Ohio State Reformatory Prison Is A Filming Location From The Shawshank Redemption Movie

The Historic Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio is a movie set filming location and tourist attraction approximately 75 minutes north of Columbus on I-71. It was the prison featured prominently in The Shawshank Redemption starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman in 1994. If you are into urban exploration, movie locations (filming locations), or Ohio history, the former penitentiary is an amazing location to visit.

This is one of Ohio’s most amazing movie locations from a highly successful major motion picture. The architecture and history of this abandoned and historic prison are interesting, creepy, and downright sad. Plan to spend 2-3 hours visiting and photographing this must-do movie attraction. Can you visit the Shawshank Redemption prison? Yes! Check out their website for more information on tours.

Visiting The Ohio State Reformatory

This haunted prison (allegedly) is fairly open in most spots. You can spend as much time as you’d like. No one will rush you. The prison is cold in the winter, so make sure to dress warmly. There is a lot of decay happening, but an incredible amount of this place is intact. You’ll have a fantastic time photographing and visiting. Make sure to donate to the preservation fund to help preserve this for future generations.

I love the architectural styles of historic buildings like this. The beauty is in stark contrast to parts of the prison such as solitary confinement.

Some people refer to this amazing location as the Ohio State Prison or Mansfield Reformatory. The Shawshank Redemption made this prison famous. The preservation society has done a great job preserving certain cell blocks and history. I believe they offer guided tours as well as haunted tours at certain times. In my opinion, every tour and visit is haunted! Check out my other Dayton commercial photography.

The Ohio State Reformatory, located in Mansfield, is a captivating historical site that holds great significance in Ohio’s past. Built in the late 19th century, this remarkable structure served as a functional prison until its closure in 1990. Today, it stands as a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its imposing Gothic architecture and eerie ambiance. Exploring the vast halls and cell blocks of the reformatory offers a glimpse into the harsh realities of prison life from decades past. From its notable appearances in movies such as “The Shawshank Redemption,” to its ghostly reputation, the Ohio State Reformatory is a captivating destination that seamlessly blends history and intrigue.