MANSFIELD — One more experience awaits for summer travelers to experience the in-demand Paranormal Institute, Ghost Hunts and Ghost Walks at what is widely recognized as one of America’s most haunted places.

The infamous Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield reports that just a few dates remain for its popular 2025 paranormal events.

Only one date remains for the Reformatory’s Paranormal Institute, where attendees take a deep dive into paranormal study and hunts.

On Saturday, July 26 the $135 ghost hunting school begins at 2:30 p.m. and includes two hours of classroom study, followed by a four-hour guided ghost hunt.

With the event wrapping up by midnight, July’s session focuses on audio and electronic voice phenomenon, pareidolia (apparitions), shadows and orbs.

(Photos courtesy of Destination Mansfield)

Ghost hunts

Ghost Hunts are one-of-a-kind nocturnal experiences that are a hit with anyone interested in paranormal activity — or travelers simply seeking a truly unusual getaway.

The overnight Ghost Hunts, named one of the Travel Channel’s “101 Things to do before you die,” have grown dramatically in popularity, with spots selling out months in advance.

Held Saturday nights from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m., remaining dates for 2025 include: July 5 and 12, Aug. 2 and 9, Nov. 22 and Dec. 6.

Admission is $104/person and complimentary water, coffee and hot chocolate available throughout the night.

Proceeds from the hunts go directly to restore the incredible architecture of this important historical structure. Hunts are open to visitors ages 18 and older and can be booked at ohiostatereformatory.org.

Mini ghost hunts

Mini Ghost Hunts are offered on Friday nights for $65 and are designed for inquisitive visitors who want to experience a ghost investigation for a shorter time.

The gate opens at 9:30 p.m. and the hunt runs 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Spots on Mini Ghost Hunts remain for July 11 and 25 or Aug. 8. Mini hunt guests who also book the Ghost Walk for the same night receive a $10 discount.

Ghost walks

Ghost Walks feature knowledgeable tour guides leading guests through the dark halls and corridors of the reformatory, highlighting spots where paranormal activity has been reported, while sharing stories of eerie experiences, murder and death.

The two-hour guided tours are offered on Fridays from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., with registration from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. Remaining 2025 Ghost Walks are July 11 and 25, Aug. 8, Nov. 5 and Dec. 5.

The reformatory even offers ghost hunting equipment for rent during its public paranormal events, which must be reserved in advance when booking the experience.

Attendees can rent an 8+1 electro-magnetic field meter (EMF), a K2 meter or an EMF meter with temperature and audible Alert for $10 or a red laser grid or radiating EMF Red Pod for $15 offer an overnight experience for those with serious interest in paranormal activity.

History of Ohio State Reformatory

The Ohio State Reformatory holds an international reputation as one of the most haunted places in America, while also being an architectural and cultural treasure. The Reformatory first opened in 1896 and, after housing 155,000 men in its lifetime.

It was closed in 1990 due to a federal court order resulting from inhumane conditions and overcrowding. The prison was set to be demolished, but instead was preserved as a museum and historical site by local volunteers, with financial support from donors, filming fees, special events and tour proceeds.

With its 125-year history as a prison, the reformatory’s cellblocks, warden’s office and solitary confinement ward catapulted the destination to fame with a starring role in the No. 1 movie of all time (according to IMDB), “The Shawshank Redemption,” as well serving as the setting for “Air Force One” and other major motion pictures, TV shows and music videos.

A wide range of year-round tours, it’s annual haunted prison event every October and July’s Inkcarceration music and tattoo festival make the prison one of Ohio’s most popular attractions.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the prison boasts the world’s largest free-standing steel cellblock, offering the ultimate place to experience the paranormal.