You think you’ve seen all the weird stuff Ohio has to offer, like the Field of Corn in Dublin, the old Big Butter Jesus statue down in Lebanon, and even the seemingly random – yet equally gorgeous – Watlao Buddhamamakaram Buddhist Temple east of Columbus.
Then suddenly you find out there’s an entire museum dedicated to… pencil sharpeners.
Yes, really. And honestly? It’s kind of awesome.
I know you don’t believe us, but you’ll see…
Really? A Museum For Pencil Sharpeners?
Yes, really. Down in Logan, right next to Hocking Hills, sits the Paul A. Johnson Pencil Sharpener Museum, home to roughly 3,500 to 5,000 unique pencil sharpeners. It’s believed to be the largest collection in the country, and every single one is different. No duplicates. No repeats. Just thousands of tiny sharpeners living their best lives.
The whole thing began in 1989 when Rev. Paul Johnson got two car-shaped pencil sharpeners as a gift. He had just retired, needed a hobby, and apparently said, “I choose chaos.”
Twenty years later, he had collected thousands. After he passed away, his wife moved the entire collection to the Hocking Hills Welcome Center so everyone could enjoy the lovely weirdness.
What You’ll See
These aren’t just your everyday pencil sharpeners. Far from it.
They have sharpeners shaped like:
- musical instruments (cellos, tubas, and even upright pianos!)
- tiny cannons
- Mickey Mouse
- classic cars
- the old-school crank sharpeners from school
They’re organized by category, wrapped around the room like a tiny gallery of pure, unhinged creativity. The oldest members of the museum are on the bottoms shelves, so start there if you’re trying to find some real history.
Why You Should Stop By
It takes five minutes, it’s free, and it’s one of those “only in Ohio” things that makes you weirdly proud. Plus, it’s right by Hocking Hills, so it’s the perfect quick stop before or after a hike.
Is it bizarre? Absolutely.
Is it worth it? Also absolutely.
Because if there’s anything Ohio does better than anyone, it’s committing fully to the bit.
✏️ Paul A. Johnson Pencil Sharpener Museum | 📍 13178 OH-664, Logan, OH 43138
Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM Mon – Sat, 11 AM – 5 PM Sundays
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