Spooktober is among us, and if the fall unleashes a deep desire within you to scare yourself to bits, then nothing — and I mean nothing — is more terrifying than this haunted prison.
The Ohio State Reformatory — yes, Shawshank — takes you beyond cheap jump scares and straight into full-blown terror.
Not only do you get to wind through the halls of a legit, mysteriously-closed-down, super haunted prison, but you’ll also come face to face with some seriously terrifying creatures. And if you think you can avoid them by looking at the floor or pretending you’re not scared — well, good luck with that. The Blood Prison‘s actors are pros.
Arriving at Shawshank
The moment you step foot on the grounds, you’re fair game. The actors roaming outside expertly pick out the most nervous-looking folks, and trust me, they don’t hold back. The second they catch you avoiding eye contact? Boom!
They’re in your face, breathing weirdly and growling like they’re about to drag you off to a cell. And that’s before you’ve even made it inside.
Locked Away
Once you cross the threshold into the prison itself, things get real. Remember, this isn’t just any haunted house… you’re walking through the very same hallways that housed real prisoners. A prison shut down in 1990 for being overcrowded and inhumane.
It’s already creepy AF during the day, but at night? Having to weave through cell blocks where thousands of prisoners once lived… or didn’t make it? With people jumping out at you from the shadows? Your heart rate will go through the roof.
I’ve done my fair share of haunted houses, but there’s something about the history of the place that gets under your skin in a way no regular attraction can.
And if you’re feeling extra brave or just a little unhinged (yep, I’m the latter), you can opt for the touch pass. If you don’t know what the touch pass is, I’m sure you can take a wild guess…
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill haunted house where they just scream at you from the shadows. With the touch pass, the actors are allowed (and encouraged) to grab you. And, mind you, it’s not just a quick touch to make you jump. I’m talking full-on grabbing, pinning you against walls, pulling your hair, and even sticking their fingers in your ear (yyyup).
At one point, a guy with a REAL chainsaw (minus the blades, thank god) grabbed me by the leg and pressed the roaring chainsaw against it like he was about to slice it off. My brain knew it wasn’t real, but in that moment?
Full-on panic.
This is more than just a haunted house. It’s a total sensory overload that purposely assaults your senses to the extreme.
And let’s not forget, you’re walking through Shawshank — a prison that feels haunted even without the actors. The Ohio State Reformatory has a history that would creep you out on a sunny afternoon, let alone when you’re navigating it at night with costumed monsters chasing you with chainsaws, fake knifes, rifles, etc.
It’s like stepping into a horror movie, except you’re the one starring in it.
The Great Escape
Luckily, I made it out intact, though with many more screams and belly laughs under my belt (it’s honestly so fun seeing your friends get frightened).
So, if this article somehow got you geared up for a haunted house that will leave you questioning all your life choices, The Ohio State Reformatory is your place. But don’t say I didn’t warn you… once you’re inside, there’s no escape.
Are you ready to take on Shawshank?