About the Reformatory
Built in 1886, Ohio State Reformatory served for 94 years as a working prison, housing more than 154,000 prisoners. Ohio State Reformatory has been the setting for major motion pictures, including The Shawshank Redemption, Air Force One and Tango and Cash. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the prison boasts the world’s largest free-standing steel cellblock. Some say former inmates still walk the halls of the Ohio State Reformatory.

2010 ghost hunt

The infamous Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, operated by the Mansfield Reformatory Preservation Society, announced the 2010 dates for its wildly popular overnight Ghost Hunts. Named one of the Travel Channel's "101 Things to do before you Die," these unusual overnight experiences are a hit with anyone interested in paranormal activity or just seeking a truly unusual travel getaway. The Hunts begin March 13 and are offered at least twice monthly through Dec. 11, 2010

The Ghost Hunts have grown dramatically in popularity, with all of the proceeds going directly into restoring the incredible architecture of the Reformatory. Each Hunt is limited to 100 participants. 2010 Ghost Hunt dates:

Saturday, March 13
Saturday, March 27
Saturday, April 10
Saturday, April 24
Friday, May 7
Saturday, May 22 –sold out
Friday, June 4
Saturday, June 12
Friday, June 25
Saturday, July 31
Saturday, Aug. 14
Saturday, Aug. 28
Friday, Sept.r 3
Friday, Nov. 12
Saturday, Nov. 20
Saturday, Dec. 11

In addition to the Ghost Hunts, eight Ghost Walks have been added to the 2010 calendar.  During the Ghost Walks, tour guides will lead guests through the dark halls and corridors of the Reformatory to spots where paranormal activity has been reported. Stories of eerie experiences, murder and death will make this a hauntingly fun event for all.  2010 Ghost Walks will be held on the following dates:

Friday, May 23
Sunday, June 6
Friday, June 18
Friday, July 9
Sunday, July 25
Friday, Aug. 20
Sunday, Aug.29
Sunday, Sept. 5

During the Ghost Hunts, volunteer tour guides circulate through the prison to answer questions and outline its history.  Participants are also free to explore the prison on their own.  However, the prison is not lighted and participants are encouraged to bring flashlights.

The cost of the Ghost Hunts is $65/person and includes access to the building from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., as well as late-night pizza and soft drinks.  All participants must be 21 years of age or older.  The Ghost Walks cost $15 for adults and $8 for children, ages 12-17. Tours run from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. and reservations are required. In addition, public tours of the Reformatory are offered each Sunday, May through early September.  More information, including a journal from past Ghost Hunts, is available at www.mansfieldtourism.com or www.mrps.org, or by calling toll-free, 800-642-8282.

About the reformatory
Built in 1886, Ohio State Reformatory (OSR) served for 94 years as a working prison, housing more than 154,000 prisoners.  OSR has been the setting for major motion pictures, including The Shawshank Redemption, Air Force One and others.  Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the prison boasts the world’s largest free-standing steel cellblock.  

Accommodations
Ghost Hunt Recovery packages are offered by area hotels as the perfect remedy after a night of spirit chasing, with some packages including a Jacuzzi tub, indoor pools, late check out and breakfast. The Shawshank Trail is just one of a long list of truly one-of-a-kind experiences travelers find when visiting in Mansfield, Ohio.  Breathtaking scenery and rural and hometown experiences, as well as hiking, biking, golf, cross-country and downhill skiing, bird watching and other outdoor adventures are among the many attractions.  Getaway package details, a free visitors guide and complete information on Mansfield’s many unforgettable visitor experiences are available at mansfieldtourism.com or 800- 642-8282.