Mansfield, Ohio Local Legends and Halloween Hauntings

It's October, and you know what that means. Leaves are changing color, everything is pumpkin spice, and it's time for haunted houses. Though some people don't quite get the thrill of haunted houses, there's something enticing about the idea of getting a scare – as long as it doesn't get out of hand.

In Mansfield, Ohio, family, friends, and neighbors go all out on their haunted house shenanigans.  Mansfield is the county seat of Richland County. Home to about 75,000 people, with more than 124,000 in the Greater Metro Area, it is known as the "heart of Ohio." For many brave souls, it is also the heart of Halloween!

Chills and Thrills in Mansfield, Ohio

Mansfield offers all kinds of great amenities – but haunted houses aren't typically one you'd guess.

Believe it or not, the Mansfield area is home to a great number of Halloween-y attractions, some available year around. They range from annual Halloween haunted houses to preserved historic sites said to attract ghosts.

You won't want to miss these spooky sights:

• Ohio State Reformatory
  Ghost Hunts have been going on at the old Ohio State Reformatory for years. During a Ghost Hunt, participants have the chance to seek out and document paranormal activity. Ghost Walks offer an intense two-hour guided tour focusing on suspected paranormal hot spots in the building. It's a great way to combine haunting and history for younger visitors.
  
  
• Haunted Bissman Building
  The Bissman Building is known as one of the area's most haunted locations. It has attracted film crews and paranormal investigators from around the world. Originally built in 1886, it hosts a variety of businesses but is still open for those who want a daytime history tour or nighttime paranormal investigation. You can even spend the night...if you're brave enough!
  
  
• Mansfield Fire Museum & Educational Center
  Unexplained sounds and movements are common at the Mansfield Fire Museum where some visitors have said to spot mysterious "shadow people." In the light of day, the Museum offers a unique opportunity to step back in time. It commemorates a time of horse-drawn fire equipment and the local "bucket brigade," with unique artifacts from throughout history.
  
  

• Malabar Farm State Park
  Historic Malabar Farm is just the sort of place where you'd expect a haunting! Although the big farm house is beautiful during the day, at night all is not as it appears. The historic landmark, dating back to 1939, has been a locus of supernatural activity ever since visitors noticed signs of the ghost of conservationist Louis Bromfield, former owner of the Farm.
  
  
• Renaissance Performing Arts Association
  Actors on the stage have a reputation for being some of the most superstitious people around. Since many of the theater's biggest ghost stories come from the Renaissance era, it's no surprise that the Renaissance Performing Arts Association has seen its share of frights. Paranormal tours encompass the backstage and basement areas when plays are not being held.

Halloween is Scary – Real Estate Doesn't Have to Be

Homes in Mansfield are an amazing deal – especially when they're not haunted. Contact Haring Realty and the only thing scary will be just how easy finding a great Mansfield home can be. Our REALTORS® will help you every step of the way.