Take a tour at these historic Ohio jails

Jail CellPhoto byGrant DurronUnsplash

Do you enjoy true crime and learning about another time and place? Then take a historic jail tour. You'll learn about the inmates who once sat behind bars and how they got there. Here are a few tours Ohio has to offer:

Sandusky County Historic Jail & Dungeon Tours

If you’ve ever wondered what jail life was like back in the day, don’t miss the Sandusky County Historic Jail & Dungeon Tours. The dungeon was built in the early 1840s after multiple inmates escaped in a short amount of time from the less secure above-ground jail. The 1892 jail has ties to President Rutherford B. Hayes, and like the dungeon, it has plenty of stories to tell.

Take the Flashlight Tour. In the darkness, the “hair might raise on the back of your neck” as you hear the stories of those who once sat in the cells. Upcoming tour dates include May 15th, June 12th, and July 10th. Tours of the dungeon are also available on select dates. They last four hours and focus on paranormal activity.

Historic Jail Museum & Information Center

Nestled in Caldwell, the Historic Jail has stood since 1882. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the only “facilities to house the jail and jailer’s residence under one roof.” Fascinating displays highlight the jail’s storied history, and guests can even play checkers during their visit.

The Historic Jail Museum & Information Center is open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 11:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Admission is by donation.

Ohio State Reformatory

Step inside the Ohio State Reformatory to learn about a “century of prison life and legends.” Featured in The Shawshank Redemption, the reformatory welcomed its first inmates in 1896. Inmates who showed progress after 18 months could be released at that time. Those who didn’t received another 18 months. Eventually, the reformatory became a maximum security prison. It closed in 1990.

Today, more than 120,000 visitors walk through the doors every year to enjoy tours or look for paranormal activity. One of the tour offerings includes Beyond the Bars. The guide will share stories about the inner workings of the prison and offer access to areas typically off-limits to the public.