MANSFIELD—Escape from Blood Prison, a chilling haunted attraction housed within the ominous confines of the Ohio State Reformatory, has once again secured its place among the elite of haunted destinations. Known for its spine-tingling terror, the attraction has earned a spot-on USA Today’s coveted “10 Best” list, adding another feather to its cap of accolades in the world of haunted houses.
Renowned as a perennial favorite on haunted house listing sites like scarefactor.com, Escape from Blood Prison’s inclusion on USA Today’s list further solidifies its reputation as a must-visit haunt for thrill-seekers. The announcement of the rankings coincides with the attraction’s opening day on Friday, September 29, setting the stage for a spine-chilling Halloween season.
Each year, Escape from Blood Prison dares those who are brave enough to venture into the notorious Ohio State Reformatory after dark. The haunted journey through the prison’s eerie corridors promises an unrelenting barrage of horror. Visitors are plunged into the suffocating blackness of “The Hole” while enduring the ear-splitting wail of the enigmatic “Warden’s Widow.” Every twist and turn reveals maniacal inmates and deformed guards, making it an experience that pushes the boundaries of fear.
For the 2023 season, Escape from Blood Prison has upped the ante with even more terrifying characters and Hollywood-level special effects in areas like the Haunted Hospital, Blood Prison Chapel, and Apocalyptic section. Beyond the scares, the haunting experience is amplified by the prison’s gothic architecture, which itself sends shivers down the spine.
Escape from Blood Prison welcomes thrill-seekers from September 29 to October 29, with doors open on Fridays and Saturdays from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m., and Sundays from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Due to its immense popularity, advance online ticket purchases are required and available at BloodPrison.com. Ticket options include the $35 General Pass Timed Ticketing and the Ultra Lightning Pass, which drastically reduces wait times. Those seeking an even more intense experience can opt for the Touch Pass, allowing scare actors to make physical contact.
Group rates are available by contacting SCREAM@mrps.org, and food trucks are on-site to satisfy cravings. Gates open at 6:45 p.m. Additionally, this year introduces “Beyond the Scare” tours, providing visitors with a glimpse behind the scenes of Blood Prison with the lights on. These tours are available daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and can be booked at MRPS.org.
The Ohio State Reformatory, a foreboding castle-like structure built in 1886, gained worldwide fame as the backdrop for the Hollywood classic “The Shawshank Redemption.” However, legends of eerie occurrences in the prison date back long before the film’s release. One such tale tells of a former guard, killed in “The Hole,” the prison’s terrifying solitary confinement, who is said to continue his rounds, striking visitors with his nightstick.
Outside of the Halloween season, the Ohio State Reformatory offers visitors the chance to explore the infamous prison through guided tours, ghost walks, and private paranormal investigations.
Mansfield is not just home to Escape from Blood Prison; it boasts an array of other supernatural experiences for those in search of paranormal thrills. The Mansfield Fire Museum is said to host strange phenomena, including moving fire truck side mirrors and spine-chilling sounds when the building is supposedly empty. Private paranormal investigations can be arranged by calling (419) 564-5531.
The Renaissance Theatre, scarred by a gruesome murder in 1929, has been a hotspot for ghost sightings and unexplained occurrences for nearly a century. Audiences and staff have reported disembodied voices, haunting laughter, and eerie music resonating from the theatre long after the curtain falls.
The Gill House, constructed in 1903, was once the residence of one of the region’s most affluent founding families. Some believe their spirits continue to linger on the property, with reports of footsteps, laughter, physical contact, wandering shadows, and full-body apparitions. Tours of the house are regularly scheduled, and brave souls are welcome to embark on their own paranormal investigations.
Mansfield, Ohio offers visitors a unique blend of travel adventures, from haunted prisons to world-class motorsports, outdoor activities, and more. For complete visitor information and free guides, visit DestinationMansfield.com or call (800) 642-8282. Whether you seek the thrill of the supernatural or the beauty of the outdoors, Mansfield promises a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
Photos: Destination Mansfield
Blood Prison
Mansfield Fire Museum
The Renaissance Theatre
The Gill House
