DLM Distribution

If you find yourself traveling through central Ohio and enjoy unusual roadside landmarks or stories tied to American manufacturing, the Longaberger Basket Building in Newark is worth a pause. The seven-story structure, famously shaped like a woven basket, still stands along East Main Street (1500 E Main St, Newark, OH 43055)—an unmistakable reminder of a time when the Longaberger name was recognized nationwide.

Built in the late 1990s as the headquarters for the Longaberger Company, the building was designed to resemble one of the brand’s handcrafted maple baskets, complete with two massive handles rising from the roof. At its height, the company employed thousands and relied on a nationwide network of independent sales consultants, becoming a recognizable part of American retail culture.

After years of financial challenges, the company closed its doors in 2018. Since then, the building has remained vacant, occasionally making headlines as proposals surface to repurpose it into offices, a hotel, or mixed-use space. While its future is uncertain, the structure itself continues to draw attention simply by existing—quiet, oversized, and oddly fascinating.

Visitors can no longer tour the interior, but standing outside the building is an experience in itself. The scale, the craftsmanship, and the sheer improbability of the design make it one of those places that photographs never quite capture properly. It’s the kind of stop that feels spontaneous and memorable, especially for travelers who enjoy discovering places that don’t fit neatly into a guidebook category.

For those turning the stop into a broader Ohio trip, the surrounding region offers plenty to explore. Hocking Hills State Park, located to the south, is one of the state’s most visited natural areas, known for its caves, waterfalls, sandstone cliffs, and well-maintained trail system. It’s an easy addition for travelers looking to balance architecture and history with time outdoors.

Compact campervans like the Mini-T work well for trips like this, where flexibility matters more than size. Being able to park easily, travel secondary roads, and stay close to parks or small towns makes it simpler to include stops like the Longaberger Building without planning around RV storage or large campground infrastructure. It’s a practical way to move through regions where the journey itself is part of the appeal.

The Longaberger Basket Building may not always be there in its current form. Whether it’s eventually restored, repurposed, or changed entirely, it remains a distinctive piece of roadside Americana for now. If you’re passing through Ohio, it’s one of those places worth seeing in person—quiet, unusual, and tied to a chapter of American business history that still lingers in the landscape.

Happy travels!