I am wondering if anyone has been on a tour at the now-closed Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield? We are fans of Shawshenk Redemption (who isn't) and it was filmed there. Apparently there is a Shawshenk Trail you can follow where they filmed (http://www.mansfieldtourism.com/shawshank/home-4). I have a few specific questions.
1. Is it worth the drive from Cleveland (103 miles from my house)?
2. Is there anything else to do in the area or on the way back to Cleveland to make it worth the gas price?
3. Do I need to be concerned about the lead in the paint? It advises children under 7 and those pregnant not to go in, and everyone else to wash their hands after exiting the prison. This kind of freaks me out. Am I being paranoid or ridiculous? I'm sure I'm being ridiculous since some people stay their all night on the ghost hunts.
4. Where should we eat?
Thinking about taking my in-laws from Scotland here when they are visiting this summer. My father-in-law is an ex-prison guard and would probably enjoy this, and we could watch the movie the night before to make it an event. Just not sure if it's worth the 2 hour drive?
Ohio State Reformatory / Mansfield Area
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Looking closer at the map definitely a stop at Grandpa's Cheesebarn (I love this place), and then possibly Lodi Outlets on the way back, or even Cuy. Valley National Park (Boston/Peninsula Area) but we may go to CVNP another day (that is on the list for sure). Still would like to know more about the general Mansfield area though.
Thanks!
No one has been here before? Guess I will have to report back on it then huh? Probably going sometime the first week of July.
Well we went and I highly recommend it! It was very interesting and also very creepy. The led thing wasn't an issue, I just didn't touch any railings. Washed hands after as instructed. Took about two hours to go through on the self-guided tour (tours on Sundays). Ate lunch at a diner in the town, and visited Grandpa's Cheese Barn on the way home off 71.
We took this tour last year and also would recommend it.
If you enjoy biking you can rent bikes in CVNP in Peninsula, right beside the Winking Lizard, and bike some of the trails. We have our own bikes and do this often.