Ohio is full of major metropolises and charming small towns, and everything in between. And by "in between," I mean the places that aren't quite big-city material, but definitely not small towns; in short, the mid-sized locales that often receive Jan Brady treatment among travel sites. Mansfield, Ohio, is one of the many mid-sized places on this list, but make no mistake about it: this Buckeye State 'burb is teeming with unique things to see and do, delicious places to eat, top-rated accommodations, and loads of unique experiences. Curious to learn more? Here are the best things to do in Mansfield, Ohio:

Top Tourist Attractions In Mansfield

If you mention Mansfield to pretty much anyone who knows anything about movies, they'll recognize it as the home to the eponymous reformatory that played a starring role in "The Shawshank Redemption." Yes -- the Mansfield Reformatory is big here in Mansfield, Ohio, but there are other top tourist attractions you don't want to miss:

1. The Ohio State Reformatory

A place that needs no introduction, when people think of the best things to do in Mansfield, Ohio, The Ohio State Reformatory is obviously it. Formerly known as the Mansfield Reformatory, this historic prison, now known as the Ohio State Reformatory, opened in 1886 and is nearly 130 years old. The reformatory is known to house some of the country’s most violent ghosts, and is considered one of the eeriest abandoned places in Ohio — and America. This dark and foreboding Gothic structure has become synonymous with the town itself, which is ironic given how friendly and sunshine-y Mansfield is! Nevertheless, this former reformatory is a must-visit when in Mansfield, and in addition to tours and events, you can -- and should -- visit the on-site Shawshank Museum while you're there.

2. The Shawshank Trail

Outside of the reformatory, film buffs flock to Mansfield, Ohio, to tackle the Shawshank Trail. This self-guided tour visits 15 iconic sites from the movie, offering a veritable "choose your own adventure" to film fans.

Selfies encouraged -- be sure to tag #ShawshankTrail to share your favorite sites with fellow movie lovers.

3. Renaissance Theatre

Commanding and beautiful, the Renaissance Theatre is *the* place to enjoy the arts in Mansfield, Ohio. a restored movie palace-type theater located at 138 Park Ave. W in Mansfield, Ohio. The 1,402-seat theater opened on January 18, 1928, as the Ohio Theatre; today, it serves as the largest performing arts center in the region!

Best Parks And Recreation In Mansfield

Outdoor enthusiasts have much to love about Mansfield, Ohio. In addition to a robust city parks system, Mansfield is home to some unique outdoor attractions such as gardens, conservatories, and even wetlands!

4. Gorman Nature Center

A gem of the Richland Country Parks district, Gorman Nature Center is 150 acres of forests, prairies, ponds, and streams that's home to some five miles of public trails. It's a quiet little oasis you'll likely have all to yourself!

5. Kingwood Center Gardens

A glorious hidden gem in Mansfield, Kingwood Center Gardens is a breathtaking property that promises to brighten your day with its gorgeous collection of unique plants, botanicals, and flowers. Visitors of all ages will positively delight in the experience of walking among such beautiful floral displays in any season, and while folks flock to this garden for its spring and summer blooms, the fall foliage here is something to admire, too.

6. Charles Mill Lake Park

If you're into water recreation, Charles Mill Lake Park provides lots of opportunities to get out on the water. In addition to boasting a clear and clean lake for kayaking and fishing, families love visiting the sand beach and swimming in the gently lapping shores of this resplendent reservoir.

Best Things To Do In Mansfield For Families

With a 40-acre elephant haunting the room, Mansfield might not be the first place you think of in terms of family-friendly getaways in Ohio. But alas, this town has much to offer kids and families, from under-the-radar children's museums to splash pads and even a carousel park!

7. Ontario Splash Park

A newer addition to the family fun in Mansfield, Ohio, the Mansfield Area YMCA has opened a fully inclusive splash pad for members and the community to enjoy. Some of the fun features include an iconic dumping bucket, gentle jets throughout, misting, and a submarine and VW van with water, lights, and music effects.

8. Richland Carrousel Park

Here in the Buckeye State, it isn’t hard to find the best new and exciting day trips in Ohio the whole family will love, not with places like the Richland Carrousel Park hiding in plain sight! This little-known carrousel park is indoors, too, making it the perfect year-round day trip destination for families with children. Richland Carrousel Park in Mansfield, Ohio, is a hidden gem most people who aren’t from the area don’t know about, but once you do know about this charming attraction, you'll want to return time and time again.

9. Buckeye Imagination Museum

Learning is made fun at the Buckeye Imagination Museum, a place of STEAM-powered fun and endless possibility. This children's museum is a well-kept town secret that, once you visit, is sure to become one of your family's favorite places, too!

10. Malabar Farm State Park

An Ohio State Park that's *also* a farm, Malabar Farm State Park is another hidden gem for families in Mansfield, Ohio. The farm was built in the late 1930s by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Louis Bromfield, who lived on site until he passed away in the 1950s. Today, the farm is a state park, featuring the Pugh Cabin (which is famous for its appearance in The Shawshank Redemption), the historic Ceely Rose House, a restaurant, and more. Because of all the amenities and attractions, this is the kind of place you can easily spend all day -- so give yourself plenty of time to explore!

Free Things To Do In Mansfield

One of the best things about being a mid-sized town is that, by and large, you have many of the amenities found in big cities, but without big-city price tags. This is certainly the case in Mansfield, Ohio, with the following just a few of the awesome free things do to in town:

11. Mansfield Fire Museum & Educational Center

There's something about fire trucks that's irresistible to kids and adults alike, making the Mansfield Fire Museum & Educational Center a delight of a place to discover. The museum includes reproductions of a turn-of-the-century fire station and a part of Main Street in downtown Mansfield featuring the famous Coney Island. It's open seasonally, May through October, with other tour times by appointment.

12. Mansfield Richland County Public Library

"When in doubt, go to the library." If you're a Buckeye State bookworm like me, you certainly abide by Hermione Granger's advice and are always delighted to learn about a new library. Mansfield Richland County Public Library is certainly one for any bookworm's list; this stately building was dedicated on December 19, 1908, and additions were added in 1951 and 1989. It's a fun and free place to visit that's sure to capture your imagination!

13. Mansfield Central Park

Forget New York City; here in Mansfield, Ohio, Central Park is the place to be! This beautiful green space is the heart of the downtown district -- make a wish on the Vasbinder Fountain, take a selfie at the replica bench from "The Shawshank Redemption," and let the kids run amok at the playground in this two-acre public park!

Honorable Mentions

We'd be remiss to write an article about the best things to do in Mansfield, Ohio, without mentioning the following honorable mentions.

14. Best Wintertime Fun: Snow Trails

Skiing in Ohio? Absolutely! Snow Trails in Mansfield, Ohio features a pretty epic snow tubing park that’s home to the longest snow tubing lanes in the state. If you want to make the best of the winter season, this is one resort you need to add to your winter bucket list!

15. Best Place To Try Axe Throwing: Axe Social Lounge

Have you ever just wanted to throw axes at things? I know I have! The question of safely participating in such an activity is worth considering, however. Luckily, Axe Social Lounge has you covered! Gather your friends, grab an axe, and have fun! This is a delightful experience you simply have to try.

16. Most Epic Paintball Park: Battle Zone Paintball Park III

Mansfield has a lot of fun activities for both the young and young at heart, and Battle Zone Paintball Park III is another recreation winner in the region. With six different "battle zones" from which to choose, variety is the name of the game at this epic paintball park in Mansfield!

17. Wine And Dine Winner: 1285 Winery

Another destination in Mansfield, Ohio, that might surprise you, 1285 Winery is located on a blueberry farm that's peak Buckeye State bucolic beauty. It's the perfect backdrop for a special night out, and with wood-fired pizzas, artisan charcuterie boards, and lots of wines and craft beers available, a night of "wining and dining" in Ohio awaits!

18. Oldest Restaurant In Mansfield: Coney Island Diner

A local favorite since 1936, Coney Island Diner is your classic, All-American diner anchoring a classic, All-American town. The inside is old-fashioned and full of nostalgia, while the menu boasts a tantalizing array of diner classics like cheeseburgers, fries, and shakes. This humble little diner is also famous for its pea salad, which, if you've yet to try, definitely belongs on your Buckeye State foodie list!

See? We told you Mansfield was an all-around all star of a mid-sized Buckeye State town! Keep this guide to the best things do in Mansfield in your back pocket for your next Ohio adventure... you're in for quite a treat when you visit Mansfield, Ohio!

As you're planning your visit to Mansfield, be sure to check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List for our favorite essentials and must-haves.