Ohio is brimming with unique and offbeat roadside attractions that are perfect for breaking up a long drive with some memorable fun. From oversized sculptures to fascinating historic sites, the Buckeye State offers plenty of quirky stops that are worth the extra miles. Here are nine roadside gems in Ohio you definitely want to add to your travel itinerary.
1. Ohio’s Biggest Bigfoot — Celina
Standing tall at 30 feet, Nelson the Sasquatch is a wooden sculpture that towers over the Mercer County Fairgrounds in Celina. Crafted by Bear Hollow Wood Carvers, this giant Bigfoot delightfully surprises passersby and makes for a fun photo op.
2. The World’s Largest Basket — Newark
This incredible structure is hard to miss! The Longaberger Basket Building in Newark is shaped like a gigantic picnic basket and once served as the company’s headquarters. Its intricate design and sheer size make it a whimsical landmark along Ohio State Route 16.
3. Futuro Ohio UFO House — Carlisle
Inspired by futuristic designs of the late 1960s, the Futuro House, colloquially called the UFO House, looks like a flying saucer landed in Carlisle. This rare architectural curiosity stands at the corner of Highway 123 and Chamberlain Road and sparks the imagination of every visitor fascinated by UFO lore.
4. Marblehead Lighthouse — Marblehead
Ohio’s oldest continuously operating lighthouse, Marblehead Lighthouse, built over 200 years ago, continues to guide sailors on Lake Erie. Visitors can climb 77 steps to the top and enjoy peaceful picnic grounds—a scenic detour for nature and history enthusiasts.
5. Handless Jacques & Chef Jacques — Marblehead & Bellville
Ohio is home to two enormous bobblehead statues: Chef Jacques in Bellville and his cousin, Handless Jacques, in Marblehead. These larger-than-life figures add a quirky charm to the towns and amuse visitors with their bobbling motions when the wind blows.
6. VW Bug Tower — Defiance
On the corner of Highways 18 and 281 in Defiance, a colorful tower made from stacked Volkswagen Beetles stands as an artistic roadside spectacle. The painted vintage cars arranged on telephone poles create a playful, eye-catching landmark.
7. The Funny Tree — Location Varies
Ohio’s Funny Tree has roots in the state’s folklore—a gnarled and twisted tree shaped oddly by nature itself. Visitors seek it out for a whimsical experience as it resembles something straight out of a fairy tale or a fantasy film.
8. The Mysterious Marion Revolving Ball — Marion
This giant rotating ball in Marion is another curiosity that grabs attention. Though its original purpose remains a bit mysterious, it has become a beloved roadside stop blessed with a touch of eccentric Midwestern spirit.
9. The Center of Ohio — Centerburg
Visitors can stand on a marker pinpointing the exact geographical center of Ohio in the small town of Centerburg. It’s an offbeat stop perfect for quirky selfies and learning a little geography trivia.
Why These Stops Matter
Ohio’s quirky roadside attractions showcase the state’s spirit of creativity, history, and fun. They inject joy, whimsy, and surprise into otherwise ordinary road trips. Whether you’re making a brief stop or planning a full day of detours, these attractions offer unforgettable moments for travelers of all ages.
Next time you hit the road through the Buckeye State, don’t just speed by—make sure to explore these fascinating places that make Ohio so uniquely fascinating.
These nine attractions are more than just pit stops—they are stories, art, and traditions waiting to be discovered.
Sources
[1] https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attractions-g28956-Activities-Ohio.html
[2] https://www.ohiomagazine.com/travel/article/53-must-see-roadside-attractions-in-ohio
[3] https://www.ohiotraveler.com/ohio-roadside-attractions/
[4] https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-roadside-attraction/
[5] https://www.travelingcheesehead.com/roadside-attractions-in-ohio
