Three Fun & Quirky Roadside Attractions in Hocking Hills

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Tonya Prater, Owner

A 2018 Ohio Travel Leadership Academy graduate, Certified Travel Ambassador, published author, and founder of the "Day Trips in Ohio" private Facebook group, Tonya is a former full-time RVer and aspiring van camper who balances her time between traveling with her husband's job, cherishing moments with her grandkids, and plotting her next road trip.

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Hocking Hills in southeastern Ohio is an outdoor lover’s playground. With miles of trails that lead to waterfalls, limestone formations, cliffs, and gorgeous scenic views, it’s easily one of my favorite places to explore in my home state.

But on my recent trip to the region to check out the Lodge at Laurel Run, the below-average cold temperatures did little to entice me to get outdoors. Instead, my husband and I decided to leave the warmth of our cabin to do some antique shopping and enjoy some fun and quirky roadside attractions from the inside of our vehicle.

Three Roadside Attractions in Hocking Hills

The World’s Largest Washboard

The Columbus Washboard Factory began operation in 1895 and is the last remaining manufacturer in the United States today. Factory tours are available by request only, but visitors are welcome to stop at the factory at any time to see the World’s Largest Washboard. The washboard, which is made of wood and metal, measures 24 feet tall and is secured on the outside of the building.

Located at 14 Gallagher Avenue in Logan.

Paul A. Johnson Pencil Sharpener Museum

Located outside the Hocking Hills Regional Visitor’s Center, this unique collection is made up of over 3,400 pencil sharpeners. The late Paul Johnson began his collection after his wife gifted him with two pencil sharpeners for his birthday. His collection continued to grow for over 20 years.

You won’t find any duplicates in this tiny museum that is carefully organized by category. You’ll find transportation, travel, and sport-themed pencil sharpeners as well as a collection of special sharpeners.  Plan to spend 5 to 10 minutes in this heated and air-conditioned building.

Located at 13178 State Rte. 664 in Logan

The Roundhouse in Logan

(sadly, this Ohio roadside attraction was destroyed by arson and has been since torn down) 

Known to locals as Stewart’s Folly, after the man who designed and built the structure, this round building was intended to be a prototype for hurricane and wind-resistant homes that would be built along the coast and Tornado Alley. Work began on the building in 1971 and though it was never wired for electricity, it was completed in 1973. Originally, the home had two floors, a porch, and a basement with a garage. The home has never been inhabited.

Today the roundhouse stands on the outskirts of town causing many road-trippers to hit their brakes, turn around and take another look!  Those who ignore the ‘No Trespassing’ signs and venture out of their vehicle and on to the overgrown lot will notice the floors have collapsed, the windows are missing and only the shell of the structure remains.