Ohio State Reformatory

Visit this famous site that has been featured in various Hollywood films.

Featured in the blockbuster hit The Shawshank Redemption (amongst other movies), visitors can visit the real-life prison that once held some of the remaining ghostlike presence of its late criminals. The building was made out of limestone, unique compared to most prisons, and took 10 years to construct before accepting its first inmates in 1896. The focus was to reform prisoners through the mode of religion, education, and trade. Those who improved well enough within the first 18 months were released, otherwise kept until the next 18-month check-in. Sadly, financial ruin led to redesigning the facility's purpose to a fully secure building, damaging the treatment of the inmates. The inmates sued the institution to fight back for civil rights and led to the construction of a new facility. Many rallied together to keep the original building and restore its condition.

Ghost hunters, believers of paranormal activity, and architects are drawn to the building by way of tours, photoshoots, media exclusives, etc. It is open daily from 11 am to 4 pm, and you can take either self-guided or themed tours through the reformatory.