One of America’s most acclaimed haunted attractions, Blood Prison, returns to the historic Ohio State Reformatory, the home of Inkcarceration Fest in Mansfield, Ohio, for its ninth season starting September 25, running every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through November 1. Opening weekend, September 25 to 27 is fee-free, and tickets from 10pm onwards receive $10 off.
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Blood Prison is not built inside a warehouse or a temporary Halloween venue. It unfolds inside the Ohio State Reformatory, the massive former prison in Mansfield, Ohio, known worldwide as a filming location for The Shawshank Redemption. Opened in 1896 and operated as a prison for nearly a century, the Reformatory’s steel cell blocks, stone corridors, and imposing Gothic architecture give Blood Prison something no fabricated haunted house can reproduce: the atmosphere of the real thing.
For the 2026 season, creator and haunt manager Vic Amesquita promises new sets, new audio, lighting, and visuals never done before, alongside the return of the iconic Warden’s Widow, a six-foot-seven character who has amassed over one million followers on TikTok and has been featured in People magazine, in a new costume.
Amesquita says: “We’re excited to get things going for 2026. We have a lot of new sets in the haunt at Blood Prison this year, along with new audio, lighting, and visuals that we have never done before. The Warden’s Widow also returns in a new costume!”
For guests who want to experience the sets without the scares, Blood Prison also offers the Beyond the Scare Tour, a daytime, lights-on walkthrough open to ages 8 and up, running daily from September 25 through November 2 for $40 plus fees. The tour includes access to the sub-basement, the “Jesus Room,” and more.
Amesquita got his start in special effects working with fellow Ohio native Robert Kurtzman, film producer, director, and special effects creator. Blood Prison passes always sell out, advance purchase is strongly recommended.
SEASON DETAILS
Blood Prison at the Ohio State Reformatory
100 Reformatory Road, Mansfield, Ohio 44905
Season: September 25 through November 1, 2026
Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening
Opening Weekend September 25 to 27: Fee-free tickets, $10 off for 10pm entry or later
Ticket prices:
General Admission: $35
Ultra Lightning Pass: $55 (cuts wait time by more than half)
Instant Access Pass: $80 (VIP front of line, no reserved time slot needed)
Touch Pass add-on: $7 (allows contact with haunt characters — available with GA and Ultra Lightning Pass)
Beyond the Scare Tour: $40 (daily September 25 through November 2, ages 8 and over)