The concept of a roadside attraction is somewhat fleeting, but fortunately, there are still one-of-a-kind stops around Cincinnati that are ideal for an afternoon adventure. Taking a scenic drive is a wonderful way to pass the time, and many enjoy the drive to nearby New Richmond, a city right on the river that is filled with history. This town also happens to be home to the world's only Cardboard Boat Museum and this quirky roadside attraction near Cincinnati is the most unique thing you've ever seen.
Located along the river in New Richmond, the world's only Cardboard Boat Museum is situated right on the water and is such a fun and quirky find. This little museum celebrates the craft of building boats from cardboard that not only float, but can even hold people as they head down the river!
The museum is run by volunteers and admission is simply a donation. These donations allow them to continue operating the museum and to maintain it for everyone who wishes to stop by for some random roadside fun.
If you enjoy boats, museums, art, or just unique things, you'll love the collection at the Cardboard Boat Museum. Many boats are displayed and you'll love the attention to detail and engineering skills it takes to build these working watercraft.
The riverboat replicas are always a favorite, like the Island Queen (shown below). It's a fascinating way to experience a bit of local history and learn about how these artists create boats out of cardboard that actually transport people.
Be sure to look up when you visit, as even more creations are hung from the ceiling! These canoe/kayak boats look like the real deal, but are all, in fact, made of cardboard.
There are many whimsically-themed boats in the museum, including a Bat Boat (for Batman), a school bus, a guitar, and a John Deere tractor. The creativity on display is quite impressive.
Each year, on the third Saturday in August, the museum hosts the International Cardboard Boat Regatta. This fun-filled event gets very competitive as participants battle for prizes like the Titanic Award (for most dramatic sinking) and the Cardboard Man (the Ironman endurance award).
The Cardboard Boat Museum is open on Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays & Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you'd like to visit a classic roadside attraction that is a fun and unique way to spend an afternoon, check out the world's only Cardboard Boat Museum, just a short drive from Cincinnati.
The Cardboard Boat Museum and its annual Regatta are unique attractions in the Cincinnati area that make for a great roadside stop, and while you're at it, spend time in the historic river town of New Richmond. Did you know this little museum existed? Have you been to the regatta? Let us know in the comments!
The Cardboard Boat Museum is located at 311 Front St., New Richmond, OH 45157. For more information, visit its website here.
And if you happen to visit the museum during the summer, be sure to stop by this floating restaurant, featured in a previous article here.
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