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Places (POIs) visited during this tour

Place #1
Distance: 67.51mi , Attraction : Government Building/Landmark (Recommended selfie spot).
Map Pin
44-62 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
POI 1 Tour Image
Ohio's Capital City Start
Alright folks, our first stop is a real architectural marvel, the Ohio Statehouse. As we approach, you'll notice its stunning Greek Revival design, a true testament to 19th-century craftsmanship. Construction began way back in 1839, but hold onto your hats, because it wasn't officially finished until 1861 – talk about a long-term project! It took a few different architects to get this beauty done, starting with the likes of Martin Thompson, then William Russell West, and finally Nathan Kelley, who oversaw much of its completion. Notice the building's robust, almost fortress-like appearance, a deliberate choice to convey strength and permanence, made entirely from Columbus limestone.

Step inside, and you're walking through history. This isn't just a pretty building; it's the beating heart of Ohio's government. Both the Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio Senate conduct their legislative business here. You can almost hear the echoes of past debates and decisions that shaped our state. The Rotunda is a sight to behold, a grand space connecting the legislative wings, often hosting public events and displaying incredible art. Many important figures have graced these halls, and perhaps one of the most poignant moments occurred in April 1865, when Abraham Lincoln's body lay in state here, as part of his mournful journey back to Illinois. It was a powerful gathering for a nation in mourning.

The Statehouse is more than just offices; it's a symbol of Ohio's democratic spirit. While many state capitols boast domes, ours famously features a low, stepped cupola, a distinctive element that sets it apart. The surrounding Capitol Square is a beautiful urban park, dotted with statues and monuments commemorating various Ohioans and significant events, perfect for a stroll. Recent restorations have ensured this historic landmark will continue to serve our state for centuries to come, preserving its grandeur and purpose for future generations.

Read More

  https://www.ohiostatehouse.org/
Place #2
Distance: 54.19mi , Attraction : Historic Prison
Map Pin
545 N Main St, Mansfield, OH 44902, USA
POI 2 Tour Image
Ohio State Reformatory
Who needs a driving break? Me too! Up ahead, if you’d like to see one of Ohio’s most impressive and haunting landmarks, take the exit for U.S. 30 East toward Wooster, and then simply follow the signs for the Ohio State Reformatory. This massive stone prison looks more like a medieval castle than a correctional facility—and it’s one of Mansfield’s most visited attractions.

The Ohio State Reformatory first opened its doors in 1896. Designed in a grand Romanesque and Victorian Gothic style, it was built to inspire reform rather than punishment. Its soaring towers and dramatic stone walls were meant to encourage inmates to reflect, repent, and ultimately change their lives. The prison housed thousands of men over the decades and was in operation until 1990, when it was finally closed due to overcrowding and deteriorating conditions.

What truly brought the Reformatory into the global spotlight, however, was its starring role in the 1994 film The Shawshank Redemption. Director Frank Darabont chose Mansfield as the setting for the fictional Shawshank State Penitentiary, and much of the movie was filmed inside the prison’s cell blocks, halls, and warden’s office. Today, fans from around the world come to walk the same corridors where Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman brought Stephen King’s story to life. In fact, the prison is the centerpiece of the Shawshank Trail, a self-guided tour of movie filming sites across the region.

Visitors can explore the Reformatory through guided tours, self-guided walks, or evening ghost hunts—since the prison is also known as one of the most haunted places in America. The massive East Cell Block is the largest free-standing steel cell block in the world, and walking through its tiers is both awe-inspiring and eerie. Special events like the Escape from Blood Prison haunted house in October draw thrill-seekers from across the Midwest.

Today, the Ohio State Reformatory stands as a powerful blend of history, architecture, Hollywood fame, and paranormal mystery—making it a must-see stop for anyone traveling through northern Ohio.

Read More

  https://www.mrps.org/
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour

Map Pin Place 1 Ohio's Capital City Start
Map Pin Place 2 Ohio State Reformatory
Map Pin Place 3 Cedar Point
Map Pin Place 4 Sandusky Bay
Map Pin Place 5 Marblehead Lighthouse
Map Pin Place 6 Liberty Aviation Museum
Map Pin Place 7 The Oliver House
Map Pin Place 8 Welcome to Indiana
Map Pin Place 9 Michigan
Map Pin Place 10 RV & Motorhome Hall of Fame
Map Pin Place 11 Notre Dame
Map Pin Place 12 Studebaker National Museum
Map Pin Place 13 Indiana Dunes National Park
Map Pin Place 14 Millennium Park



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