Ohio State Reformatory Reviews

Toured the jailhouse for the first time today. Did enjoy the gothic style building architecture. The cost to get is for an adult I felt was a little high. The self guided tour is very real and interesting. While walking around, you have to imagine what stories would be told if the jail cells could talk.

There are several props from the Shawshank Redemption movie. Very cool to check those out. I was disappointed that the jail cells from the movie are actual jail cells at the Reformatory. I was looking forward to seeing the jail cells used by characters portrayed by Tim Robbins & Morgan Freeman. Also disappointed that you are unable to walk around the yard also showcased in the movie. However, being able to visit the view several other locations where the movie was filmed kind of made up for it!!!

Such an awesome experience! Reason for three stars is because they ran out of listening devices for the self guided tours. Was told to download the virtual tour for $5, however, that was of no help at all. Waist of $5. The group walked around missing a lot of important information.

Had an amazing time, walk through this beautiful reformatory! Lots of movie props and memorabilia throughout the premises. It was great to go after watching Shawshank Redemption ur was surprised to learn that a few other movies have been filmed here.

My family went at around noon on a Friday and spent around 2 hours here. I highly recommend the guide sticks that they have because they provide really interesting information! They require you to wear a mask but other than that you are free to roam around as you please! My family had an excellent time here and will definitely recommend to others!

Great historic site! Amazing to see where Shawshank Redemption was filmed

Awesome experience! Lot of history to learn in there. Staff was amazing and very helpful. If you go in the winter, wear your coat! It's freezing in there!

First time going to The Ohio State Reformatory. I would recommend it to anyone who likes history and of course Shawshank Redemption.
The building has a very ominous feeling to it. Its definitely a spooky walkthrough especially near Halloween!

In 1967 I lived in Mansfield and my Dad used to take us to the Reformatory and drive by. I remember seeing the guards , barb wire and prisoners walking around in the yard. I also remember my mother who was a nurse at Mansfield General Hospital at the time getting on a bus with the other nurses every Christmas with gift baskets of Fanny Farmer chocolates, fruits and books for them. My dad use to follow the bus to and from the prison because he didn't want anything to happen to her or her friends. That's some is real history folks , not that spooks or ghosts are there or a movie was filmed there. Anyway , just wanted to share !

Such a cool place to visit. Love the history and the creepiness of the building in its dilapidated state. Unfortunately, no guided tours were offered due to COVID, but buying the $5 audio wand that provides facts along the way was worth it. They let you explore on your own at your own pace. Good mix of actual information on the prison and also the movies that were filmed there..primarily Shawshank. I did think the $25 entrance price was a little high considering you get no tour. I would go back if they offer guided tours again.