phone for both taking pictures and recordings are a great way to try to communicate with the spirits. The spirits who roam the OSR are all human and none appear to be evil/demonic. But on the way out the OSR recommended to tell the spirits to stay at the OSR and they are not welcomed to follow you home. Many members of our group included myself experienced something during our ghost hunt. With a building that huge and with so much history you more than likely will run into someone or something. The only downside is when you start your ghost hunt there are so many people walking around that it is distracting. If you can stay up late then I recommend drinking coffee and staying as late as you can. The reason for this is most of the people started leaving around midnight/1am which helped cut down on the distractions of others. At one point there were four of us in the attic and it was about 2a and not a human soul in sight. You were able to take in the whole room and not mistake a fellow ghost hunter for a ghost. We had a great experience and would highly recommend you check this wonderful place out! It is in the middle of nowhere within the bible belt but hotels are decently adequate in the area and worth going! read more

Not as great as some other places I've been to, but still really fun. Definitely worth stopping by if you're in the area. read more

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