If you’re looking for oversized baskets, Ohio has you covered! The Buckey state is home to not one, not two, but three unique world’s largest basket attractions that the serious road-tripper won’t want to miss.
The Longaberger Company was once the premiere handmade basket company in the United States. Unfortunately, the once-bustling towns of Dresden and Frazeysburg are shadows of what they once were. The basket-shaped home office is deserted and the Longaberger Homestead that once welcomed thousands of visitors to their events now resembles a ghost town.
It seems that all remains of the Longaberger legacy are the baskets you’ll see below. And even those have seen better days.
The World’s Largest Basket
If you’re a Longaberger basket fan and you find yourself in Ohio, you really shouldn’t resist a stop at what is the World’s Largest Basket in Dresden.
This house-sized basket, which is prominently displayed on the corner of Main St. and W. 5th St., took 10 maple trees and 2,000 employee hours to complete in 1990. The basket which many call a picnic basket is actually modeled after Longaberger’s popular Market basket.
The dimensions of the basket measure 48 feet long, 11 feet wide, and 23 feet high.
The World’s Largest Basket Building
While this basket is pretty impressive, it shrinks when compared to the 7-story-tall building that once served as Longaberger’s headquarters in nearby Newark.
The large basket building is also a medium-sized Market Basket.
The 185,000 square foot basket sits on 21-acres along State Route 16 and is easily visible from the road. The building originally cost $30 million dollars to build and now sadly stands in disrepair.
I wasn’t content to drive by and not get a closer look. I photographed the building from the right and left and drove into the parking lot to get a better look.
I would love to have stepped inside the lobby when it was open to get a view of the glass atrium and hope whoever purchases the building (yes, it’s for sale folks) restores it and permits visitors.
The World’s Largest Apple Basket
The World’s Largest Apple Basket can be found at the Longaberger Homestead in Frazeysburg. You won’t find much at the Homestead these days. If you’re lucky, you may find a few lingering Longaberger collectors peddling their wares. I must warn you, this stop is a depressing glimpse of this former tourist attraction that lured collectors from around the world.
Planning a road trip and looking for more attractions like this? Check this out—–> Over 50 Roadside Attractions in the United States.
Kathy D
Wednesday 20th of April 2022
I just ran across this while “surfing” Pinterest. Back in the 90’s, I was a Longaberger Sales Consultant. I’ve been to all these attractions when they were in their glory. You’re correct, it’s depressing and sad for all the people that depended on the company to make a living. (The weavers, office people, and sales).
You mentioned wanting to see the atrium. I have a few photos of it that I’ll try to post here for sharing. It’s beautiful wood work was made from the trees that grew naturally on the site where the building was constructed. Dave Longaberger was sure to make good use of them since they had to be cleared anyway. It really was a sight to see.
Tammy Delancey
Monday 4th of July 2022
@Tonya Prater, I have had a store in Dresden for 31 years now. I’ve seen the great times and the bad times. I’m Still here! I have not given up on Dresden. I hope none of you have given up either. Baskets are still woven in Dresden, Ohio like they always have, by hand, one at a time. We have 3 restaurants and 7 stores here waiting for you to visit. The DCA members have been quietly working hard to make Dresden a great area to come to. Please root us on and believe in us, and you never k ow what will happen. My ❤️ Belongs to Dresden! I’m not a quitter
Tonya Prater
Wednesday 4th of May 2022
Thank you for your comment, Kathy. I had family who worked as weavers in the factory during the hey dey. It was so sad when everything fell apart. I would love to see the photos of the atrium, unfortunately, you won't be able to post them here but if you'd like to send a couple to me via email, that would be great. My email is tonya@travelinspiredliving.com. If you have any additional information on any of the baskets (building) that you think should be included, I'm happy to hear about that as well.
Sunshine's mom
Tuesday 3rd of March 2015
I've been to Longerberger at least four times-crazy,I know, especially since I live in Hawaii ! It's amazing to see off the 16--we have nothing like that here! But, I do love living in the Hawaiian Islands, blue ocean, green trees, cool breezes. I'm crazy for Longaberger baskets-I bought one today, in fact!
Tonya
Wednesday 4th of March 2015
Wow!You've been to Longaberger more than I have and I live in Ohio! I really like their baskets, but the pottery is my favorite. :)
Stephanie @ CrayonMarks&TigerStripes
Friday 31st of January 2014
That is really, really impressive! I would love to see that in person!
Tonya
Saturday 1st of February 2014
I loved seeing the huge basket, but then I love fun and quirky attractions like that!
Heather @ Work from Home with Kids
Wednesday 6th of November 2013
We used to drive past this when we were going back home to visit!! :)
Tonya
Wednesday 6th of November 2013
I loved seeing it. I've heard about the basket for YEARS. I can't believe it took me that long to see it- especially with my obsession of roadside attractions!
Marcia
Friday 4th of October 2013
I have a basket that looks similar to this but had no idea it had a name. Ingenious. I don't read architectural plans but I bet these plans would be interesting to see. Wonder what the local agency thought when they saw it.