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Chief Leatherlips Monument
7277 Riverside Dr. (at Scioto Park), Dublin - MAP IT
As stated on a plaque at this site (located in Scioto Park in Dublin): Leatherlips was created by Boston artist Ralph Helmick in 1990. The 12-foot high portrait of the Indigenous Wyandot Chief is made of a composite of native limestone stacked and mortared with an opening on the top that guests can stand in. Helmick intended visitors to physically inhabit the vantage point of the leader as a way of imagining his vision for peace between Indigenous Peoples and white settlers. Sadly, local history relates that Chief Leatherlips was executed by fellow tribesmen at a location near Scioto Park.
Hartman’s Rock Garden
1905 Russell Ave., Springfield - MAP IT
Hartman’s Rock Garden in Springfield is a unique and whimsical folk art site created by H.G. “Ben” Hartman during the Great Depression. The garden, which began in 1932 and continued until Hartman’s death in 1944, is an elaborate and imaginative landscape filled with hand-crafted sculptures made from concrete, stone, and other objects. Spread across a modest residential property, the garden features a variety of structures, including miniature castles, churches, and historical buildings, as well as representations of biblical scenes and patriotic displays.
The garden reflects Hartman’s deep religious faith and his appreciation for American history, resulting in a fascinating blend of spirituality and patriotism. After Hartman’s death, the garden fell into disrepair but was restored in the early 2000s by the Kohler Foundation and is now maintained by the Friends of Hartman Rock Garden (FHRG), a local non-profit organization.
It is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and is free to visit. Donations are appreciated. Each July, the FHRG hosts Tchotchka Palooza, where Hartman’s famous figurines are placed within the rock garden for all to view.
Temple of Tolerance
203 S. Wood St., Wapakoneta - MAP IT
The Temple of Tolerance is a fascinating and eclectic outdoor space created by the late Jim Bowsher, a local historian and artist. The temple, constructed in Bowsher’s wooded backyard, serves as a sanctuary and gathering place dedicated to promoting peace, understanding and tolerance among people of all backgrounds. It is open to the public 24 hours a day and is free to visit.
Built over several decades, the Temple of Tolerance is a sprawling labyrinth of stone pathways, sculptures, and secluded nooks filled with an array of unique artifacts. Bowsher used materials such as rocks, reclaimed architectural pieces and various found-objects to create an environment that encourages reflection and conversation. Bowsher’s vision for the temple was/is to provide a space where individuals can come together, share their stories, and find common ground despite their differences.
Hollow Earth Monument
454 S. 3rd St., Hamilton - MAP IT
The Hollow Earth Monument is an intriguing and unconventional structure dedicated to the eccentric scientific theory known as the Hollow Earth Theory. This monument, also called the “Hollow Earth Monument,” was erected by John Cleves Symmes, Jr., an early 19th-century American military officer, trader, and lecturer who was a prominent proponent of the theory.
Symmes’ Hollow Earth Theory postulated that the Earth is hollow and contains a habitable inner world, accessible via large openings at the poles. Though his ideas were met with skepticism and ridicule by the scientific community, Symmes garnered a following and conducted numerous lectures to promote his theory.
The Hollow Earth Monument was established in 1873 by Symmes’ son, Americus Symmes. It is located in Symmes Park in Hamilton and features a stone column topped with a representation of a hollow globe, depicting the Earth’s inner layers and the polar openings. An inscription on the monument reads: “Symmes Theory of Concentric Spheres, with Openings at the Poles.” It is free to visit.
Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park
1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton - MAP IT
Located not too far from The Hollow Earth Monument is another intriguing attraction in Hamilton known as Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park. Unlike many other places on this list, there is a small fee to enter this park and museum, but it is well worth it.
The 300-acre park, located on rolling hills that overlook the Great Miami River Valley and that are filled with ponds, streams and forests, contains more than 80 monumental sculptures created by numerous artists from around the world. Visitors can choose to drive, walk or bicycle around the grounds to view the sculptures. Guests can also visit the Ancient Sculpture Museum, which houses a collection of Roman, Greek, Etruscan and Egyptian sculptures.
The park is open year-round, with varying hours depending on the season, and hosts a number of signature events, including the Pyramid Hill Lights, a Christmas light display that will be up from Nov. 15 through Jan. 5 this year. Plan your visit at pyramidhill.org.
NOTE: A little further south on Hamilton Cleves Road is Stricker’s Grove Amusement Park. Unlike most amusement parks, this one is privately owned and operated and closed to the public. However, you can rent it out for your next function! It’s located at 11490 Hamilton Cleves Rd.
Up next, Abandoned Places Near & Far...
