The Big Basket Building
Newark, OH
A seven-story office building shaped like a picnic basket, handles included. It is a classic example of novelty architecture. Photos from the road only.
The Longaberger Basket Building in Newark, Ohio, is a seven-story office building shaped like a picnic basket, handles included. The Longaberger company moved in at the end of 1997 as its headquarters; it is a replica of a market basket enlarged about 160 times. It covers roughly 180,000 square feet (about 16,700 square meters) with an atrium under a glass roof. Each handle weighs about 150 tons and is heated to keep ice from forming.
The company left the building in 2016 and ceased operations in May 2018; at the end of 2017 the building went to an investor. A planned conversion into a hotel fell through, and the building has stood empty since. According to media reports, it was listed for sale again in June 2026 (as of October 2026).
Roadside America lists the building at 1500 East Main Street, east of downtown, marked “currently empty,” so it is not open to visitors. Expect to photograph the basket from the road, and check the current status before you travel.
- Nearest town
- Newark, OH
- Category
- Roadside oddities
- GPS
- 40.0617, -82.3730
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Lazy River at GranvilleCampsite8 mi from The Big Basket Building
- Lazy River at GranvilleCampsite8 mi from The Big Basket Building
- Equestrian Camp and Day UseCampsite14 mi from The Big Basket Building · 20 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
- Wolfie's CampgroundCampsite21 mi from The Big Basket BuildingElectricityDrinking waterDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Rustic Knolls CampgroundMotorhome stopover23 mi from The Big Basket BuildingMotorhomes
- National Road CampgroundMotorhome stopover24 mi from The Big Basket BuildingMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
All campsites in Ohio · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is The Big Basket Building?
The Big Basket Building is in Newark, OH, at GPS 40.0617, -82.3730. It is about 21 mi from Zanesville.
Can you camp near The Big Basket Building?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Lazy River at Granville, about 8 mi away; within 25 mi there are 12 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass The Big Basket Building?
The Big Basket Building is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Giant baskets and infinity rooms: a Midwest oddities run.
What is there to see near The Big Basket Building?
Places worth a stop nearby: Great Circle Earthworks (3 mi), Historic Roscoe Village (30 mi), Rock House (41 mi) and Old Man’s Cave (44 mi).
When is the best time to visit The Big Basket Building?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)