Mansfield Offers Travelers Access to Ohio's Scariest Venues

    MANSFIELD, OH, September 27, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Known as Ohio's Haunted Capitol, Mansfield, Ohio offers a range of frightful experiences designed to let visitors get their scare on. Thousands of visitors flock to the North Central Ohio town to test their mettle and see if they can handle the many haunted happenings. Mansfield's spookiest sites have been featured on national TV, including: Travel Channel's "Ghost Adventures," SyFy's "Ghost Hunters" and Bio's "My Ghost Story."

Travelers come from around the globe to brave the historic Ohio State Reformatory's hair-raising, one-of-a-kind Haunted Prison Experience, "Supernatural," which starts Sept. 27 and runs through Nov. 2. Always described as "worth the trip," the award-winning scare fest uses professional actors, Hollywood animatronics, props and special effects to create a haunted tour that goes far beyond any typical "haunted house." Not appropriate for anyone under age 13, Haunted Prison Experience takes place Thursdays 7-11 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 7 p.m.-midnight and Sundays 7-10 p.m. Gates open at 6 p.m. More information is available at HauntedX.com. The Ohio State Reformatory has gained a national reputation as one of the most haunted places in America, while also being an architectural and cultural treasure. Reformatory doors first opened in 1896 and, after housing 155,000 men in its lifetime, its 1990 closing left a nearly 125 years of history (and spirits) in the old cells. Catapulted to fame after serving as the set location for "The Shawshank Redemption" and other major motion pictures, year-round tours make the prison one of Ohio's most popular attractions.

In addition to the Reformatory, other frightful experiences lure visitors to the area. The HallowWicked Haunted Woods offers an hour-long terrifying trek through the fields and forests Sept. 28-Nov. 2, featuring the Grim Graveyard, Cursed Cornfields, Chainsaw Death Path, Chop Shop, Demented Dollhouse and more. In downtown Mansfield's historic district, the 127-year-old Bissman Building started its life as a wholesale grocery distributor. But experienced ghost hunters report that when the company closed its doors in, "Not all of the employees left the building." Today, travelers can tour the haunted Bissman Building, as guides unveil its unique history, stories of movies and videos filmed on site and chilling tales of its ghostly spirits. Tours also include a full-blown paranormal investigation. Public tours are offered Sept. 28 and Nov 16, and private tours offered to groups of up to 30 by reservation. Tours begin at 8 p.m., typically run until 3 a.m. and cost $70.00 per person. They can be scheduled by contacting Project Manager Joe James at [email protected] or 419-295-5002.

For complete information on all of the region's haunted and paranormal experiences, including videos, useful "ghost ratings," site tours, ghost hunts and haunted houses are found via the Haunted Mansfield Guide at www.HauntedMansfield.com.

A destination unlike any other, Mansfield and Richland County, Ohio's wealth of unusual travel adventures and experiences, from visiting the working farm where Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall were married, to overnight ghost hunts in a haunted former state prison and touring sites where "The Shawshank Redemption" and other Hollywood blockbuster movies have been filmed. Breathtaking scenery, rural and hometown experiences, as well as hiking, biking, golf, cross-country and downhill skiing, bird watching and loads of other outdoor adventures attract families and visitors of all ages. For information or to order a Visitors Guide, consumers can call (800) 642-8282 or visit www.MansfieldTourism.com.

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