Ohio has its fair share of interesting and quirky attractions but this iconic roadside wonder near Marblehead is one of my favorites.
Allow me to introduce you to Handless Jacques.
Handless Jacques stands along State Route 163 in Marblehead between a gas station and an empty lot.
Don’t worry; if you’re driving to Marblehead to lay eyes on the 30-foot-tall fiberglass figure, you can’t miss him.
And for those like me, who are interested in taking a photo of this massive roadside attraction, you’ll find plenty of parking available.
This is the only location I remember seeing “Jacques,” but interestingly, this is not his original home.
Jacques once stood in front of a sandwich shop almost eighty miles south of Marblehead in Marion, Ohio.
In the late sixties, he welcomed guests to Jacques’, a roast beef sandwich shop. In his outstretched arms, he held a large roast beef sandwich.
When the restaurant closed and Jacques was no longer needed, he was relocated to Marblehead, minus his sandwich.
He has stood in his current location along Route 163 next door to Mickey Mart for over 50 years to welcome those visiting the small town that sits along the shore of Lake Erie.
Restoring Handless Jacques
As you can see from the Handless Jacques photos, he wasn’t in the best shape when I first saw him. He was cracked, weathered, worn, and obviously, missing his hands.
Recently, the fiberglass statue underwent restoration and has been restored to its former glory. He may not be holding a roast beef sandwich, but he does have hands!
The restoration project was brought to life by Mike Cahill, who collaborated with the Greater Port Clinton Area Arts Council. Visit this page for more information.
Mike is a local businessman who grew up camping in the area and was distressed to find him in such poor condition. He rallied supporters and volunteers, and together, they brought new life to Jacques.
Address of Handless Jacques
Handless Jacques can be found in the empty lot beside Mickey Mart at 6020 East Harbor Rd. Marblehead, Ohio 43440. Roadside attraction enthusiasts may also take a photo with Mickey the Moose at the gas station.
Other Marblehead, Ohio Attractions
While Jacques is quite a sight, he’s probably not the attraction you’re visiting the area to see, but he certainly makes a fun photo opp. Don’t miss these other attractions:
- East Harbor State Park (you can even stop at Mickey Mart for firewood, ice and snacks)
- Marblehead Lighthouse State Park
- The Keeper’s House
- Johnson Island, the site of a former POW camp for Confederate officers during the Civil War.
For more suggestions, check out Things to do in Marblehead Ohio.
Find more Roadside Attraction posts, check out this page:
This post was originally published on March 16, 2016 and was updated in September 2022.
Penny Lynch
Monday 4th of March 2019
You mention Johnson Island. I thought that closed to the public years ago? I was lucky to have seen it a very long time ago. Beautiful, private island with a handful of homes.
Tonya Prater
Thursday 14th of March 2019
Johnson's Island is open but there really isn't much there other than the Confederate Cemetery and memorial- which is definitely worth the stop. To get on the island you have to drive across the causeway which does have a gate but for now you simply need to pay the toll and the arm on the gate will raise. I can't remember how much the toll is but you will need correct change so make sure you have quarters available. I believe on my last visit it was about 50 cents to $1.