Columbus Washboard Company & Museum
Discover the last washboard manufacturer in the U.S., marvel at giant washboards, and enjoy live music and ice cream.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more staff interaction
Columbus Washboard Company & Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more staff interaction
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the last washboard manufacturer in the U.S., marvel at giant washboards, and enjoy live music and ice cream.
"A truly one-of-a-kind place with employees who educate you and sell local products."
🎯 Check Tour Requirements
Tours may need a minimum group size. Call ahead to confirm availability and requirements for your party.
🍦 Don't Miss the Ice Cream!
Many visitors rave about the delicious ice cream and local products available.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
World's Largest & 2nd Largest Washboard
Factory Floor
Marvel at these colossal washboards, a quirky testament to a bygone era and a unique photo opportunity.
Musical Washboard Demonstration
Factory Floor
Experience the surprising versatility of washboards as musical instruments, often played live.
Handmade Washboard Craftsmanship
Manufacturing Area
See how these iconic laundry tools are still made by hand, a true piece of American manufacturing history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tour Availability & Group Size
Beyond the Washboard
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Tour Requirements
Tours may need a minimum group size. Call ahead to confirm availability and requirements for your party.
🍦 Don't Miss the Ice Cream!
Many visitors rave about the delicious ice cream and local products available.
🎶 Washboard Music is a Vibe
Catch a live musical performance – it's a unique and fun experience!
📸 Snap a Giant Washboard Pic
The world's largest washboards are a must-see and a great photo op.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Tour Requirements
Tours may need a minimum group size. Call ahead to confirm availability and requirements for your party.
🍦 Don't Miss the Ice Cream!
Many visitors rave about the delicious ice cream and local products available.
🎶 Washboard Music is a Vibe
Catch a live musical performance – it's a unique and fun experience!
📸 Snap a Giant Washboard Pic
The world's largest washboards are a must-see and a great photo op.
🇺🇸 Support American Made
Purchase a handmade washboard as a unique souvenir or functional item.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often find the Columbus Washboard Company a unique and charming stop, especially for its historical significance and quirky attractions like the giant washboards. While some found the tour experience lacking or staff unhelpful, others praised the friendly service, especially at the ice cream counter, and appreciated learning about this piece of American manufacturing.
"Came to check it out to be able to share about it in social media and my website. Wanted to take a tour and offered to pay for the minimum number needed (we had a party of 2) and needed 2 more. The worker said no. She was unfriendly to start with and seemed bothered when we made our purchase of local products. The store its self has a lot of washboards and you can see the second largest one in the world. Not a ton to see there if you can't do a tour."
Cindy Gordon
"There wasn’t much to see. When asking about the business and the tours that are offered, the associate at Shorty’s ice cream was hesitant about giving me information and told me times that were different from the ones listed online. They very well could’ve changed! However, there was nothing to exciting. They did have a sample lotion that was great, but other than that nothing."
C
"We came for the ice cream and stayed for the washboard museum. The staff was great! Super friendly and chatty. We all ordered ice cream and then viewed the antique washboards.
The woman scooping ice cream gave us a bunch of trivia about washboards and why glass was used, various era information, and that they are the last manufacturer of these devices. They still make both functional washboard equipment and musical washboards."
Bill Murray
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Columbus Washboard Company & Museum is located in Logan, Ohio, Southeast Ohio. It's easily accessible and often visited by those exploring the nearby Hocking Hills State Park. 
While specific parking details aren't widely publicized, the location in Logan, Ohio, suggests street parking or a small lot is likely available. It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival.
Absolutely! The Columbus Washboard Company is a popular stop for visitors to the Hocking Hills region, offering a unique break from hiking and outdoor activities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the retail area and viewing the large washboards is generally free. However, tours may have a fee and require a minimum number of participants.
Operating hours can vary, and some visitors have reported discrepancies between online information and actual times. It's best to check their official website or call ahead to confirm current hours.
Tour costs are not always clearly stated online. Some visitors were willing to pay for a tour for a party of two, but it may depend on staffing and minimum group requirements.
Yes, the company manufactures and sells a wide variety of washboards, from functional laundry tools to musical instruments.
Logan, Ohio, hosts a Musical Washboard Festival every July, which is a significant event for the company and the community.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see the world's largest and second-largest washboards, observe the manufacturing process of handmade washboards, and learn about their history.
Definitely! The giant washboards are a unique photo opportunity, and the vintage feel of the place lends itself well to interesting shots.
Yes, the company is the last remaining washboard manufacturer in the U.S. and you can often see the production process.
The Columbus Washboard Company proudly displays the second largest washboard ever made, a massive structure that draws a lot of attention.
While not a traditional interactive museum, you can see the manufacturing and often witness musical washboard players, making it engaging.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, many visitors come for the ice cream and local products sold at the attached Shorty's ice cream shop. +1
Besides washboards, the company often sells a variety of local products, including lotions and other artisanal goods.
Logan, Ohio, has several local eateries. The Washboard Company itself offers ice cream, making it a sweet stop.
📸 📸 Photography
The world's largest and second-largest washboards are prime photo subjects. The vintage machinery and products also make for great shots.
Generally, yes. Visitors frequently share photos of the washboards and the manufacturing area on social media.
No specific restrictions are widely mentioned, but it's always good practice to be mindful of ongoing operations and other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't forget to stop by Shorty's ice cream for a sweet treat after exploring the washboards. It's a simple, engaging experience that provides a nice break from more strenuous activities in the Hocking Hills area. The musical washboard players can also be a big hit with younger audiences.
🎶 Musicians & Music Lovers
Even if you're not a player, witnessing a live washboard music demonstration is a treat. The rhythmic sounds and the visual of someone playing a washboard are captivating and offer a unique auditory experience you won't find elsewhere.
🚗 Day-Trippers from Columbus
+1Plan for a few hours to explore the museum, see the giant washboards, and perhaps enjoy some ice cream. It’s a quirky and memorable stop that adds a distinct flavor to any regional exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Last American Washboard Manufacturer
This dedication to preserving a piece of Americana is evident in their operations. Visitors can witness firsthand the process of creating these durable tools, a stark contrast to the disposable nature of many modern products. The company's ability to find new relevance, particularly in the music scene, highlights a clever business model that honors tradition while embracing new opportunities.
Their location in Logan, Ohio, also places them within the scenic Hocking Hills region, making them an accessible and intriguing stop for tourists looking for authentic experiences beyond the typical attractions. The blend of history, manufacturing, and a touch of musicality makes the Columbus Washboard Company a truly distinctive destination.
Washboard Music: A Rhythmic Revival
Musicians appreciate the washboard for its portability, affordability, and the raw, authentic sound it brings to a performance. The Columbus Washboard Company caters to this niche market by producing specialized musical washboards, often with different textures and designs to achieve varied sonic effects. Seeing these instruments in action, whether at a festival or a spontaneous jam session, is a highlight for many visitors.
The company's role in this musical revival is significant. By continuing to manufacture these instruments, they ensure that this unique form of percussion remains accessible to musicians. The presence of musical washboard players at the factory often provides an impromptu and memorable experience for guests, showcasing the instrument's versatility and charm.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit