Are you looking for fun and quirky things to do in Ohio? Check out this list of 50 things to see in Ohio that are free or low-cost.”
Roadside attractions can be found all across the United States and even around the world.
They range from single attractions like a giant can of paint, to a collection of classic Cadillacs partially embedded in the ground, to unique museums like the Oz Museum in Wamego, Kansas.
It doesn’t matter where your road trip takes you, you’ll find plenty of roadside attractions waiting to be explored and the Buckeye State is no exception. Here is a list of some of our favorite quirky things to see in Ohio.
50 Quirky Things to See in Ohio
Elektro at Mansfield Memorial Museum
1. Elektro
A walking, talking robot manufactured by Westinghouse for the New York World’s Fair. Elektro shocked the world by smoking a cigarette while crossing the border into Canada. You can see this attraction at the Mansfield Memorial Museum in Mansfield, the oldest museum in Richland County. Other displays in this regional museum include local aviation and military history and a rare collection of Victorian anthropomorphic scenes, animals that are stuffed and dressed depicting various scenes.
Address: 34 Park Ave W, Mansfield, OH 44902
Phone Number: 419-525-2491
Hours: Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Website: https://www.themansfieldmuseum.com/
Cost: Donations
The world’s longest free-standing jail cell is in the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield.
2. The World’s Longest Free-standing Jail Cell
Located within the Ohio State Reformatory this jail cell contains 600 different cells for its inmates. Not only can you walk alongside the free-standing jail cell you also have the option of entering one of these supposedly haunted rooms and for the very brave (or crazy) spending the night in this haunted attraction. Guided and self-guided tours are available.
Address: 100 Reformatory Rd, Mansfield, OH 44905
Phone Number: 419- 522-2644
Hours: Vary by season. Visit the website for additional information.
Website: https://www.mrps.org/
Cost: Varies by tour. CLICK HERE TO SAVE MONEY ON TICKETS FOR A SELF GUIDED TOUR OF THE OHIO STATE REFORMATORY.
3. The World’s Largest Apple Basket
The apple basket can be seen at Longaberger’s Homestead in Frazeysburg a short distance from the World’s Largest Basket building outside Newark, and the World’s Largest Market basket in Dresden.
Address: 5563 Raiders Rd, Frazeysburg, OH
Cost: Free
The world’s largest market basket is the size of a small house.
4. The World’s Largest Market Basket
This basket is as large as a small house and took over 2,000 man hours to weave. Also part of the Longaberger legacy, it can be seen in Dresden.
Address: 508 Main St., Dresden, OH, 43821
Cost: Free
The world’s largest basket building is not open to the public but does make a fun sight to drive past.
5. The World’s Largest Basket
A replica standing at 160 times larger than Longaberger’s Medium Market Basket, the World’s Largest basket is an eye opener as it is the former home office for the Longaberger company. This building is currently empty and looking for a new owner.
Address: 1500 E Main St, Newark, OH 43055
Cost: Free
the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame
6. The World’s Largest Collection of Rock and Roll Memorabilia
Learn how Cleveland became the home of Rock and Roll in this museum that gives music lovers a chance to see and hear a collection of music history throughout the decades.
Address: 1100 E 9th St, Cleveland, OH 44114
Website: https://www.rockhall.com/
Cost: General Admission $26/adults, $24 seniors/ $16 youth 6-12
The World’s Largest Eagle’s Nest Replica can be seen at the Raptor Center in LaGrange.
7. The World’s Largest Eagles Nest Replica
Learn more about our nation’s bird while viewing a replica of a nest that stood 12-feet deep and weighing over 2,000 pounds.
Address: 12882 Nickel Plate Diagonal Rd, LaGrange, OH
Cost: Free
8. The Tomb of President Harding
At this roadside stop, you can see Grecian columns surrounding the tombs that hold President Warren G. Harding and his wife Florence Harding. History buffs can step inside the graveyard across the street to see where his casket was originally entombed and to see the grave of his mistress. The Harding Home, made famous for the President’s front porch campaign during his run for office.
Address: Vernon Heights Blvd. Marion, Ohio, 43302
Cost: Free
The Center of the World.
9. The Center of the World
In hopes of becoming an economic center, this small hidden town takes the name as The Center of the World. Look quick or you’ll miss it. Visit this spot when you’re checking out the world’s largest drumsticks.
Address: Center World, Braceville Township, OH 44430
Cost: Free
10. The Christmas Story House
Open year-round, The Christmas Story house is available for tours and even overnight stays. It is The original setting for the filming of the famous movie “The Christmas Story” with a museum across the street containing original memorabilia.
Address: 3159 W 11th St, Cleveland, OH 44109
Website: https://www.achristmasstoryhouse.com/
Cost: General admission $13/ 2-12 $10/ seniors $11.50/ Discounts for active military
11. Biblewalk
Containing 78 scenes and over 300 wax figures, Ohio’s only wax museum is a new way to see the Holy Bible come to life.
Address: 500 Tingley Ave, Mansfield, OH 44905
Website: https://www.achristmasstoryhouse.com/
Cost: Adults $6/ students 6-18 $4.75/ seniors $5.75/ under five free per tour. Package available for all five tours.
12. The Big Muskie
What once was once the World’s Largest Earth Moving Machine is now just the remaining metal bucket that can hold two school buses side by side. The bucket rests on a valley of a previous mine known as “Re-Creation Land”.
Address: OH-78, McConnelsville, OH 43756
Cost: Free
13. The Politician; a Toy
Located in the heart of Cleveland this sculpture was created in 1995 to represent politicians of America. With moving parts that seem to never go anywhere, this large site is one you can’t miss.
Address: Chester Ave., Cleveland, OH
Cost: Free
The World’s Largest Free Stamp
14. The World’s Largest Rubber Stamp
Standing at 28-feet-tall and 48-feet-long, the World’s Largest Rubber Stamp states the word “FREE” across the front located two blocks from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Address: Willard Park, Cleveland, OH 44114
Cost: Free
Looking for more things to do in Ohio? Check out these resources:
15. The Garfield Memorial
As it stands beautifully structured and intricately designed the memorial of our 20th President provides a different outlook on American history. It also holds the only Presidential casket that is on display to the public.
Address: 12316 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106
Website: https://lakeviewcemetery.com/
Cost: Free for a self-guided tour.
Read More: Visiting the Garfield Memorial in Lake View Cemetery
16. The Topiary Park
A work of art that is as large as life; the Topiary Park in Columbus is an artist’s vision using plants of all types to create a masterpiece you can walkthrough. Open all year round this park shows its beauty through nature along with events held by the community. Read about more things to do in Columbus Ohio.
Address: 480 E Town St, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: http://www.topiarypark.org/
Cost: Free
World’s Largest Gavel
17. The World’s Largest Gavel
Placed in between two justice buildings this stainless steel gavel stands tall on top of a crystal clear reflecting pool for all to stop and view.
Address: 145 S Front St, Columbus, OH 43215
Cost: Free
18. The Field of Corn
In honor of Sam Frantz, the creator of hybrid corn seeds, this attraction sprouts 109 larger than life-sized ears of corn. This creates a weird but exciting sight for those driving past.
Address: 4995 Rings Rd, Dublin, OH 43017
Cost: Free
19. Leatherlips
This monument represents the great Wyandot Indian Chief., made completely out of native limestone slabs. Visitors to this 12- foot tall portrait are able to stand on top of the attraction to capture a memorable photo.
Address: 7377 Riverside Dr, Powell, OH 43065
Cost: Free
20. The Pencil Sharpener Museum
With 3,479 different pencil sharpeners on display, The Pencil Sharpener Museum is a place for tourists to stop and view this large collection.
Address: 13178 OH-664, Logan, OH 43138
Cost: Free
21. Handless Jacques
A statue that has stood tall for decades, Handless Jacques was once the front line attraction for “Jacques Sandwich Shoppe”. But after a long history lost his hands along the way to his current home not far from the shore of Lake Erie.
Address: 6020 E Harbor Rd, Lakeside Marblehead, OH 43440
Cost: Free
22. Glacial Grooves
This natural destination is located on Kelleys Island. Surrounded by other Kelleys Island natural spots and trails.
Address: 739 Division St, Kelleys Island, OH 43438
Cost: Free
23. The Shawshank Trail
Take this trail across the Mansfield area to get a chance to step right into the movie “Shawshank Redemption”. There you will be able to see and visit many places that were used in the original filming.
Address: 124 North Main Street, Mansfield, OH 44902
Website: https://shawshanktrail.com/
Cost: Free
24. The World’s Largest Amish Horse and Buggy
The World’s Largest Amish Horse and Buggy is a great photo op moment when touring the Amish community in Trumbull County. Its size is proportional to an actual horse and buggy, and the horse even has a name!
Address: 8719 State Route 534, Mesopotamia, OH
Cost: Free
25. Amish Buggy ATM
Completely submerge into the Amish culture and retrieve your money from an ATM that looks like a real life horse and buggy.
Address: 216 N Main St., Wellington, OH
Cost: Free
26. Ariel Foundation Park
The remains of an old glass making facility turned park has incorporated the ruins from the PPG factory as well as a nature preserve.
Address: 501 South Main St., Mount Vernon, OH
Website: https://www.arielfoundationpark.org/
Cost: Free
27. The World’s Largest Geode
An accidental discovery of this geode leads to a beautiful roadside attraction. Travel 40- feet underground for a chance to stand in the crystal cave.
Address: 978 Catawba Ave, Put-In-Bay, OH 43456
Website: http://www.heinemanswinery.com/crystalcave.asp
Cost: Adults $8/ children 4-11 $4
28. The Most Massive Doric Column in the World
Take a look at the 352-feet of this Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial from down below or up above on its observation deck, just wait to visit until next year as the memorial is closed in 2017 for renovations.
Address: 93 Delaware Ave., Put-In-Bay, OH
Website: https://www.nps.gov/pevi/index.htm
Cost: Free to see. $10 for those over 16 to visit the Observation Deck. Special Sunset and Night Sky Tours available for certain times for $20 a ticket.
29. The World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock
Listen carefully because every 30 minutes you will hear this giant 24-foot tall cuckoo clock put on a show with polka music played by a five-piece robotic band.
Address: 100 N Broadway St, Sugarcreek, OH 44681
Cost: Free
30. Former World’s Largest Freighter- The Col. James M. Schoonmaker
Take a step into the World’s Largest Freighter and take a self-guided tour through this once active ship when you visit the National Museum of the Great Lakes.
Address: 1701 Front St., Toledo, OH
Website: https://nmgl.org/
Cost: Free to see. Museum and ship admission for adults $17/ senior, AAA, military $16/6-17 $14/5 and under free.
31. Neil Armstrong’s First Flight
Travel to the spot where Neil Armstrong took his first airplane ride to find a mini-park that represents the accomplishments Armstrong made when landing on the moon.
Address: 2553 US-422, Warren, OH 44485
Cost: Free
32. David Grohl Alley and the World’s Largest Drumsticks
Visit an alley dedicated to David Grohl, founder of Foo Fighters and former drummer of Nirvana. There you can see works of art dedicated to him and the World’s Largest Drumsticks.
Address: David Grohl Alley, Warren, OH. Downtown, just south of W. Market St. and the Courthouse Square, on the east side of Main Ave.
Cost: Free
Read More: See the World’s Largest Drumsticks in Ohio
33. The Crying Haserot Angel
Don’t blink around this sculpture known as the “Weeping Angel” or you may miss the black tears that drip from her eyes down to her neck. She gives off an unsettling vibe while being stunningly beautiful.
Address: 12316 Euclid Ave Cleveland, Ohio, 44106
Website: https://lakeviewcemetery.com/
Cost: Free
34. The Mortuary Museum
This museum contains a collection of hearses, caskets, and other funeral memorabilia from the late 1800’s to the early 1900’s.
Address: Behind Marietta Chapel, at 408 Front Street, Marietta, Ohio 45750
Website:
Cost: Free
Call to schedule a tour.
35. The Y-Bridge in Zanesville
The Y bridge is an attraction you can drive across. It splits three ways and flows across the Muskingum River.
Address: Zanesville, OH 43701, Traffic carries of U.S. Rt 40 (Main St. and West Main St.) and Linden Ave.
Cost: Free
36. The Blue Jean Nursery- ATTRACTION IS PERMANENTLY CLOSED
This average looking greenhouse and plant nursery takes a magical turn as larger than life-sized statues of nursery rhymes are scattered throughout the grounds.
Address: 3850 Parkman Rd NW, Warren, OH 44481
Cost: Free
37. The Merchant Ball
This 5,200-pound granite ball balances on top of Charles Merchant grave since 1896 and seems to revolve mysteriously.
Address: 620 Delaware Ave, Marion, OH 43302
Cost: Free
38. The Grave with a Welcome Mat
While walking around the Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland take a few steps into the back to find where the Hanna Family placed a Welcome Mat leading to the family grave.
Address: 12316 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH
Website: https://lakeviewcemetery.com/
Cost: Free
39. Squire’s Castle
Get a sense of mystery in Squire’s Castle while learning about the urban legends of the family who once lived there. This castle is open year-round with free admission.
Address: River Road, Willoughby Hills, OH, 44094
Cost: Free
40. Vasehenge
In honor of the now-collectible Weller Pottery, artists of the town placed giant vases in a circular formation reminding its visitors of the famous Stonehenge. Try finding all one hundred vases spread across the town.
Address: North Pine Street, Zanesville, OH
Cost: Free
41. The World’s Largest Washboard
Stop for a selfie in front of the World’s Largest Washboard and one can take a tour through the company’s museum, and even enjoy the washboard festival that is held annually.
Address: 14 Gallagher Ave, Logan, OH 43138
Website: https://columbuswashboard.com/
Cost: Free to see. Factory Tours adults $6/seniors $5/students & children $4/Active Military Free.
42. The World’s Largest Pumpkin
The water tower in Circleville, Ohio is painted to look like a large pumpkin hovering over the city. This eye-catching attraction is to promote the town’s annual Pumpkin Show.
Address: Logan Street, Circleville, OH
Cost: Free
43. A Pizza Place in a Covered Bridge
Get a slice of pizza in this unique pizza parlor that was once the Foreman Road Covered Bridge.
Address: 380 East Main St Andover, OH, 44003 or 6541 South Main Street North Kingsville, OH 44068
Cost: Free to see.
44. Giants in Seville
What was once the home of two real-life giants, Seville now is the town known to carry their history. Seville now holds the graves of these almost 8- foot tall giants, their former home (private residence), and even a giant chair you can sit in for a perfect photo opportunity.
Address: Cemetery; East Main Street, Seville OH. House Museum; 70 West Main Street, Seville, OH
Cost: Free
45. The Cow in Orrville
Look closely on top of one of the Smith Dairy twin silos for a replica of a two-ton cow defying all odds as she stands proudly over the city of Orrville.
Address: 1381 Dairy Lane, Orrville, OH
Cost: Free
46. National Museum of the United States Air Force
Learn more about our nation’s Air Force with a tour of this free museum that provides many galleries, exhibits, and even plane simulators.
Address: 1100 Spaatz Street Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433
Website: https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/
Cost: Free
47. Tomb of President McKinley
A walk up 108 steps to the beehive-shaped grave leads visitors through beautiful bronze doors where President William Mckinley and his wife, Ida, lay to rest. The tomb stands close to the McKinley Museum where travelers can learn more about the president’s history.
Address: 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW, Canton, OH
Cost: Free
48. The biggest year-round Christmas museum in the United States
Castle Noel holds the magic of Christmas with different memorabilia from famous movies such as The Grinch, Elf, The Christmas Story and Cousin Eddie’s Rv. A fan favorite is the red slide tourists can go down that is replicated from the movie The Christmas Story.
Address: 260 S. Court Street, Medina, OH
Website: https://castlenoel.com/
Cost: Adults $19.50/Seniors, Military $18.50/Under 3 free
49. Early Television Museum
Step back into time as you learn about technology systems from the 1920’s up to the 1950’s when color television was finally introduced.
Address: 5396 Franklin Street, Hilliard, OH, 43026
Website: http://www.earlytelevision.org/
Cost: Free but donation of $5 per adult and $2 per child is suggested.
50. Futuro-Mating Flying Saucer House
This currently lived-in house stands as one of the more interesting examples of architecture. Standing as two silver saucers joined with connecting tubes in between, this house may not be open for public viewing but is worth a drive by.
Address: Chamberlain Rd, Carlisle, OH
Cost: Free to see from the road.
Which one of these quirky things to see in Ohio would you like to visit?
More Posts to Enjoy:
How to Find Roadside Attractions in the U.S. and Other Stops Worth Visiting
Odd Roadside Attractions Along Route 80 Trip Planner
10 Must-see Roadside Attractions on Your Next Road Trip
15+ Fun Roadside Stops to Make on the Way to Branson
© 2017 – 2020, Tonya Prater. All rights reserved.
Peggy Harmeyer says
I love this post! Thank you for sharing all these cool places!
Peggy
Tonya Prater says
Thanks, Peggy! I hope you found some that you’ll be able to visit.
Janet S. says
Blue Jean Farms is no longer open.
Tonya Prater says
OH no! Thanks for letting me know. I’ll update my post with another attraction.
Bisa myles says
These are quirky but fun. I really want to take a picture sitting next to Humpty Dumpty and pretend to fall. ?
Tami says
How fun that the center of the world is in Ohio! Because there’s a town called Felicity, CA that touts itself as the Center of the Universe! It has a pyramid, a small church, a gift shop, a tiny post office, and a small restaurant. And that’s it! Oh, and they have an old section of the Eiffel Tower staircase.
Tonya Prater says
Felicity sounds like it certainly has more to show than the Center of the Universe here. There really isn’t much. If you miss the sign, you’ve pretty much missed the attraction. I guess the sign is the attraction. 😉
Lorri says
I think they might have a little competition with at least 2 if not 3 “world’s largest cuckoo clocks” in the Black Forest of Germany! lol
Tonya Prater says
Haha! Yes, I’m sure it does.
Jill Thomas says
I tried to find this cuckoo clock and was unable. Is it still there or did I just miss it?
Tonya Prater says
Hi Jill, The cuckoo clock is still there. You’ll find it at 100 N Broadway St, Sugarcreek, OH 44681 as you pass through town. It’s definitely worth the stop. I hope you’re able to visit another time and have better luck spotting it.