One of the country’s most talked about haunted attractions returns to the historic Ohio State Reformatory this September.
Being from California, we have no shortage of places to get scared during Halloween. Southern California alone could keep a haunt fan busy for weeks, and if you live here, it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking the best scares are always somewhere within driving distance.
Then something like Blood Prison comes along and reminds us that sometimes you need to get outside your own little Halloween bubble. Located inside the historic Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio, Blood Prison is preparing to open its ninth season on September 25, transforming the former prison into a full scale nightmare that runs through November 1.
And yeah, California haunt fans, this one might be worth putting on the travel list.
A HAUNT INSIDE A REAL PRISON
The biggest selling point of Blood Prison isn’t something that can simply be constructed inside a warehouse. The attraction takes place inside the Ohio State Reformatory, a massive Gothic structure that opened in 1896 and operated as a prison for nearly a century.
The Reformatory is also internationally recognized by horror and film fans as one of the filming locations for The Shawshank Redemption, while its history and reputation as a reportedly haunted location have made it a destination well beyond Halloween.
During Blood Prison, the building’s corridors, cell blocks and other spaces are transformed into a living horror show filled with performers, elaborate environments, lighting, sound and practical effects. In other words, you’re not walking into a temporary building that looks like a prison.
You’re walking into an actual prison. That distinction matters.
BLOOD PRISON RETURNS FOR 2026
Blood Prison will operate Friday through Sunday from September 25 through November 1, with general admission starting at $35 before fees.
The attraction is also kicking off the season with a pretty tempting opening weekend deal. From September 25 through 27, ticket purchases will be fee free, while guests selecting admission times of 10 p.m. or later can save an additional $10.
Blood Prison says its cast includes more than 100 characters, including the imposing Warden’s Widow, a 6 foot 7 inch character who has built a massive following online.
Founder and Haunt Manager Vic Amesquita says this year’s attraction will feature new sets along with new audio, lighting and visual elements. The Warden’s Widow is also returning with a new costume.
So even if you’ve been before, apparently the prison isn’t exactly staying the same.
IT’S MORE THAN JUST A NIGHTTIME HAUNT
For those who want to experience the Reformatory without having someone jump out of the darkness every 30 seconds, Blood Prison also offers its Beyond The Scare Tour.
The daytime, lights on experience gives visitors a chance to explore portions of the Reformatory while learning about the building’s history and seeing the haunt’s sets and decorations without the full nighttime scare experience.
The approximately 90 minute tour includes areas such as the sub basement and the so called “Jesus Room.” It is open to guests ages 8 and older, although the attraction warns that some of the displays contain blood, gore and disturbing imagery.
The Beyond The Scare Tour runs daily from September 25 through November 2 and costs $40 before fees.
WHY CALIFORNIA HAUNT FANS SHOULD PAY ATTENTION
Here’s the thing. We love our California haunts. We spend enough time covering them to know that this state has no shortage of incredible Halloween attractions. But there is something special about experiencing a haunt that is built around a location with an actual history.
The Ohio State Reformatory doesn’t need to pretend it has secrets buried in its walls. It has nearly a century of history behind it.
Blood Prison simply takes that atmosphere and turns the volume all the way up.
For anyone already planning a Halloween road trip, Mansfield is less than 90 minutes from both Columbus and Cleveland, making Blood Prison a potentially interesting addition to an Ohio horror itinerary.
And if you’re thinking about going, don’t wait until October to figure it out. Blood Prison says advance ticket purchases are strongly encouraged, with passes known to sell out. California may have plenty of fog, chainsaws and monsters waiting for us this Halloween, but sometimes the best way to find a new nightmare is to leave the neighborhood.
Blood Prison runs September 25 through November 1, 2026, at the Ohio State Reformatory, 100 Reformatory Road, Mansfield, Ohio.
We’ll see you in the fog.
Or, apparently, somewhere inside an old Ohio prison.