WANT TO GO?
What: Paranormal Penitentiary at The Ohio State Reformatory
When: Gates Open at 6 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays through Oct. 30
Where: 100 Reformatory Road, Mansfield
Cost: $20-45 per person
More information: 419-522-2644, ext. 100 or www.paranormalpenitentiary.com
DATE YOUR STATE
There’s no time like today to get to know Ohio better. This is an occasional feature exploring interesting things to do and cool places to visit in the heart of the midwest that are off the beaten path. O-H … I-O!
MANSFIELD — What happens when a haunted house goes Hollywood?
If you have ever wanted to be in the middle of a horror movie set, you now have your chance.
This year The Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield decided to take its Halloween scares to the next level, bringing in Robert Kurtzman’s Creature Corps to dream up and execute Halloween frights like guests have never seen. Paranormal Penitentiary: Monster Lockdown dares you to enter and navigate the dark corridors filled with flesh eating creatures and beasts.
“You’ve got to escape before the monsters get you — this is going to be movie quality stuff,” said Vic Amesquita Events and Marketing Manager for Creature Corps.
The gothic prison, built in 1886, has served as a film site for several films including Air Force One, Tango & Cash and, of course, The Shawshank Redemption, and is the perfect backdrop to get seriously spooked.
“They’ve got serious game, serious connections. They don’t play, They’re ready to scare the bejesus out of people,” said Paul Smith, executive director of The Ohio State Reformatory.
They are expecting at least 35,000 brave guests to go though this year. A general admission ticket is $20, a speed pass that cuts the wait time in half is $30 and a touch pass, which will get you right in and physically touched by monsters for $45 — clearly a ticket for someone who has no problem facing their fears.
The concept is actor driven with puppet controls, animatronics, intricate makeup and interactive storylines in abandoned prison cells coming to life.
If being terrified isn't your thing, there are other events at the reformatory throughout the year including mystery dinners, ghost hunts and guided tours and self-guided tours, including a history meets Hollywood tour, an East cell block tour and a behind the scenes tour. Visit www.mrps.org to explore all of the various options for an Ohio State Reformatory visit.
Regardless of the reason for your visit you are sure to feel the history and soak up the stories in this impressive building that has been home to many over the years.
While you’re there in the Mansfield area there are plenty of wonderful places to explore.
THE MANSFIELD MEMORIAL MUSEUM
34 Park Ave. W, Mansfield, OH 44902
(419) 525-2491
Everywhere you turn there is something to see in this eclectic museum. The star of the show is Elektro, the “Moto-Man,” who took captivated hearts and minds at the 1939 New York World’s Fair and is the oldest surviving electrical robot in the world. From memorabilia to crazy taxidermy to pioneer photography to more than 600 model planes in chronological order from the Wright Brothers through Dessert Storm, this museum has a little something for everyone. Be sure to Talk to curator Scott Schaut, who can give you the full story on all of the pieces in the collection.
RICHLAND CARROUSEL PARK
75 N. Main St., Mansfield
(419) 522-4223
Located in the heart of downtown Mansfield is the Richland Carrousel — the first new, hand-carved carousel to be built and operated in the United States since the 1930’s. Over four million rides have been given since the summer of 1991. It’s a special throwback and surprise and a wonderful scenic setting. It will run backward for Halloween and from mid-November on Santa Claus will be there to greet kids. Look for the peg leg pirate cat hidden among more than 50 other animals. You can’t beat the price — two rides for a dollar.
THE BLUEBERRY PATCH
1285 Hanley Road W, Mansfield
(419) 884-1797
If you’re looking for a great place to refresh yourself, this is the spot. The Blueberry Patch boasts more than 10,000 square-feet of shopping, a winery, coffee shop, cafe all on a working blueberry farm — Ohio’s largest — that sells 175,000 blueberry plans each year in July and August. This is the spot for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. There are plenty of blueberry dishes on the menu, but there’s lots of others as well.
MALABAR FARM STATE PARK
4050 Bromfield Road, Lucas
(419) 892-2784
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Louis Bromfield built Malabar Farm in 1939. It is most famous for being the location of the wedding and honeymoon for Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall on May 21, 1945. It’s a beautiful, picturesque setting and a fun one to tour around with a guide. After your tour head to nearby Mount Jeez Overlook for views of Ashland, Knox and Richland counties and take in breathtaking views of the landscape that stretches forward in front of your eyes. Malabar Farm Restaurant — www.malabarfarmrestaurant.com — is also close by and a great place to grab dinner and watch the sun set.
THE SHAWSHANK TRAIL DRIVING TOUR
Head to the spots where Red, Andy, Brooks and Heywood once stood in scenes from one of the best film's out there. Most of the Shawshank Redemption was filmed on locations in Mansfield, Ashland and Upper Sandusky. Visit ShawshankTrail.com to figure out the route you want to take to see the 14 filming sites including Malabar Farm and The Ohio State Reformatory and hit the road.
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