Visit Ohio’s Crazy Cornhenge Attraction

The Field of Corn in Dublin Ohio is affectionately called Cornhenge by the locals and is one of the larger than life attractions you’ll find in the area.”

While road tripping through Columbus Ohio, you’ll find a ton of attractions to stop and check out but if you’re short on time and can’t swing a trip to one of the museums or the zoo, you’ll find a couple of roadside attractions that will allow you to get out of your vehicle, stretch your legs and get back on the road a few minutes later.

The best part? These attractions are free!

From dancing hares to a monument that honors Leatherlips to one of my favorite displays of public art, Cornhenge. The field of giant ears of corn never fails to put a smile on my face.

One wouldn’t expect to see a field of corn in the middle of Dublin, yet that’s exactly what you’ll find, surrounded by corporate buildings and traffic lights. Thirteen rows with a total of 109 concrete ears of corn that stand over six feet tall comprise Cornhenge as it’s referred to by locals, also known as the Field of Corn (with Osage Orange Trees) by the artist who dreamed up this outdoor exhibit.

For more things to do in Dublin, check out our post on exploring historic Dublin.

This roadside attraction pays homage to the area’s once-rural agricultural background and perhaps makes a statement as to the loss of farmland that was once so prevalent in the area.

The project, by artist Malcolm Cochran, a professor of sculpture at Ohio State University was commissioned by the Dublin Art in Public Places program and dedicated October 30, 1994, on land that was once farmed by Sam Frantz who developed hybrid corn.  The park where you’ll find the is now named Frantz Park.

You may think the ears of corn are identical to one another, but three molds with three different kernel patterns were used to create the larger than life-sized ears of corn which is made of white concrete. Each ear weighs over 1500 pounds and is securely positioned with a three-foot concrete foundation.

Bordering the field is a row of Osage orange trees that date to the 19th century.  I admit I barely noticed the trees the first few times I visited because the ears of corn enthralled me.

It wasn’t until some years later that I realized the trees were Osage Orange trees and were actually a planned part of the total outdoor art piece.

You’ll also find bronze place markers that tell visitors the history of the land and how corn was planted and farmed by the Indians who once called the land home as well as the settlers who later inhabited the land.

Plan Your Visit to the Field of Corn Dublin Ohio

You’ll find this unique tourist attraction at:

Address: 4995 Rings Road Dublin, Ohio (this spot is a few minutes from 270 and the Tuttle Crossing Mall)
Hours: Open dawn to dusk but visible all hours
Cost: Free

Resources You May Enjoy

If you love roadside attractions as much as I do you’ll want to check out my new Roadside Attractions Adult Coloring Book that was recently featured on Conde Nast Traveler! The Field of Corn was one of the first roadside attractions that I ever visited so of course, I had to include it in the coloring book.  Buy the roadside attractions coloring book and start planning your own fun adventures.

If you’re looking for more fun and quirky things to find in Columbus, I recommend the following resources:

Other Attractions You May Enjoy in the Area

• • The Giant Dancing Hares Roadside Attraction

• • 10 FREE Things to do in Columbus Ohio with the Kids (or not)

• • The Topiary Park in Columbus

• Step Into the 1950’s as you Tour a Lustron Home in Columbus 

Have you visited the Field of Corn (with Osage Orange Trees)? Leave a comment below and tell us about your experience!

Pin this to your Ohio board for later: 

This post was originally published on June 28, 2010.