A trip to Mansfield offers a bit of history, nature, entertainment and good old fashioned fun! Whether you visit the reformatory where Shawshank Redemption was filmed or take in the sights of nature, there is an activity that will excite everyone in your group. No matter the season, there is something to enjoy. Stop in for the day or visit for a while! We’ve compiled a list of things to do in Mansfield, Ohio.
Richland Carrousel Park
Set right in downtown Mansfield is Richland Carrousel Park. The hand-carved, 52-figure Richland Carrousel is the first newly built and operated carrousel in the United States since the 1930s!
The carrousel is located in an 80 x 80-foot pavilion. During the warm months, they open the sides of the carrousel to let in the fresh air and during the cold months, the sides are closed but the windows lets in the light and keep you covered from weather conditions.
Richland Carrousel Park also features an onsite gift shop, where you can purchase carrousel-themed merchandise, as well as other gift items. You can also purchase snacks and drinks in the gift shop to enjoy after your ride. This carousel is one of the few in the country that is handicapped accessible. Hours and days open vary depending on the season.
Richland Carrousel Park
75 N Main St, Mansfield, OH 44903
Website
Malabar Farm State Park
Malabar Farm State Park is located in Pleasant Valley in Richland County. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973, the park was the home and dream of conservationist and author Louis Bromfield. You can tour the family home, called the Big House, located on the property during your visit. You can also tour the farm, where you will meet animals currently raised on the farm.
While you are at the park, we recommend Butternut Cave Trail and Ferguson Falls Trail. Both trails are about a mile long. Remember to bring hiking shoes because the trails can be muddy. You can also drive along the top of Mt. Jeez.
During your visit be sure to pop into the Louis Bromfield Visitor Education Center and gift shop. Extend your trip by staying overnight with their camping options, as well as the Maple Syrup Cabin located in the park.
Malabar Farm State Park
4050 Bromfield Rd, Lucas, OH 44843
Website
Kingwood Center Gardens
Once the home of Charles Kelley King, Kingwood Center Gardens now welcomes visitors to a grand home set on 47 acres. You can visit the grounds and gardens, Kingwood Hall and the Garden & Gift Shop Display Greenhouse (with an on-site cafe). Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, there is a great deal of history around every corner.
A visit to Kingwood is great any time of the year, but their Christmas at Kingwood is a must visit. The grounds are covered in lights and the house is beautifully decorated for the holidays! For those eager to view the gardens, we recommend downloading a map of the gardens before your arrival so you can plan your day. And while you are there, keep an eye out for the peacocks that roam the gardens!
Kingwood Center Gardens
50 N Trimble Rd, Mansfield, OH 44906
Website
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Ohio State Reformatory
Likely best known as the iconic set to the well known movie, Shawshank Redemption, the Ohio State Reformatory, also known as Mansfield Reformatory, is a tour you’ll want to take. It is listed on the Travel Channels, “101 Things to Do Before You Die.” You can tour the facility, see details about the filming of Shawshank Redemption and try to encounter the paranormal.
Take a themed tour or wander through at your leisure on a self-guided tour. Don’t forget to check out their special events throughout the year, such as paranormal events and Ohio’s only haunted prison experience around Halloween. Be sure to bring your camera for photos and feel free to ask the staff questions during your visit.
Ohio State Reformatory
100 Reformatory Rd, Mansfield, OH 44905
Website
The Shawshank Trail
The Shawshank Trail is a self-guided driving tour, which allows you to experience the set of the beloved movie, Shawshank Redemption. With stops at 15 filming sites, this is an up-close experience for true fans of the movie. Travel the trail by car at your own pace, starting and stopping where you want. Grab a copy of their brochure that will assist you on your drive to each of the locations.
We suggest giving yourself two days to travel to all 15 of the sites and enjoy activities in the surrounding areas. The website states that the 15 sites include: 11 sites in Mansfield, 1 site in Ashland, 2 sites in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, and 1 site at Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. As you take pictures along the way, don’t forget to tag #ShawshankTrail. You might even get featured on their social media sites.
The Shawshank Trail
124 N Main St, Mansfield, OH 44902
Website
Ohio Bird Sanctuary
The Ohio Bird Sanctuary is open to the public year round. Come see owls, falcons, cedar waxwings and more. This haven for native birds allows you to walk through the songbird aviary or view birds in the Bird Display Area. Set on more than 90 acres with three miles of trails and a children’s play area, there is something for everyone in your group.
The sanctuary offers special opportunities to see birds outside of their enclosures, as well as special programming and tours. There is a treehouse classroom, picnic tables and a gift shop onsite. If you find yourself needing to find a home for a bird in need, you can contact the sanctuary for guidance.
Ohio Bird Sanctuary
3774 Orweiler Rd, Mansfield, OH 44903
Website
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Little Buckeye Children’s Museum
Let your little one’s imagination run wild at the Little Buckeye Children’s Museum. On the first floor, you can wander around a variety of storefronts sparking imagination-based play. Older children will enjoy the competitions and games the second floor has to offer. The hands-on, play museum is an ideal family destination.
Little Buckeye Children’s Museum
175 W 3rd St, Mansfield, OH 44903
Website
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Gorman Nature Center
Gorman Nature Center offers more than 150 acres of forests, prairies, ponds and more. You can explore five miles of public trails. On your visit, stop inside the nature center for additional history of the area. You can view wildlife at their wildlife feeders, see their natural history displays and ask questions to the naturalists on hand.
Look into their naturalist-led hikes, as well as their night sky programs. Gorden Nature Center is open daily from dawn until dusk. Be sure to check the website before your visit to see any closings or changes in hours.
Gorman Nature Center
2295 Lexington Ave, Mansfield, OH 44906
Website
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Charles Mill Lake Park
Charles Mill Lake Park is calling you! The 1,350 acre lake boasts 34 acres of shoreline on more than 2,000 acres of property. The park has two campgrounds and the public boat launch is free. You will not run out of activities on your visit. Enjoy boat and water activities, sports courts, a swimming pool, beach play, fishing, hiking and so much more.
Be sure to check out the website for a yearly calendar of events. From social activities to holidays to camps, there are a variety of ways for you to expand on your visit. Take a look at the website for costs, rules and regulations and campground details.
Charles Mill Lake Park
1277A OH-430, Mansfield, OH 44903
Website
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Renaissance Theatre
The Renaissance Theatre was originally built in 1928 as a movie house. It was restored in the 1980s, retaining the original palace theater style. Today it claims to represent the heart and culture of Mansfield, hosting theater, movies, music, family events, educational opportunities and more.
Visit the website for a full listing of programs and events. You can book tickets right on the website for upcoming shows. Free parking is available behind the theater.
Renaissance Theatre
138 Park Ave W, Mansfield, OH 44903
Website
Mansfield Fire Museum
Experience fire equipment and local history firsthand at the Mansfield Fire Museum. Starting as an idea in 1987, the current museum is constantly growing and changing with new features and developments. From the reproduction of a turn of the century fire station to an antique alarm bell, you’ll have the opportunity to learn the history of Mansfield’s fire service.
Hours typically run mid-May through mid-October. To visit off season, call to make arrangements. Check the website for hours and additional details. You can also book a haunted tour.
Mansfield Fire Museum
1265 W 4th St, Mansfield, OH 44903
Website
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Ontario Marshall Park & Sprayground
Ontario Marshall Park & Sprayground is a great spot for sports, nature and play. With sports fields, a basketball court, tennis courts, two playground areas and pavilions for gathering there is something for everyone. The park now also has a sprayground for children to enjoy May through September.
Community gatherings such as concerts in the park are held at certain times throughout the year as well. The fields are also used for local youth sports. To rent out space at the park, visit the website for details.
Ontario Marshall Park & Sprayground
555 Stumbo Road, Ontario, Ohio 44906
Website
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Bible Walk Wax Museum
The Bible Walk Wax Museum gives visitors a unique look at life size depictions of the Bible. This nondenominational wax museum is actually the only wax museum in Ohio. There are seven tours and nine exhibits available. As you walk along, you can press buttons to hear more about the scenes you’re viewing. The museum also offers a special dinner theater performance each year.
There are a lot of different options to choose from for your visit. There is even BibleWalk Glow, an after hours option!
Bible Walk Wax Museum
500 Tingley Ave, Mansfield, OH 44905
Website
Glo-In-One Indoor Mini Golf
If you’re looking for a classic, yet unique activity then Glo-In-One Indoor Mini Golf is for you. It’s traditional mini golf meets 3-D glow-in-the-dark. You’ll experience 18 holes in a space-themed course. The course is located inside the Hobby Town Building.
Glo-In-One Indoor Mini Golf
2400 W 4th St, Ontario, OH 44906
Website
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Richland County Fair
The Richland County Fair is fun for the entire family! The first Richland County Fair was held in 1849. Today the fair runs for seven days and provides entertainment of all kinds. You’ll enjoy livestock exhibitions, arts and crafts displays, rides, baking competitions, tractor pulls, pageants, music, and more.
Each day has its own schedule. Be sure to check the website for the schedule of events and pricing. You can also view different ways you can get involved in the fair.
Richland County Fair
750 N Home Rd, Mansfield, OH 44906
Website
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Snow Trails
Snow Trails offers skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing fun! Whether it’s your first time or you are a pro, there is something for you at Snow Trails. They offer a beginner’s area and instructors, as well as seasonal clubs for the regulars.
It also requires no experience necessary to try out their snow tubing. They offer tubing specials such as glow tubing or group events. Snow Trails has a rental center as well as a ski shop for all of your ski and snowboarding needs. Take a look at the website for their hours and rates.
Snow Trails
3100 Possum Run Rd, Mansfield, OH 44903
Website
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Splash Harbor
Stay the night at an indoor water park at Splash Harbor. The 6,000-square-foot pool includes a large water slide, spray ground with dumping buckets and geysers, and two basketball hoops.
Guests can enjoy a family hot tub, adult hot tub, kiddie pool area, video game room, party room, and much more. All 99 guest rooms include free wi-fi. If you are not looking to stay the night, Splash Harbor offers day passes too.
Splash Harbor
855 Comfort Plaza Dr, Bellville, OH 44813
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B&O Bike Trail
The B&O Bike Trail connects four area communities in Richland County along an 18-mile path. It spans Mansfield to Butler on a paved trail that runs along a former railway. It is ideal for all ages, bike riders, walkers, rollerblades, and runners. The trail offers the chance to cross 18 bridges and pass along both nature and communities.
You can take the trail at your own pace and get on and off at any point. The local communities offer restaurants and shops along your way.
B&O Bike Trail
24 Bell St, Bellville, OH 44813
Website
Coney Island Diner
Step into the past with a visit to Coney Island Diner. It is Mansfield’s oldest restaurant and is famous for serving breakfast all day long. You can sit right up at the counter for a nostalgic meal.
They are best known for their coneys and fresh pea salad. Take a look at the website for a full menu. Come hungry and bring a camera to capture the step back in time.
Coney Island Diner
98 N. Main St., Mansfield, OH 44902
Website
Buckeye Express Diner
Enjoy a meal in a vintage rail car at Buckeye Express Diner. The diner offers American comfort food in the Ohio-themed restaurant. Everyone raves about their burgers and the portion sizes are HUGE! If you are a buckeyes fan, you will love the decor.
Outside there is a railroad-themed play area for little ones and they recently added the World’s Largest Bobble Head to the property which makes for a fun photo opt!
Buckeye Express Diner
810 OH-97, Bellville, OH 44813
Website
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