The World’s Largest Basket in Ohio is For Sale for $8.5 Million

A couple of years ago, my family took a nice little road trip to Columbus, Ohio, to visit the Lego World experience. My son, Rollins, was a Lego fanatic at the time, and he also loves to explore new cities. Somehow, he knew that there were some random local attractions like "Giant Rubber Stamp" and a field full of huge concrete ears of corn.

World's Largest Basket

He also told us about the World's Largest Basket that was nearby. My mom is a big fan of baskets and has collected the Longaberger brand my whole life, so we decided to surprise her and stop to take a look. She was SO excited, just look how cute she is!

M-Kat

Why is The World's Largest Basket in Ohio?

In our search for directions, we found out that the giant basket was actually used as headquarters for the brand, Longaberger, which was wildly popular in the 90s and early 2000s. The building is an exact replica of one of the best-selling market baskets. My grandmother, Katherine "Lucy" Cravens, used to sell them. Here's a little backstory:

What Happened to Longaberger Basket Company?

Longaberger closed in 2018 for various reasons. Some sources say there were issues with the multi-level marketing sales model, but nevertheless, the epic woven office building has been empty since 2016. Look how teeny tiny we are on the steps of the entrance.

M-Kat

Had to zoom in to see us, and show just how massive this basket really is.

M-Kat

Inside the Giant Longaberger Basket

People haven't really been inside this place in ten years now, but here is a special sneak peek video made recently:

There have been rumors over the years of big ideas like turning the giant basket building into a hotel, but nothing has come to fruition. The property has actually just been put back on the market for 8.5 million dollars.

It is seven stories with 180,000 square feet, and back in its heyday, 500 employees came in and out of those doors. While I don't predict it ever being an office building again, the boutique hotel concept is still a possibility. Apparently, the current owner is hoping to find someone willing to make that a reality.

Are Longaberger Baskets Still Made?

Even though the company was purchased and rebranded to include other home decor along with the baskets, there was no need for such a massive office building. Luckily, you can still visit the vacant basket and the associated vacant Longaberger Homestead nearby.

Get our free mobile app

How About Them Apples?

Longaberger had such a fan base at the time that they used to give tours of the space and the nearby Longaberger Village, where the World's Largest Apple Basket is located. If you're gonna see one, you might as well venture over to see the other. The Homestead and store are closed, but you can park really close and just walk over for your photo op.

M-Kat

It's honestly a little eerie to see everything empty. It looks like this area should be bustling with people, as it was once upon a time. There are a few spots for shops or restaurants, it looks like.

The Future of the World's Largest Basket

The Homestead area is not for sale with the giant basket property, but how cool would that be? Someone could create a whole destination spot with an orchard and basket-making. Maybe some farm animals? You feeling the vibe? People could stay for a weekend in the office building turned hotel and make a whole trip out of it! Sounds like fun to me.

Have you ever been to the giant basket? What do you think should happen to it?