Discover the Dark Secrets and Paranormal Activity that Await at the Mansfield Reformatory
If you’re looking for a spine-tingling or historical adventure, then the Mansfield Reformatory is the perfect destination for you. With a history filled with dark tales, this massive structure is sure to send shivers down your spine.
It’s no surprise, the stunning architecture and historical significance has attracted the likes of Hollywood. The Reformatory was the backdrop for some major film productions like the Shawshank Redemption and Air Force One. Even Lil Wayne couldn’t resist its haunting charm, using it as the location for his music video “Go DJ”.
These walls not only hold secrets of past inmates and paranormal activity, but they also fuel that sense of adventure that we often lose sight of.
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The Mansfield Reformatory, also known as the Ohio State Reformatory, has a rich and intriguing history dating back to 1886. It was originally intended as a halfway point for young first-time offenders between the Boys Industrial School in Lancaster and the State Penitentiary in Columbus. The architect, Levi T. Scofield, designed the building with three unique architectural styles – Victorian Gothic, Richardsonian Romanesque, and Queen Anne – to inspire spiritual renewal in the inmates.
In 1896, the reformatory welcomed its first 150 offenders. The exterior of the building, which is built from brick and concrete, has a castle-like appearance thanks to its Romanesque style
It is estimated that 154,000 inmates have been incarcerated here over the years. Sadly, during its time in operation, nearly 500 fatalities were recorded. The majority of these deaths were inmates who lost their lives in a horrific fire, a tragedy that undoubtedly left a deep scar on the facility’s history.
However, two guards were killed during escape attempts, underscoring the perils inherent in managing a prison. In a tragic turn of events, the Warden’s wife, Helen, was accidentally shot when she reached for a jewelry box in her closet, and a gun fell from a shelf in their home. Given the sheer number of inmates who have been incarcerated over the years, it is not surprising that there would still be a significant amount of energy left behind.
The prison remained in operation until finally closing in 1990 due to overcrowding and inhumane conditions.
What Type of Inmates Were Here
At its inception, this prison stood out from the norm. Unlike other correctional facilities of its time, it was specifically designed to cater to first-time offenders who needed a chance at rehabilitation and education. The goal was to provide a structured and controlled environment that would enable these individuals to reform and reintegrate into society.
The majority of inmates who found themselves at this facility were serving sentences for non-violent offenses such as burglary, larceny, and forgery. However, as the years went by, the population began to shift. The reformatory started to house offenders who had committed more serious crimes such as assault, robbery, and even murder. The shift was a notable departure from the facility’s initial aim.
There were a small number of women who were also incarcerated there, usually for drug-related offenses or theft. These women were housed in a separate section of the facility and received a different treatment regimen. Overall, the reformatory’s early ideals of reform and education for first-time offenders gave way to a more diverse and complicated overpopulation of inmates over time.
Experience the Paranormal
The Mansfield Reformatory holds a special place in my heart as it was the first location I ever investigated for paranormal activity. Being someone who has had personal experiences with the paranormal throughout my life, I was fascinated to learn about the possibility of investigating such places about 20 years ago.
Experiences at the reformatory vary widely. Accounts of audible voices, guests being touched, and even sightings of full-bodied apparitions are not uncommon.
Personally, I recall an encounter in which I detected the distinct aroma of bacon and eggs while exploring one of the cell blocks. Additionally, an inmate seemed to run his fingers through my hair, and an eerie darkness enveloped me while I was up in the TB room of the library.
It’s clear that the Mansfield Reformatory has a rich history and many stories to tell.
Plan Your Visit
When you visit a historical site such as the Mansfield Reformatory, it’s an incredibly impactful way to connect with and learn from the past. By exploring the facility, you’re able to truly immerse yourself in the history and gain a deeper understanding of what life was like for both the inmates and guards.
The stunning architecture and peaceful surroundings of the grounds add to the overall experience, making it a truly unique opportunity. You’ll find plenty of opportunities for unique photo ops both inside and outside of the prison, and there are multiple tours to choose from, both self-guided and those led by a knowledgeable guide.
Whether you’re interested in learning about the history of the facility, exploring its Hollywood connections, or experiencing the paranormal, there’s a tour that will suit your interests. You can even take part in a public or private paranormal investigation or visit the haunted house during the Halloween season.
If you opt to do the self-guided tour you can go with or without an audio wand, at your leisure. If you prefer a tour led by a guide, check out their schedule for available dates and times.
Tickets & Admission Prices
| TICKETS | SELF-GUIDED | GUIDED |
| Adult (18 & up) | $25 | $35 |
| Students (ages 7-17) | $23 | $33 |
| Seniors (ages 55+) | $23 | $33 |
| College ID/Military | $23 | $33 |
| Youth (6 and under) | Free | N/A |
| Audio | $5 | N/A |
Guided Tours Available:
– Hollywood Meets History Tour
– Behind the Bars Tours
– Old Sparky: Electric Chair History & Ohio Executions
– Shawshank Bus Tour – Locations from the Movie
Tour Season:
Spring, Summer, Fall*, Winter
April 1st – September 30th
11am – 4pm
Open 7 days a week
October 1st – March 31st
11am – 4pm
Open Thursday – Sunday
Now, if you’re more interested in the paranormal, they have 3 options to suit your spooky needs:
– Ghost Walks: For ages 13+
Available select Friday nights from March – August & in late Nov/Early Dec
Evening Schedule:
- Arrive between 7 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. to complete registration. The Museum store will only be open during this time.
- 2-hour lights off tour will begin at 8 p.m.
- Tickets are $45
Public paranormal investigations of OSR on select Saturday nights March -August and in late November/early December.
Evening Schedule:
- Arrive between 6 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. to complete registration. The Museum Store will only be open during that time.
- Tours depart at 7:10 p.m.
- Water, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate will be available throughout the evening.
- Independent investigating will run until 3 a.m.
- OSR staff and volunteers will be available all evening for assistance.
Facility Highlights:
- 250,000 square feet of facility to investigate.
- Walk the range on the sixth tier of the world’s largest free-standing cell block.
- East and West Cell Block, Solitary Confinement, Chapel, Attic, and Administration
- Tickets are $99
Evening Schedule:
- Check-in is at 6 p.m.
- OSR staff will review the rules and regulations for the hunt.
- Following introduction, staff will lead you on a 1-hour guided tour.
- After the tour, the lights will be turned off.
- Independent investigation runs until 3 a.m.
- Water, coffee, tea, and hot cocoa will be served throughout the night.
- The Museum Store will be open only by request.
Cost and Payment Details
- Friday and Saturday: $3,000 for 30 people or less. Cost is $100/person for more than 30 people. Maximum of 100 guests.
- Sunday through Thursday: $1,500 for 15 people or less. Cost is $100/person for more than 15 people. Maximum of 100 guests.
- A non-refundable deposit of $500 must be made 2 weeks after placing your hunt on the calendar. The balance due must be received at least 2 weeks prior to your hunt, along with all license agreements/waivers.
- Payments are to be submitted by the ORGANIZER ONLY, in (1) one complete payment. Multiple forms of payment will not be accepted. We currently accept company check, money order, or credit card payments. DO NOT SEND CASH. The ORGANIZER must also collect and submit ALL license agreements as one completely package. Individually submitted agreements will not be accepted.
Rules and regulations for public hunts apply to private hunts. No private paranormal investigations will be scheduled September – Mid-November. Further questions and inquiries can be addressed to Kathy Feketik via email (kathy@mrps.org)
Other Notable Spots
Mansfield is FULL of fun things to check out. If it’s at all possible, I’d highly recommend staying for a weekend so you can fit everything in!
Food:
If you love whimsical places and you feel that the restaurant should add to your adventure, check out The Buckeye Express Diner! You’ll get to eat on a train car AND visit Jacque, the World’s Largest Bobblehead!
If you like visiting the local joints known for delicious burgers, you should check out Uncle John’s! Grandpa’s Cheese Barn is outside of Mansfield, but it’s a cheese lover’s paradise.
Interesting Places:
Mansfield Fire Museum – Free Paranormal Investigations! Call for details and to book. Here are a few other haunted locations!
If you have time to spare, here are several more things you’ll want to check out.
Where to Stay:
There are a few hotels pretty close by if you’re going to stay overnight, but for a unique experience, look up the Bissman Family Carriage House on Airbnb!
