14 Bizarre Roadside Attractions In Ohio That Are Fascinatingly Weird
Here in Ohio, we’ve got some pretty odd roadside attractions. When embarking on a road trip through Ohio, it’s easy to come across these places that offer the perfect opportunity to get out and stretch your legs. From giant objects you can see from the road to unusual backyard museums, we have it all here in the Buckeye State. The next time you are in the mood for something unusual or you’re wondering about some weird places in Ohio, here are 14 bizarre roadside attractions in Ohio that will likely make you do a double take.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Along State Route 45 outside of Country Cousins, a log-furniture company in Austinburg, you'll find the world's largest rocking chair. While it's unknown who built the chair, the big seat has been sitting in Austinburg since the '60s.
Ohio has its own version of Stonehenge, thanks to Dublin's Field of Corn, also known as "Cornhenge." (But I highly doubt foreigners would speculate that we use it as a calendar.)
What was once the pottery capital of the United States is now home to yet another homage to Stonehenge. This collaborative effort of local artists can be found at the foot of the Y-Bridge.
Jim Bowsher's home in the small town of Wapakoneta features an impressive museum of artifacts from the America you don't typically read about in history books, and a truly tranquil temple complex in his backyard. The central monument of the temple complex is dedicated to tolerance, and Bowsher continues to add to his unique creation to this day.
Customers routinely discard chewed gum and stick it on the side of this Maid-Rite Drive-In in Greenville. Why? We're really not sure! But it's definitely one of those weird places in Ohio you just have to accept.
Columbus Washboard Company in Logan is home to the world's largest washboard (and all kinds of vintage laundry products.) It is located at 14 Gallagher Ave., Logan, OH 43138.
Observe a mixture of history, religion, and Depression-era pop culture via this unique garden, built by Harry "Ben" Hartman between1932 through 1939. The garden can be seen today at the corner of McCain and Russell streets in Springfield.
The Longaberger Company's former headquarters features the world's largest basket. This seven-story basket building along State Route 16 in Newark is a novelty piece of architecture you have to see to believe. After the company shut down, the future of the basket remained in question. But it has since been purchased and there are plans to reuse the structure in a unique way.
Created by the Galitza family, this unique roadside attraction in Findlay features a replica of an 1880s-era ghost town that was first open to the public in the 1950s. Today, the ghost town has been restored after a period of abandonment and even features arts and crafts vendors and antique and flea market vendors on select dates.
Cleveland is home to the world's largest rubber stamp. Known as "The Free Stamp," this large outdoor sculpture in Willard Park has been there since the early '90s.
In Alliance, you’ll find a truly unique collection on display that will likely take you down memory lane—and transport you to a whole other world. The Troll Hole is a little-known museum and art gallery that features the world’s largest collection of trolls.
The small city of Circleville in Pickaway County is home to the annual Circleville Pumpkin Show and its water tower is depicted as the world's largest pumpkin, (of course).
How many of these roadside attractions in Ohio have you seen? Which one is your favorite stop along a road trip through Ohio? We’d love to hear what you think in the comments.
What are the best road trips to take through Ohio?
If you’re looking for a unique getaway, but do not want to venture far from home, a road trip through Ohio is a great option! Our state is filled with exciting things to do and see, as well as natural wonders, restaurants, sporting events, museums, zoos, and so much more. If you need a few suggestions of road trips and things to do in Ohio, check out these versions about castles, natural wonders, chocolate shops, small towns, haunted places, waterfalls, and a general list of some of the best.
What bizarre trait is Ohio known for?
We are proud of our bizarre traits here in Ohio, and there are quite a few. We spell out the name of our state with our arms (O-H…), we put chili on our spaghetti (we see you, Cincy), and we enjoy a cold pop (not soda) while telling others which high school we attended. There are many more, of course, and you can read about 12 weird things people from Ohio do in our previous article.
April is the Ohio staff writer for Only in Your State. She is an Ohio native with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. With more than 10 years of writing experience and a background in news reporting for Ohio newspapers, she's published pieces in multiple print and online publications. When she's not on deadline or chasing after her toddler, she's hunting for hidden gems in Ohio or getting lost in a good book.
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