Ohio State Reformatory announces 2013 Ghost Hunt, Ghost Walk tours

Feb. 1, 2013 - PRLog -- Mansfield, Ohio – The infamous Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio has announced dates for the 2013 Ghost Hunts® and Ghost Walks®. The popular overnight Ghost Hunts were named one of the Travel Channel's "101 Things to do before you die." These unusual nocturnal experiences are a hit with anyone interested in paranormal activity -- or travelers seeking a truly unusual getaway. For complete information on how to book a tour visit www.MansfieldTourism.com or call (800) 642-8282.

Built in 1886, The Ohio State Reformatory (OSR) served for 94 years as a working prison, housing more than 154,000 prisoners and setting the scene for major motion pictures, including The Shawshank Redemption, Air Force One and others.  Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the prison boasts the world’s largest free-standing steel cellblock and is known as the ultimate place to ghost hunt.

The Ghost Hunts® offer an overnight experience for those with serious interest in paranormal activity. They have grown dramatically in popularity, with spots selling out months in advance.  Admission price is $70/person and all proceeds from the hunts go directly to restore the incredible architecture of this important historical structure.  Ghost Hunts® are now open to 18 years and older. Dates for the 2013 Ghost Hunts:  

2013 Ghost Hunts®
•   February dates: Fri., Feb. 1
•   March dates: Sat., Mar. 2, Sat., Mar. 9
•   April dates:  Fri., Apr. 5,  Fri., Apr. 12,  Fri., Apr. 19,  Fri., Apr. 26
•   May dates:  Fri., May 17, Fri., May 24, Fri., May 31
•   June dates: Fri., Jun. 7, Sat., Jun. 22, Sat., Jun. 29
•   July dates: Fri., Jul. 5, Sat., Jul. 13, Fri., Jul. 19
•   August dates:  Sat., Aug. 3, Fri., Aug. 9,  Sat., Aug. 17,  Fri., Aug. 23
•   September dates: Sat., Sep. 7
•   November dates:  Sat., Nov. 23

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. Dates for 2013 Ghost Walks are:

2013 Ghost Walks  

•   Sunday,  May 12
•   Sunday, June 9
•   Sunday, June 23
•   Monday, July 15
•   Sunday, July 28
•   Thursday, Aug. 8
•   Monday, Aug. 12   
•   Sunday,  Sept. 8

New this year, Extreme Ghost Hunts offer public hunts of 60 people in the winter months, while the temperature is as extreme as the activity.  Extreme Ghost Hunts have received reports that guests are experiencing heightened levels of activity.  Check out www.mrps.org for more information and dates.

For travelers interested in the background information of the Ohio State Reformatory such as architecture, stories and movie ties, general, self-guided walking tours are offered Monday through Sunday, starting May 1, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Self-guided tours are $9 for adults and $7 for ages 7-17, seniors and military. Audio Tour Guides can be purchased for an additional $5 fee.  Guided tours are provided on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., they are East Cell Block Tour, West Tower Tour, the Hollywood Tour and the recently added Behind the Scene Tour.  Guided Tours are an additional $5.

Ghost Hunt® Recovery  packages are offered by area hotels as the perfect remedy after a night of spirit chasing, with some packages including a Jacuzzi tub, indoor pools, late check-out and breakfast. Breathtaking scenery and rural and hometown experiences, as well as hiking, biking, golf, cross-country and downhill skiing, bird watching and other outdoor adventures are among the many attractions.  Getaway package details, a free visitors guide and complete information on Mansfield’s many unforgettable visitor experiences are available at www.mansfieldtourism.com or (800) 642-8282.

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