Culture and Recreation are more than a means of pleasure, they are an element important to a happy and rewarding condition of life.  These pursuits in Richland County are more varied than you would expect.  Sport, music, theatre and art each play an important role in the health of the community.  Whether practiced in solitude, as a family or other group, the richness of the pursuit here feeds the soul. 

 
Agreat overview of recreational activities is available at the 

Mansfield & Richland County Convention & Visitors' Bureau.

Points of interest including Culture and Recreation

 

Kingwood Center  <Click to view

A 47 acre horticultural wonderland is the only way to describe Kingwood Center.  Built in 1926, this estate passed to a private foundation after the death of Mr. Charles King.  Since 1953, the center has thrown open its doors and allows the public to walk in the greenhouse and gardens reminiscent of an English estate but with a distinctive American flare.  Guided tours of the mansion are also available at Kingwood.  Many cultural events find a peaceful home in this oasis from a fast-paced world.

 

 

Malabar Farm  <Click to view

As a state park, Malabar Farm is unique in Ohio and the nation.  Boasting a history rich in progressive agricultural techniques, and a link to Hollywood, this working farm is a testament to the will of its founder, Pulitzer-Prize winning novelist, Hollywood playwright and conservationist, Louis Bromfield.  Many remember the farm as the wedding location for Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart in 1945.  With many special events scheduled throughout the year, there is something of interest to draw you to the farm nestled in a special place called Pleasant Valley.

 

Mansfield Arts Center  <Click to view

Making the visual arts relevant is the goal of the Mansfield Arts Center.  Many exhibitions and special events occupy this one of a kind building and grounds.  Classes and workshops for all ages are designed to encourage creative experiences.  A flourishing art community in a rural county may seem unusual, but for people of Richland County it is a welcomed friend.

 

 

 

Mid-Ohio Sports Car  <Click to view

 

The Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is the motor sport destination in Ohio.  On any given weekend, the enthusiast can see anything from motorcycles to Indy Cars to Vintage Cars maneuvering on one of the toughest road courses in America.  The course is also the home of the Mid-Ohio Driving School along with other driving courses like Defensive Driving and Corporate Entertainment.

 

 

 

Pleasant Hill/Mohican State Park  <Click to view

This recreation destination features over 1100 acres providing outdoor activities for the entire family.  Boating, skiing, camping, hiking, fishing or hunting; this location has it all.  You can also spend restful time in a cottage or the Mohican Lodge as part of your experience.  In addition, this area is surrounded by the Mohican Memorial State Forest with it’s 4,795 wilderness acres.  If the outdoor/water experience is your thing, you will find it here.

 

 

 

Reformatory  <Click to view

Over 155,000 men spent time in the Mansfield Reformatory from 1896 through 1990.  Designed and built in another era, the Reformatory represents the optimism of the past clashing with the harsh realities of today.  The site of several movies, the Reformatory is best known as the scene for the Academy Award winning, Shawshank Redemption.  Tens of thousands of people visit this iconic location every year.  In the fall, it is well known as one of Ohio's most unusual haunted experiences.  Self and guided tours are available of this historic marvel.

 

 

Richland Academy of the Arts  <Click to view

Combining arts and education has been the goal of the academy since inception in 1991.  Classes in all the art disciplines, for all ages, number well over 230 each year.  The evolution of the academy continues today with collaboration throughout the county with other educational institutions to form satellite programs capable of fulfilling the artistic desires of a diverse community.  The academy has also added a charter school to satisfy art-focused general education.

 

 

 

Ski Lodges (Snow Trails   /   Clearfork)  <Click to view

While generally not thought of as a downhill ski location, the Richland County area has not one, but two, resorts boasting many different runs for the winter enthusiast.  Snow Trails was a pioneer in engineered snow making and uses their experience to supplement the area's snowfall making for a longer season filled with downhill fun.  They also have a large tubing area for additional fun.  Not to be outdone, Clearfork Ski Resort also provides the exciting kind of ski and tubing experience that makes them a destination of winter thrill seekers.

 

 

Tree Frog Canopy Tour  <Click to view

 Northern Ohio’s only zipline canopy tour is an adventure of a lifetime you will never forget. Our 2 1/2 to 3 hour-long, (4,025 ft total length) zip line canopy tour leads adventurers through the tree tops by means of zip lines, sky bridges, and rappels connected to platforms suspended  in the tree tops.   This tour is a “must do” for first time and experienced zip line enthusiast or anyone visiting the Loudonville Mohican area. Whether you are a nature lover, adventurist, or an adrenaline junkie you will not want to miss being one of the first to ride the Tree Frog Canopy Tour!

 

 

 B & O Bike Trail  <Click to view

 

The B & O is primarily a rural rail-trail with short sections through three small towns and the west end of Mansfield. This creates a fairly diverse change in scenery along the trail: From open farmlands, woods and river crossings to short sections alongside a factory and former grain stations. Along the bikeway you'll find mile markers, an occasional bench and a number of parking areas scattered along the way. The break stations in Bellville and Lexington provide restrooms, drink machines, water fountains and parking.

 

  

 Clearfork Lake

Clearfork is a beautiful  manmade lake with hundreds of acres of water and breathtaking views which serves as Mansfield's main water supply and boasts Ohio's finest Musky Fishing as well as a marina for boat rental and launching, a camp ground and a number of scenic picnic areas. It is also the home of the Clearfork Sailing Club. Sundays and Wednesdays members pit their skills on a number of courses.

 

  

 

 Living Bible Museum  <Click to view

 

 The tours are Miracles of the Old Testament  and Life of Christ, two 60 minute tours that feature life-size dioramas of beloved Biblical stories. Museum of Christian Martyrs and Heart of the Reformation, two additional 30 minute tours, provide an insight into the hearts of men and women as they willingly gave their lives for the Word of God.

 

 

 

 

 Little Buckeye Childrens Museum  <Click to view

  

 

The Little Buckeye Children’s Museum is a unique, safe, and welcoming environment where young children (0-12) and families can strengthen relationships and experience the benefits of play that are critical to human development. The museum’s colorful, interactive exhibits support exploration, imagination, creativity, and self-discovery through science, art, and literacy.

 

 

   

 Mansfield Symphony   <Click to view

 

 

The Mansfield Symphony has become one of the most respected orchestras in the state of Ohio. For over 75 years the organization has been providing the worlds greatest music to the people of the region. This proud history continues today with an orchestra that not only makes great music but also provides great service to the community it calls home.

 

 

 

 

Renaissance Theatre   <Click to view

 

In January of 2008 the historic Renaissance

 Theatre turned 80 years old! 

Today the theatre is host to the Mansfield Symphony, the Renaissance Broadway Series, the Renaissance Summer Musical,  the Miss Ohio Scholarship Pageant, the Funcenter Chordsmen, the Third Saturday in August Comedy Club, the Mansfield Symphony Youth Orchestra and Youth Strings, our ever-popular movie series, and many, many other events year after year. Over 75,000 people attend events at the Renaissance every year. 

 

  

Mansfield Playhouse  <Click to view

 

The Mansfield Playhouse is proud to be the second oldest continuosly-producing community theater in the state, as well as the largest producing company (according to the Ohio Community Theater Association). Formed in 1929 as the Community Players, the volunteer group  produced three shows a year using the stage at John Simpson Junior High School, practicing in a room over the Leland Hotel Garage, and building sets at West First Street School. At one time the renowned author, Louis Bromfield, gave the community players a script written by him and his secretary, George Hawkins, entitled “Here Today, Gone Tomorrow.” It was performed at the Ohio Theater and attended by Bromfield. The premiere was covered in such popular magazines as Life and Variety.