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Places (POIs) visited during this tour

Place #1
Distance: 0.00mi , 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: 67.50mi , 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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How to take a UCPlaces tour
Taking a UCPlaces tour is fun and easy.
Download the app (Android or iOS), purchase the tour (either here on the website, or from within the app).
That's it, you're ready to go!
When you want to start the tour, find the tour in the app (via a quick in-app search or by clicking the tour link received in your confirmation email) and click "Start Tour" (headphones recommended for best experience.)
* After purchasing a tour you will receive a purchase confirmation email including the tour link and instructions on how to take the tour, so you don't have to remember anything now.
How does the tour work?
UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms.
Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
  • No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
  • Walk at your own pace.
  • No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
  • Take the tour in your preferred language.
  • Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
  • Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
  • Enjoy preferred prices.

What's included?
  • A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
  • Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
  • Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
  • Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
  • Earphones (highly recommended).
  • Smartphone.
  • Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).
  • Tickets to the attractions on your tour.
  • Food and drinks
  • Physical tour guide.

Have any questions about this tour? Or a general travel / self-guided tours question? That's completely natural

+ How long does this tour take?
Most travelers complete this tour in approximately 6 to 8 hours, depending on pace, time spent at each stop, and optional detours. Having said that, please remember that self-guided tours are extremly flexible (you can start, pause, continue anytime) and everyone has their own pace.
+ What does this tour include?
This self-guided driving tour includes 14 stops, covering top attractions such as Ohio's Capital City Start, Ohio State Reformatory, Cedar Point, Sandusky Bay, Marblehead Lighthouse.
+ Where does the tour start?
The tour starts at Ohio's Capital City Start (Address: 44-62 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA). You can begin the tour there or join from any stop along the route.
+ What type of tour is this?
This is a self-guided driving tour designed to be completed by car, covering scenic routes, city highlights and optional key stops.
+ Can I do this tour at my own pace?
Yes, this is a self-guided driving tour, so you can start anytime and explore at your own pace. You can pause, skip stops, or spend more time at places that interest you. You can even split it into multiple days. Explore however feels right for you. The only vaiables that might affect your pace are speed limits and traffic congestion.
+ Do I need a car for this tour?
Yes, this is a driving tour, designed to be completed by car, with stops spread across different locations connected by a driving route.
+ Do I need anything in order to take the tour?
There are two things that you need - <b>1.</b> A mobile phone (with the UCPlaces app installed and active location services, and a cellular data plan with a decent signal for downloading the tour). <b>2.</b> A car. Here are some recommendations for a great experience: 1. Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a charging cable for your car. 2. Connect your phone to the car speaker system via bluetooth or use our CarPlay/Android Auto option for the best experience.
+ How will I navigate from point to point during the tour?
The tour uses GPS-based navigation through the UCPlaces app, with automatic audio playback and step-by-step directions between stops. This works great either directly from your phone, or while connected to your car's multimedia system and using our CarPlay or Android Auto options. Just follow the route and listen to the audio guide. Use the resume feature to continue from where you recently stopped (or closed the app). Easily skip or go back to stops.
+ Is this tour suitable for families or groups?
Yes, self-guided tours are ideal for families and small groups, allowing everyone to explore comfortably without being tied to a fixed schedule.
+ What makes a self-guided tour better than a guided tour?
Self-guided tours are more flexible, affordable, and personalized. You can avoid crowds, choose your pace, and focus on the stops that interest you most.
+ I installed the app and it's now asking for GPS and media access permissions, why?
The app is your tour-guide, it needs to know where you are located on the map to be able to trigger the points of interest. It also needs access to audio and media files to provide you with this experience.
+ What happens if there are unexpected roadblocks or navigation issues?
We have been working hard to deliver a great experience. Though you may run into unexpected obstacles (the world is constantly changing), our app has multiple features and mechanisms in place to help you overcome them, including: AI assistance, force play an audio if you can't reach the stop, skip or return to stops, automatic rerouting and more.
+ Can I take the tour in my language?
Though all of our tours are primarily in English, many tours are muyltilingual (including: Spanish, German, Portuguese, French, Japanese, Hebrew, French, Arabic and more...). The tour language options depend on the specific tour - You can easily check which languages are available in the tour screen!