FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about the Shawshank Trail:
- Can I drive this tour at my own pace?
- Are there other options to do along the Trail?
- What about overnight accommodations?
- Do any restaurants offer a Shawshank meal or snack?
- Can I go inside all the locations?
- Can I go on the land where the oak tree is located?
- May I take pictures?
- I have an interesting fact to share about Shawshank!
- How do I get a brochure?
Q. Can I drive this tour at my own pace?
A. Yes, this is a drive-it-yourself tour where you can visit or take as many days to see the 12 sites at your own leisurely pace. This is not a walking tour. The only way to see all 12 locations is to drive your car. The only "guided tours" of the 12 locations is at the Historic Ohio State Reformatory and Malabar Farm State Park.
Q. Are there other options to do along the Trail?
A. Yes. Click on "Trail Sites" icon to see other attractions, restaurants, shops, events and lodging facilities along or nearby the Trail. Some locations have Shawshank themed items like a Shawshankwich Sandwich at Ed Pickens' Cafe on Main, a Shawshank Sundae at Olivesburg General Store, Prison Break Old Fashioned Sodas at the Richland Carrousel Park, Prison Bar Candy Bars at the Squirrel's Den, A Shawshank Bundt Cake at the Eatmor Bundt Company and themed lodging packages. The Shawshank Trail is just one of the long list of truly one-of-a-kind experiences travelers find when visiting Mansfield, Ohio.
Q. What about overnight accommodations?
A. These lodging facilities offer an overnight Shawshank package:
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Q. Do any restaurants offer a Shawshank meal or snack?
A. Yes! Cafe on Main has a Shawshankwich sandwich and the Eatmor Bundt Company has a prison bundt cake, available in small or large sizes. See their Shawshank bundt cake on display!
The Squirrel's Den Chocolates offers visitors Shawshank chocolate candy bars. See their permanent chocolate Shawshank displays!
Q. Can I go inside all the locations?
A. No. While most sites welcome visitors to tour their facility like the Ohio State Reformatory, Malabar Farm State Park, Revivals Two Thrift Store there are some locations that can only be viewed from the outside of the building or with advanced notice. The Bissman Building, Pugh Cabin at Malabar Farm State Park, Renaissance Theatre, Huntington National Bank, Wyandot County Courthouse and Stephan Lumber Company welcome visitors with advance notice.
Q. Can I go on the land where the oak tree is located?
A. No. This is private property and is currently being used as farmland. Please respect the owner's property and land by not tresspassing. Please do not stop on the road to view the tree. The tree is best viewed on Malabar Farm's property. Check with Malabar's staff in the Visitors Center if you have questions. On July 29, 2011, the oak tree was damaged by high winds and only half remains. We still encourage visitors to see where it stands and continue to visit all 12 Hollywood filming sites!
Q. May I take pictures?
A. Yes, pictures are encouraged. If you would like for us to use your photo on this web site, please click on the "Submit a Photo" icon button for the easiest and fastest way for us to receive your photo. Subject to approval.
Q. I have an interesting fact to share about Shawshank!
A. If you have an interesting fact that you would like to add to this site, please click on the "Submit an Interesting Fact" icon button for the easiest and fastest way for us to receive your interesting Shawshank fact. Subject to approval.
Q. How do I get a brochure?
A. The easiest and quickest way is to print off a copy of the Shawshank Trail brochure by clicking on the "Brochure" icon. You can also call our office at 800-642-8282 to have one mailed to you. Or visit our "Contact" page to request a brochure.
Q. Are there Shawshank items available for purchase?
A. Yes! Click on the "Apparel" icon to see the newest items available. T-shirts and tote bags are available on this web site. Local retailers sell their own unique items such as Shawshank candy bars and chocolates at the Squirrel's Den, Shawshank bundt cakes at the Eatmor Bundt Company/Twisted Fig Tea Room and the "Shawshankwich" at Ed Pickens' Cafe on Main.
