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Mansfield, Ohio: Mansfield Reformatory: Shawshank Redemption Prison

Opened in 1896, closed as a prison in 1990. Mansfield Reformatory was the filming location for the 1994 movie "The Shawshank Redemption." Definitely looks like a movie prison from the outside.

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Reformatory.

Ohio State Reformatory

The Ohio State Reformatory was well worth the detour, but be prepared for long lines for Sunday tours. Get there early if possible. We arrived at 12:45 and didn't get to the ticket booth until 1:40 pm. The tour guides are very friendly and will answer any question you have.

[Sara Howe, 08/08/2011]
Ohio State Reformatory Tours

The Mansfield Reformatory, prime choice for movie prison location shooting, offers three exciting tours:

  • Tower Tour - Explore the East Cell Block, then wind your way to the top of a guard tower. Visit the Catholic Chapel high up in the Central Block.
  • Dungeon Tour - Venture into the dark and dingy "Hole" in the detention wing. Wander through strange and narrow basement corridors. Check out the mysterious "Hot Box." Hear the story of the seven-foot Jesus.
  • Hollywood Tour - See the Shawshank Warden's Office and Andy Dufresne's escape tunnels. Hazard a trip into the sinister "Hole". View the 1886 West Cell Block used as a Russian prison in Air Force One.

All tours get to view the replica Electric Chair and visit the museum and gift shop. More info at: www.mrps.org

[Roadsideamerica.com Team, 04/04/2004]
Prisons Just Keep On Giving To America's Towns

Mansfield, OH, has launched a $1.5 million community fund-raising drive to turn its prison into a tourist attraction. The 100-year-old Mansfield Reformatory was closed in 1990 and houses the world's largest free-standing steel cellblock....

[07/07/2001] Complete News Story

Ohio State Reformatory - more info

The 1976 movie "Harry & Walter go to New York", starring James Caan, was the first movie filmed at the reformatory. Last year, the band Godsmack filmed a music video for the song "Awake" at the reformatory.

[Brett Barnett, 01/07/2001]

Entrance to Reformatory.

Ohio State Reformatory Tours

Closed by the state in 1990, it was slated to be torn down. A group of concerned, history-minded citizens took it upon themselves to save the gothic castle-like building. Movies like Shawshank Redemption, Tango and Cash, Air Force One, have been filmed there. There are a few Hollywood props still on the grounds. Guided tours run from May to October, Sundays from 1pm til 4pm. All proceeds from admission price go directly to the restoration of the building...

[Ken, 09/20/2000]

It's only a few blocks from the fabulous Living Bible Museum.

Mansfield Reformatory: Shawshank Redemption Prison

Historic Ohio State Reformatory

Address:
100 Reformatory Rd, Mansfield, OH
Directions:
Historic Ohio State Reformatory. North of town. I-71 exit 176 onto US 30 west. After about three miles, exit north onto Hwy 545/Olivesburg Rd. The Reformatory is just over the hill on the left hand side, on a side street named Reformatory Rd.
Hours:
Gates open April-Sep. Th-Su 11-4 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
419-522-2644
Admission:
Adults $15.
RA Rates:
Major Fun
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

BibleWalk and Living Bible MuseumBibleWalk and Living Bible Museum, Mansfield, OH - < 1 mi.
Elektro, Robot of MansfieldElektro, Robot of Mansfield, Mansfield, OH - 2 mi.
Roman EquestrianRoman Equestrian, Mansfield, OH - 5 mi.
In the region:
Flint Quarry, Hopewell, OH - 56 mi.

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