NORTHEAST OHIO
Mansfield Ohio
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
1. Ohio State Reformatory
HISTORIC PRISON & FILM SITE | MANSFIELD OH
Ohio State Reformatory offers immersive tours through its Gothic-style prison that operated from 1896-1990. Famous as Shawshank Redemption's filming location, visitors explore preserved cell blocks, the warden's office, and an on-site museum. The massive East Cell Block remains the world's largest free-standing steel cell structure at six tiers high.
2. Kingwood Center Gardens
BOTANICAL GARDENS & ESTATE | MANSFIELD OH
Kingwood Center Gardens features 47 acres of themed floral displays and French Provincial architecture. This former estate showcases seasonal exhibits, peacock inhabitants, and educational programs. Visitors enjoy woodland trails, a greenhouse complex, and special events like holiday light displays. The mansion hosts guided tours with original 1950s furnishings.
3. Shawshank Trail
MOVIE LOCATION TOUR | RICHLAND COUNTY OH
The Shawshank Trail connects 15 filming locations from the iconic movie across Mansfield and Richland County. Key stops include the Bissman Building (film's brewery) and Malabar Farm's Pugh Cabin. Self-guided tour maps feature behind-the-scenes stories. Special events include anniversary celebrations with cast members and guided bus tours.
4. Richland Carrousel Park
HAND-CARVED MERRY-GO-ROUND | MANSFIELD OH
Richland Carrousel Park features America's first new hand-carved carousel since the 1930s. Its 52 wooden figures include racing horses and zoo animals. The indoor facility hosts birthday parties and community events. Adjacent shops and cafes in the Carousel District make it a family-friendly downtown destination year-round.
5. Malabar Farm State Park
HISTORIC FARM & NATURE PRESERVE | LUCAS OH
Malabar Farm preserves Pulitzer winner Louis Bromfield's sustainable farming legacy. Visitors tour the Big House where Bogart married Bacall, hike 12+ miles of trails, and see working farm operations. Seasonal activities include maple syrup festivals and wagon rides. The park's dairy produces cheese from heritage-breed cows.
6. Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
MOTORSPORTS COMPLEX | LEXINGTON OH
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course hosts major racing events including IndyCar and NASCAR. The 2.4-mile track offers driving experiences and karting. Visitors camp trackside and enjoy paddock access. The facility's 380 acres include hiking trails and a vintage motorcycle museum during non-race weekends.
7. Mansfield Art Center
EXHIBITIONS & CLASSES | MANSFIELD OH
Mansfield Art Center showcases regional artists in a striking 1970s architectural space. The facility offers glassblowing workshops, pottery classes, and rotating exhibitions. Its permanent collection includes Ohio ceramics and contemporary works. The annual May Show highlights emerging Midwestern talent.
8. Snow Trails
WINTER SPORTS RESORT | BUTLER OH
Snow Trails offers 19 ski runs and three terrain parks across 55 acres. Features include night skiing, tubing lanes, and a lodge with fireplace. The resort uses advanced snowmaking technology for early-season openings. Summer activities include scenic chairlift rides and mountain bike trails.
9. Buckeye Imagination Museum
HANDS-ON CHILDREN'S MUSEUM | MANSFIELD OH
Buckeye Imagination Museum features interactive exhibits including a pretend grocery store and construction zone. The second floor offers STEM challenges and art stations. Special programs include toddler mornings and Thursday night extended hours. Group rates available for schools and organizations.
10. Coney Island Diner
HISTORIC RESTAURANT | MANSFIELD OH
Coney Island Diner serves Mansfield's famous hot dogs since 1923. The menu features Greek-American diner classics and homemade pie. The retro interior includes vintage fire truck displays. Open for breakfast, lunch, and early dinner with counter service available.
Mansfield Attractions
THINGS TO DO IN MANSFIELD
Mansfield Ohio is best known for its unique blend of Hollywood history and Midwestern charm. The city gained international fame as the primary filming location for The Shawshank Redemption at the historic Ohio State Reformatory. This massive Gothic-style prison now offers tours showcasing both its cinematic legacy and 19th-century penal history. Beyond the silver screen connections, Mansfield boasts lush botanical gardens and significant industrial heritage sites.
Kingwood Center Gardens stands out as a top attraction with 47 acres of meticulously maintained floral displays and French Provincial architecture. The estate features seasonal exhibits, educational programs, and peacocks roaming the grounds. History buffs appreciate the Mansfield Memorial Museum, home to America's oldest surviving robot (Elektro from the 1939 World's Fair) and extensive collections spanning Native American artifacts to aviation history.
The Shawshank Trail draws film enthusiasts to 15 authentic movie locations throughout Richland County. Mansfield's automotive legacy shines at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, hosting major racing events since 1962. Nature lovers enjoy Malabar Farm State Park, a working farm and conservation area created by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Louis Bromfield.
Unique family-friendly attractions include Richland Carrousel Park with its hand-carved wooden merry-go-round and the interactive Buckeye Imagination Museum. Seasonal highlights range from winter skiing at Snow Trails to summer concerts at the Renaissance Theatre. These diverse offerings make Mansfield a compelling destination blending culture, history, and outdoor recreation.