Richland County already has an amazing lineup of tourism and visitor destinations, and several of those attractions are introducing exciting new experiences this year. Whether you have visited these places before or haven’t yet, put them on your list of 2020 Must Visit Locations.
Garden Gateway at Kingwood Center Gardens
The new Garden Gateway will transform the visitor experience at the historic garden estate of Kingwood Center Gardens. The Garden Gateway will feature an auto garden, a visitor center, and updated garden areas. The visitor center will soon serve as the launching point for guests to the garden. This space will include ticketing, a history-filled exhibit gallery highlighting the legacy of the estate’s former owner Charles Kelley King, the Garden Gateway Café, the Kingwood Ballroom, and a gift shop and greenhouse store. The 2020 season at Kingwood Center Garden will begin April 1. The Garden Gateway is expected to open in July.
Shawshank Redemption Museum at the Ohio State Reformatory
Immerse yourself in the making of the beloved film, The Shawshank Redemption, at the historic Ohio State Reformatory. The Shawshank Museum will take you behind the scenes with props, set pieces, costumes, photos, reproductions, and videos.
BibleWalk “Kingdom of God” Tour
A sixth tour is coming to Ohio’s only life-sized wax museum! The 30-minute Kingdom of God Tour will take guests through an in-depth look at the primary message of Jesus when he said, “The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” This tour is expected to open in the spring.
The Caverns at Hudson & Essex
Soon you will be able to dine in the historic caverns that were discovered beneath the Hudson & Essex restaurant and winery. The cavern space will also be available to rent for unforgettable special events.
Mansfield Art Center’s Education & Event Space
The Mansfield Art Center is expanding with a new 4,800-square-foot education wing. The expansion will provide more space for art classes and will include a “hot zone” for the creation of high-fire ceramics and glass art. An outdoor event pavilion with ample covered seating is also in the works for hosting special events, performances, weddings, and more.
Mansfield Area YMCA’s Splash Pad Park
The first of its kind, the Mansfield YMCA has opened a fully inclusive splash pad for members and the community to enjoy. The Splash Pad Park is specially designed to foster play for children of all abilities and includes a dumping bucket, gentle jets, misters, a submarine, and a VW van with water, lights, and music effects. The park is open Memorial Day through Labor Day, weather permitting.
Pleasant Hill Lake Park’s Log Cabins
Book a stay at Pleasant Hill Lake Park for horsepower boating, hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and more. Ten new log cabins will be available beginning in April, offering rustic yet modern accommodations within a wooded quiet setting only a short distance from the lake and swim beach area.
Find more notable things to do and places to eat, drink, and stay at DestinationMansfield.com.
Source: Destination Mansfield – Richland County; Photo: 1812Blockhouse
