Raise your hand if you are a Stephen King fan! I’ve read every book, including, in 1982, Different Seasons, the short story compilation that included Rita Heyworth and The Shawshank Redemption. The movie made from that short story is, in my opinion, one of the few adaptations that does his storytelling justice.
I’ve lived in Ohio for more than 30 years, and I can’t believe I waited so long to visit this landmark just a short 2 hours up the highway! What is it and should you visit? Read on to find out.
What is the Ohio State Reformatory?
Nestled in the quiet town of Mansfield, Ohio, the Ohio State Reformatory stands as a magnificent piece of history and a pilgrimage site for cinephiles, especially fans, like me, of Stephen King’s The Shawshank Redemption. This iconic location, with its towering Gothic Revival architecture and hauntingly beautiful interiors, served as the fictional Shawshank State Penitentiary in the 1994 classic. For those moved by Andy Dufresne’s tale of hope and perseverance, walking these halls is like stepping into the film itself.
Arriving at the reformatory, the imposing façade immediately evokes awe and intrigue. Built in 1886, the building’s ornate details contrast sharply with its grim purpose, setting the perfect tone for a prison drama. Once inside, it’s easy to see why director Frank Darabont chose this site to bring King’s novella to life. The peeling paint, iron bars, and echoing hallways create an atmosphere steeped in history and storytelling. Despite being a prison, the building is spectacularly beautiful, and I’m thankful for the volunteers and community members that stepped up to preserve it.
Touring the Ohio State Reformatory
Visitors can take a self-guided or guided tour, both of which cater to Shawshank enthusiasts. We opted for the guided tour and it did not disappoint. The tour guides are knowledgeable and animated, and shared details we never would have noticed on our own, such as writing on the attic walls left by inmates when housed there due to overcrowding. We did take some time to walk around before the tour, which allowed time for photos and exploring.
The highlights of the tour include the Warden’s Office and living quarters, and Andy’s solitary confinement cell, where some of the film’s most poignant moments unfolded. Don’t miss the East Cell Block, the world’s largest free-standing steel cell block, an architectural marvel that looms over with eerie grandeur. The height is dizzying and the cells are dark, cold and everything you would expect from a horror movie, only they are real.
If you visit during the fall or winter dress warmly as the cell blocks are cold, just as you knew they would be!
Beyond the film, the reformatory has its own compelling stories. It operated as a true reformatory and then prison from 1896 to 1990 and housed countless inmates, many of whom left their mark—literally. Like I mentioned, keep an eye out for inmate carvings on the walls in the attic and other relics that hint at its turbulent past.
For the ultimate fan experience, plan your visit during the Shawshank Hustle, an annual 7K race that takes runners through filming locations, or during Halloween, when the reformatory transforms into one of the scariest haunted houses in the country. They also offer Shawshank themed escape rooms, a Blood Prison exhibit during October and November, and additional themed tours throughout the year. The gift shop is also worth a stop for unique memorabilia, including Shawshank-themed items. I purchased my typical Christmas ornament for my travel collection.
Where We Stayed in Mansfield, Ohio
During its life as a prison, the famous building also served as home for many employees, including the warden and his family, guards, maintenance staff, and more. Nearby, several brick homes that once served as housing for guards have been converted to accommodations for visitors. Because of their relationship to the Reformatory, these homes are set up in Shawshank Redemption fashion, with bedrooms decorated like the warden’s office and even Andy’s cell! We opted for this Shawshank themed AirBnb! I geeked out over this pillow on the sofa.
The Ohio State Reformatory: Go or No?
GO! Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the movie, a Stephen King aficionado, or a history buff, the Ohio State Reformatory offers an unforgettable journey into the world of The Shawshank Redemption and beyond. Just be sure to bring your camera—you’ll want to capture every moment of this cinematic treasure. I made my own video here!
Off Duty Traveler 