A fun trip to prison

Most people’s idea of a good time does not include a three hour tour of a dilapidated historic prison. However, some people do spend their free days exploring that building after driving an hour and a half to get there.

That “some people” would be me and two friends.

The Ohio State Reformatory (OSR) began construction in 1886 on land that was formerly a training camp for Civil War soldiers. Designed by Levi T. Scofield, a Cleveland architect, the building incorporates three different styles: Victorian Gothic, Richardsonian Romanesque and Queen Anne. Overall construction was headed by architect F.F. Schnitzer.

The reformatory opened its doors in 1896 and remained open until a federal court order caused its closure. The class action suit Boyd v. Denton cited overcrowding and inhumane conditions; over 200 people (including 2 guards) died while at the Ohio State Reformatory.

One may recognize the building from the role it played in the 1994 movie The Shawshank Redemption. The outside of the prison, the warden's office, and an officer’s quarters were all a part of the movie. Or, if you are more into music, the property has been used in Godsmack’s “Awake” video, Lil Wayne’s “Go DJ” video, and Anti-Flag’s “The New Sound” video among others.

Listed among the most haunted places in America, the building is a must see for anyone with paranormal interests. The place has been the feature of Ghost Adventures, Ghost Hunters Academy, Ghost Hunters, and Ghost Asylum. The OSR offers overnight ghost tours, where it is simply the guest and the building (and whatever else may be lurking).

The website suggests setting aside an hour and a half to take a self-guided tour of the building. Our group of three took three hours (only hurrying at the end due to the cold).

This is a trip to take no matter what your interest. It fulfills a want for architecture, photography, history, and spooks.

You move your precession at your pace through the officer’s quarters, the East Cell Block (which holds the Guinness World Record for the largest free-standing steel cell block), the Chapel, and Solitary Confinement among other attractions.

The stone-faced building is divine. It’s a castle not a prison. The interior was no less. The stairs were grand, the wood paneling was in great condition. And though paint and wallpaper peeled from every wall, there was obvious beauty in the building.

We spent a good chunk of our three hours taking artsy photographs, because the building lent itself to it. Light streamed from broken windows and different layers of wall paper made for a great background.

This building hides a horrific past within gorgeous walls. A visit is a must.

The Ohio State Reformatory is located in Mansfield, Ohio and is opened different hours depending on the season. Check out their website for visiting information! If it sounds like an experience for you, Groupon has a deal that could make the trip even better.