The World’s Largest Basket
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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 road trip and looking for more attractions like this? Check this out—–> Over 50 Roadside Attractions in the United States.
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.
Stacey Burke
Thursday 3rd of October 2013
The Longaberger headquarters is actually located along SR 16, not Interstate 70
Tonya
Thursday 3rd of October 2013
I was thinking 70 didn't sound right. I should have checked that- thanks for correcting me. :)