15 Quirky Attractions in Ohio You Didn’t Know Existed
Ohio is a typical Midwestern state with rolling farmlands and bustling cities, but beneath that classic charm are offbeat attractions that would astound even the savviest traveler. Ohio’s hidden gems are great for curious people tired of the usual tourist spots.
Whimsical and wacky, strange and insane or downright weird, these attractions promise an adventure that takes the ordinary and makes it extraordinary. If you’re a lifelong resident or just passing through, these lesser known attractions will offer you a new and fresh perspective on the Buckeye State.
World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock
In Sugarcreek, popularly known as “The Little Switzerland of Ohio”, you’ll find what might be the biggest cuckoo clock in the world. The Swiss themed carvings, music box and dancing figurines perform hourly on this towering clock. Stepping into Amish Country and watching the clock “come alive” kind of feels like stepping into a fairy tale with just a little bit of Swiss whimsy.
Hartman Rock Garden
Nestled deep in the city of Springfield, Ohio, lies an outdoor rock garden covered with the tiniest of castles, statues and detailed sculptures. This garden of stone creations was built during the Great Depression by Ben Hartman and is both artistic and historical.
World’s Biggest Basket Building
A building in Newark literally looks like a giant basket. The Longaberger Company used to have their headquarters here within this seven story, basket-shaped building. It’s an exact replica of the company’s Medium Market Basket, down to “handles” that weigh almost 150 tons. Even if the building’s fate is uncertain, it’s a must see oddity for visitors and a reminder that Ohio can compete when it comes to eye catching architecture.
Loveland Castle
Loveland Castle in Loveland, Ohio, is far from medieval Europe, but it gives the Midwest a taste of chivalry. Château Laroche was hand built by Harry Andrews, a local medievalist, beginning in the 1920s. Loveland Castle is made of stones picked up from the nearby Little Miami River, filled with swords and armor and everything knightly.
The Ohio State Reformatory
A Gothic castle rather than a correctional facility, this hauntingly beautiful prison stands in Mansfield, Ohio. The Ohio State Reformatory was the site of legendary architecture and ghostly legends that helped make it famous in the film, The Shawshank Redemption. The prison has tours for visitors to learn of its history and hear stories of paranormal encounters. If ghost stories aren’t really your thing then the building’s structure is definitely worth a visit.
A Christmas Story House
The actual house used in the classic holiday film, “A Christmas Story,” is in Cleveland. Here the iconic leg lamp, the Red Ryder BB gun, the shopping cart leg and all Ralphie’s over the top Christmas memories come to life. The restored 1940s style home is open for visitors to tour, the museum across the street is open, and visitors can even stay overnight in the house if they want to experience their own version of Christmas magic—or chaos.
Ohio Caverns
The Ohio Caverns in West Liberty are called “America’s Most Colorful Caverns” and they’re a dazzling sight underground. These caverns are known for their brilliant formations of stalactites, stalagmites, and fine crystal white calcite crystals, but they are a wonderland of natural beauty. Guided tours take you through a stunning underground world that’s as mesmerizing as it is educational.
The Temple of Tolerance
The Temple of Tolerance, crafted by Jim Bowsher over decades, is hidden in the backyard of a Wapakoneta home. The temple was built from rocks, sculptures and other materials gathered from all over the world, and has a slightly mystical feel to it. This unconventional sanctuary is open for locals and visitors to wander through, and get the peace it offers.
The Great Serpent Mound
Ohio is home to one of the most mysterious ancient earthworks in North America, the Great Serpent Mound. Nearly 1,300 feet long, it’s a prehistoric effigy mound in Adams County that bears the shape of a giant serpent: a coiled tail and open mouth. The mound was created by ancient indigenous cultures, which confers a touch of mystery to the history of the mound.
Ghost Town of Moonville
If you’re into ghost stories, check out the Moonville Tunnel near McArthur, Ohio. Eerie tales coupled with local legends surround this abandoned railroad tunnel, haunted by the spirits of railroad workers and travelers, they said. Moonville is an atmospheric spot, deep in the Zaleski State Forest, for those who like a little of the paranormal and don’t mind things that go bump in the night.
Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum
This motorcyclist museum is situated in Pickerington, Ohio to recognize the heritage of the sport and the those who rode. A gallery for legendary riders and a very extensive collection of bikes from different times make for a gem among motorcycle collectors. If you’re not a rider, the displays of beautifully restored vintage motorcycles are impressive.
Toledo’s Glass Pavilion
One of the world’s most impressive glass collections is housed in the Glass Pavilion at the Toledo Museum of Art. Almost entirely built of glass, the building is itself a marvel of modern architecture. You can watch live glassblowing demonstrations or view intricate glass art pieces from around the globe inside.
The Velvet Ice Cream Factory
The Velvet Ice Cream Factory is at Utica, Ohio and you can tour the factory and see ice cream being made in an historic setting. This family owned factory has been churning out delicious treats for over a century in an old gristmill. Of course, there is sampling of fresh ice cream at the end of the tour.
Center of Science and Industry (COSI)
COSI in Columbus is not your typical science museum. It is known as one with interactive exhibits and has everything from dinosaur fossils to a high wire unicycle. In particular, the unicycle ride is a draw for daredevils all over, allowing you to pedal along a wire some distance above the ground.
Cornhenge
There’s a field of corn in Dublin, Ohio, full of giant concrete corn cobs, which is as funny as it is confusing. This art installation is made up of 109 ears of concrete corn, each one measuring 6 feet or taller. A tribute to the area’s agricultural history, it’s also a great place for some absurdly fun photos.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
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