A banker convicted of uxoricide forms a friendship over a quarter century with a hardened convict, while maintaining his innocence and trying to remain hopeful through simple compassion.
Sonic, 1421, Main Street, Hamilton, Butler County, Ohio, 45013, United States of America
Scene: (Exterior, rural town of "Buxton" where "Red" journeys to; shot of bus leaving with "Red" near end of film)
Mechanics Building and Loan Company, 2, South Main Street, Mansfield Central Park District, Mansfield, Richland County, Ohio, 44902, United States of America
Scene: (The prison that is used in the large panning scene, and used for the wardens office.)
Sandy Point, White Lady, Whites Bay, Saint Croix District, United States Virgin Islands, 00850, United States of America
Scene: (End Beach Scene)
1021, Searles Road, Secor Gardens, Toledo, Lucas County, Ohio, 43607, United States of America
Scene: (cabin at beginning, tree and rock wall)
55, Prince Street, Frederiksted Historic District, Frederiksted, Saint Croix District, United States Virgin Islands, 00840, United States of America
Scene: (Cottages By The Sea; final scene)
Wyandot County Courthouse, Court Street, South Sandusky Avenue Historic District, Upper Sandusky, Wyandot County, Ohio, 43351, United States of America
Scene: (location)
US 30, Vermillion Township, Ashland County, Ohio, 44838, United States of America
Scene: (Bank and bus station)
Bissman Block, 193, North Main Street, Carrousel District, Mansfield, Richland County, Ohio, 44902, United States of America
Scene: (Brewer Hotel)
131, Main Street, Bellville, Jefferson Township, Richland County, Ohio, 44813, United States of America
Scene: (Road to Buxton)
Mechanics Building and Loan Company, 2, South Main Street, Mansfield Central Park District, Mansfield, Richland County, Ohio, 44902, United States of America
Scene: (location)
103, South Sandusky Avenue, South Sandusky Avenue Historic District, Upper Sandusky, Wyandot County, Ohio, 43351, United States of America
Scene: (Mill)
Wayne Street, Mansfield, Richland County, Ohio, 44902, United States of America
Scene: (Studio, former Westinghouse Electric factory; now demolished)
USVI Division of Fish and Wildlife, Brugal Facility, La Grange Road, Frederiksted Historic District, Frederiksted Southeast, Frederiksted, Saint Croix District, United States Virgin Islands, 00840, United States of America
Scene: (Andy driving)
100, East 2nd Street, Yuma, Yuma County, Arizona, 85364, United States of America
Scene: (location)
131, Main Street, Bellville, Jefferson Township, Richland County, Ohio, 44813, United States of America
Darr Road, Sandusky County, Ohio, 43420, United States of America
Scene: (Courthouse)
98, Mansfield Avenue, Shelby Center Historic District, Shelby, Sharon Township, Richland County, Ohio, 44875, United States of America
Scene: (live in Neighborhood and watched it filmed)
Croton Road, Johnstown, Hartford Township, Licking County, Ohio, 43013, United States of America
Yavapai County, Arizona, United States of America
Decatur County, Kansas, United States of America
Saint Croix
Lucas
One of the most beloved films ever made was shot at a real, imposing prison – the Gothic Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield – with its hopeful final beach found on the shores of the US Virgin Islands.
Where was The Shawshank Redemption filmed?
The Shawshank Redemption was filmed in Ohio – the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield and nearby towns – with the final beach in the US Virgin Islands.
Every Shawshank location, explained
1
Shawshank Prison – the Ohio State Reformatory
The prison is the real, castle-like Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, now a museum and tourist attraction.
2
The Ohio towns
The film used towns around Mansfield and Upper Sandusky for its exteriors, including the courthouse.
3
The oak tree
Red’s journey to the oak tree used a real oak near Malabar Farm in Ohio (the tree has since fallen).
4
Zihuatanejo – the beach
The film’s hopeful final beach used Sandy Point on St Croix in the US Virgin Islands.
Planning a visit
The Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield is open for tours – you can walk the real Shawshank – and the film’s beach is the beautiful Sandy Point on St Croix.
Shawshank Fun Facts
1
A real Gothic prison Shawshank is the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, now a popular museum.
2
The oak tree fell The famous oak tree near Malabar Farm was damaged by storms and has since fallen.
3
The beach is St Croix The hopeful final scene used Sandy Point in the US Virgin Islands.
4
Based on Stephen King It adapts a Stephen King novella – a rare non-horror King story.
5
A slow-burn classic Modest at the box office, it became one of the most beloved films of all time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prison is Shawshank in real life?
The Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio, now a museum.
Where was the final beach filmed?
At Sandy Point on St Croix in the US Virgin Islands.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – the Ohio State Reformatory is open for tours.
