longaberger basket factory/homestead

I'm local so I stop by often (used to). Last several visits it was a ghost town. Repairs going undone, food quality lower and prices higher, product selection very low.This used to be an awesome destination but in the last few years it is really a reflection of the downward spiral the entire company is in. They used to employ 8500 now around 200! They even sold all the property and lease it back just to stay afloat.Truly sad that Tami's greed has destroyed her father's company.

Was a little concern after reading a few things about the factory and how things have changed there,but don't let it stop you.it was great!!got a wonderful tour there was only 4 on the tour so it was very interesting,just go first thing cause they only weave till like 2.we had lunch in the barn,everything on the menu is get and they make there own potatoe chips,yum.the store has lots of sale items.and be sure and get a ticket at the info center for the drawings,guess who won a basket....oh that would be me!be sure and go into town too.dresdon the stores that are open have alsome sales,and the depot has a good meal.

This is very interesting! You can tour the factory where the best baskets in the world are each hand-made. I never knew so much went into making a basket. Be sure to call ahead to make sure you can get on the tour. While there, be sure to spend time shopping in the Homestead and visit the reconstructed huge barn. The original Longaberger home is also on the property.

There was every kind of basket imaginable here.. they are high dollar though.. we were able to make a basket while there but the lowest price on that is 59.00 plus tax and the prices go up from there..however it is free to watch others make them..some great photo op areas..all in all a nice place to visit

You can take a self guided tour and watch the Weavers work their magic. You can also purchase baskets here.

This recent trip to the Longaberger Homestead was very hard to do. We went many times in the late 90s when this was a bustling shopping area. When we pulled in on a Saturday, there were maybe 8 cars. The parking lots were in bad shape and grass was growing through the pavement. The factory is closed to the public now and the old trolley sits broken down. The landscaping is nonexistent now. Where flowers once grew are all weeds and dead plants. It was truly heartbreaking to see this. There are hardly any employees in the store, all of the checkout locations sit empty except one. We still truly appreciate the good quality of the pottery and baskets so it's so hard to see it like this now from what it once was. Even the restaurant was nearly empty and is now a buffet. We drove over to Dresden as well and the same feeling exists here. Popeyes is now closed as are many of the original patio shops. I rated excellence because the quality is still there but this was really sad to see the current state this place is now in.

As usual a I search for unusual sites in a place I visit and found this in Ohio. It was a half hour off our route from Ohio to Pittsburgh but worth the detour. A beautiful view from the highway and the actual location. Did not get a chance to go in and visit as it was closed on a Sunday . Even restaurants in the area have mini baskets as their centre pieces to hold salt and pepper and ketchup.

We love to go here 2 or 3 times a year!! Of course it's not like it was in the past-but it's still a nice place to go for the day!! Great pottery deals---and some baskets to buy also!!

You don't even have to like the baskets in order to be able to appreciate all the hard work being done by working people. Standing there, watching all those people working is amazing.I truly admire it. I couldn't do it.So i am certainly not going to criticize the place. It is amazing to see so many people working, making baskets. I didn't buy anything, just because I don't like for things to accumulate , if I don't really need something.But they do have some unique things there.It was very interesting to see. One of my favorite part is the big basket filled with apples outside of the factory.

We love visiting Longaberger Homestead!! This was our second year making a basket at the Crawford Barn. What a neat experience!! Make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to walk through the Home Store. They have lots and lots of basket goodies!! Also, Miller's Restaurant has some of the best vegetable soup and homemade bread. A definite must when visiting Dresden, OH.

The Longaberger homestead / factory store is a massive complex in the middle of nowhere. Upon entering the drive there are several very large parking lots roped off, not used in years judging by the greenery coming up through them, this place certainly does not have the traffic it once received in better economic times. The visitor center is first building you will come to. A few minutes in their should suffice to know what there is to see and do. the mammoth 2 level barn is full of deep discount items and where you can make your own basket anyway you like, nice for the kids or as a couple. The main factory store, has just about any Longaberger item imaginable, from baskets to kitchenware. Their kitchenware is impressive, heavy duty, and decidedly affordable compared to retail pricing. While they are flawed, most in some slight cosmetic way, they are fully functional and better than first runs of many other brands. They have a restaurant serving traditional American food, we didn't try it out however. There were literally 6 other people at this massive place when we were there, which was rather mind blowing considering the amount of money the upkeep alone would be here. Maybe in the fall is busy season, can only speculate. I would come again, if I was ever in the area, not worth revolving a trip around though.

One visits Longaberger baskets as a destination attraction: you like the baskets. The baskets are handmade and $$. But they have a unique look. It is a collector market, with retired items and vintage hype. You can make your own basket with assist from the staff. This could be a group activity with a nice take away souvenir, such as a family reunion or bachelorette party. Plenty of parking. Restaurant onsite. There has been a recent layoff and there is not the hubbub and energy present. The grounds are well kept and is a nice experience, if you like the baskets. Otherwise, you won't "get" it.

On the tour of the factory we learned Longaberger once had 8,000 employees. On Sept. 5, 2013 they now employ 500. Good news they are bringing back the pottery to the U.S. and other items they sent overseas so it will again be a USA made product. It is sad to walk around the Homestead site and see how neglected the grounds are. Pot holes in the parking lots, grass growing up between the concrete. Inside the building you can see all the checkout stands they had on both floors but now you take everything to the first floor at one checkout. There are "vintage" brand new baskets sitting on the shelves. Good thing they do have some sale bins. Went to the Crawford Barn and got some more deals. Walking around Dresden we heard from many locals that the daughters have let the company go downhill since Dave died. I hope making everything USA made will help bring their family reputation back to where it was once.

As a newbie to the world of Longaberger, I made my first tour of the Homestead with a veteran collector as my guide. We visited on Heritage Day and, even though I was very impressed by the display and festivities, my friend informed me that it all has been scaled back in recent years. Nevertheless, this is a trip worth the drive to Dresden, Ohio. You'll discover an almost overwhelming array of Longaberger products. But I would recommend doing some homework or bringing a knowledgeable friend to discern the authentic thing from the knock-offs and the good prices from the not-so-good ones.

If you love Longaberger, you will not be disappointed in this trip. Lots to see do and buy. You can also make your own basket.