I have a confession. I love baskets. More specifically, I love Longaberger baskets. I have several boxes full of them that I should take out of storage and display. And if you’re a Longaberger basket fan and you find yourself in Ohio, you really can’t resist a stop at what was 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 who 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.
While this basket is pretty impressive, it shrinks when compared to the seven story tall building that is now Longaberger’s new headquarters near Newark.
The large basket building is also a medium sized Market Basket.
If you’re traveling along State Route 16, you can’t miss the roadside attraction which sits right off the highway. 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 have stepped inside the lobby to get a look at what I hear is a beautiful glass atrium, but by this point, my husband was losing his patience with me and I still had one stop to make. I had also planned to stop at the Longaberger Homestead in Frazeysburg to photograph the World’s Largest Apple Basket. Unfortunately, I discovered that I didn’t plan our visit well since the Homestead was actually closed on the day we stopped by. I admit, I was more than a little bit disappointed but now I realize that just gives me a reason to plan a road trip on another day.
Planning a trip to the Buckeye State? Don’t miss these unforgettable roadside attractions in Ohio.
© 2013 – 2016, Tonya Prater. All rights reserved.
Sunshine's mom says
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 says
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. 🙂
Sunshine's mom says
Hi Tonya ! I work for a legacy airline, so sometimes I get crazy ideas and just pick up and fly just about anywhere I want to go. But, on the other hand, I live in Hawaii and the last time I ventured into Waikiki was more than a year ago to attend an event in a nice hotel. Nice meeting you! Aloha !
I have some of pottery, but would rather have a warm brown basket, but am not too keen on round shaped ones.
Stephanie @ CrayonMarks&TigerStripes says
That is really, really impressive! I would love to see that in person!
Tonya says
I loved seeing the huge basket, but then I love fun and quirky attractions like that!
Heather @ Work from Home with Kids says
We used to drive past this when we were going back home to visit!! 🙂
Tonya says
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 says
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.
Stacey Burke says
The Longaberger headquarters is actually located along SR 16, not Interstate 70
Tonya says
I was thinking 70 didn’t sound right. I should have checked that- thanks for correcting me. 🙂
Jackie Smith says
Hysterical! Love this post.
Tonya says
It is a great conversation piece, isn’t it?
noel morata says
wow how bizarre, you can’t forget a building like that once you’ve seen it!
Michele @ Malaysian Meanders says
I have one little Longaberger basket. They’re so pretty but oh so expensive. I’ve heard of the headquarters building that looks like a basket but ths is the first I’ve heard of the house-sized wooden one. It’s more impressive than the headquarters if you ask me. Do they sell the baskets at the headquarters or do you still have to get invited to a Basket Party?
Tonya says
Many of my baskets are what they call seconds. I was able to pick up a few from family members who used to work at Longaberger. I’m not sure if they sell the baskets at the headquarters since we didn’t go in. I know you can buy retired baskets and accessories in Dresden and more baskets at the Longaberger Homestead. There are still Longaberger parties, but they also have stores popping up that sell the baskets. Last week I saw a small selection in our local Kroger grocery store!
Arlene says
They use to have a basket that you could only buy at the headquarters when we were there for a tour. They also had baskets that you could only buy at the homestead. You could also make your own basket. There were a few different designs to chose from that you make. It’s been a while since I was there last so things may be different now.
Tonya says
I didn’t know they had a basket at headquarters. I wonder if they still have one. The Homestead was closed when I visited but I’m hoping to make another trip to the area to check it out.
EverywhereAmy says
Tonya, you are always answering questions I didn’t even know I had 🙂 Definitely a kooky stop, but a great one!
Johanna at ZigaZag says
Oh my goodness. That is amazing. It would definitely stop you in your tracks!
Muza-chan says
So cool…