The Shawshank Trail

05/23/2026

“Get busy living…” still brings people to Mansfield more than 30 years later. 🎬

What started as a film has become one of Richland County’s most recognized tourism experiences — drawing visitors from around the world to walk the halls of Shawshank, visit filming locations, and experience the story for themselves.

At the 2026 Destination Mansfield – Richland County Annual Meeting, tourism partners gathered to celebrate the momentum continuing to move Richland County forward — including the lasting impact of The Shawshank Redemption and the visitors it continues to inspire year after year.

More photos from the Annual Meeting can be found on the Destination Mansfield – Richland County page.

05/15/2026

If these seats could speak - imagine what they would say??!!

For decades, the red seats of the Renaissance Theatre have held first dates, standing ovations, family traditions, laughter, tears, and unforgettable performances.

This weekend marks the final performances in those iconic seats.

Beginning Monday, the next chapter begins.

As part of our Road to 100, the Renaissance Theatre is transforming our historic auditorium with beautiful new seating, improved comfort, better sightlines, enhanced accessibility, and thoughtful restoration that preserves the character you love.

And now, you have the opportunity to become part of that story.

Through A Seat in Our Story, supporters can dedicate a seat in the newly restored theatre with a personalized engraved plaque—honoring a loved one, celebrating your family’s connection to the Ren, or marking your own place in our next century.

Every seat has a story. This is your chance to make one part of yours.

Learn more + reserve your seat: rentickets.org/a-seat-in-our-story

05/15/2026

Tonight, the curtain goes up on more than just a movie.

As part of Ohio Goes to the Movies and America 250-Ohio, Upper Sandusky is celebrating its connection to The Shawshank Redemption with a special weekend of screenings, stories, and local history.

Catch the film tonight at the Star Theatre, then spend the weekend exploring the Shawshank Woodshop open house featuring memorabilia, filming stories, historic vehicles, and pieces tied to the movie’s lasting legacy in Ohio.

There’s something special about watching this film in a historic theater surrounded by the communities that helped bring it to life.

Friday & Saturday Screenings | 7 PM
Open House | Saturday & Sunday | 1–5 PM
Upper Sandusky, Ohio

05/13/2026

What was the West Wing used for?

This early view of the Reformatory’s West Wing was taken shortly after a new roof was installed. Over the years, the West Wing and its function changed often. As seen here, the first floor originally served as the laundry area.

Did you know the Reformatory once had decorative cannons along its exterior facade? If you look closely at the top of the tower on the right, you can spot two of them pointed toward the prison yard.

Want to learn more about our history? We're open 11am-4pm daily for historic tours (self-guided or guided) and escape rooms!

05/12/2026

Parapsycon 7 is this week at The Ohio State Reformatory. Events kickoff on Thursday, May 14th and run through the weekend!

05/09/2026

Thank you Ohio Magazine for helping Shawshank fans find out how to Get Busy Livin’

Hit the road this summer on the Shawshank Trail, exploring iconic The Shawshank Redemption sites like Ohio State Reformatory and relive a timeless story of hope.

🔗 https://www.ohiomagazine.com/travel/article/get-busy-driving-the-shawshank-trail-this-summer

05/05/2026

Old Sparky is back! Stop in and take this 90-minute guided experience. You'll start with a sit-down conversation about the development and use of Ohio's electric chair, Old Sparky, and the human stories behind it. You will then be taken on a guided walking tour, including a stop to see the chair.

05/01/2026

Here are the May events at The Ohio State Reformatory.

We are heading full-speed into summer with some fantastic programs and events taking place at the Reformatory during the month of May.

Old Sparky is back! Stop in and take this 90-minute guided experience. You'll start with a sit-down conversation about the development and use of Ohio's electric chair, Old Sparky, and the human stories behind it. You will then be taken on a guided walking tour, including a stop to see the chair.

If you own, manage, or scare at a haunted house, we are welcoming back the Ohio Haunter's Convention. It will be a weekend full of vendors, education, and haunt community networking!

ParaPsyCon is back at the Reformatory for its 7th year. If you haven't yet attended everyone's favorite paranormal weekend, make this year your year!

04/29/2026

04/27/2026

Heading to Malabar Farm State Park to see The Shawshank Trail stops there? Make time to tour the Big House at Farm too!

04/26/2026

Today, we are taking a rare look at the Reformatory yard in the early years of the institution. In the grass, the Reformatory band poses for a picture, while behind them, inmates can be seen marching military style to their destination.

There is currently an exhibit housed in the Ohio Corrections Museum, dedicated to the history of the band. Stop by and check it out! We're open for tours 7 days a week, 11am-4pm.