World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock

World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock

When we are traveling by car, we often will see what interesting things are in the local area and try to visit them. We’ve seen a smaller version of Stonehenge, Amish farm houses, candy factories and more. One of our favorite places has been the World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock located in Sugarcreek, Ohio. It’s an outdoor cuckoo clock that has music, dancers, a band, and all the cultural fun you can imagine, shared with the general public.

 

The Alpine Alpa restaurant in Wilmot, Ohio, commissioned clockmaker Karl Schleutermann to build the world’s largest cuckoo clock in 1963. 12 years and $50,000 later, the enormous outdoor clock was finished. It was featured on the cover of the Guinness Book of World Records in 1978. After exposure to Ohio’s weather for 30 years, Hampton Hotels’ “Save-A-Landmark” program helped to restore the cuckoo clock to operating condition in 2007. The restaurant closed 2 years later, and the owner of the local store Walnut Creek Cheese purchased the clock and donated it to the Village of Sugarcreek. The clock was moved to its new home in May 2012. Village leaders and community members returned the clock to working condition and placed it on display for all to enjoy.

Ohio Historical Marker 24~79

Located on Street Corner in Town

The World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock literally stands on a street corner that sees traffic all day long. We found an empty spot on a side street and walked to the viewing area to wait for the next showing. While you wait, it’s a great time to take in all the details from the flowers and brick work to the working water wheel and carved roof line.

We loved checking out all the band members and the lady dancing once the “show” did start. It runs for almost 4 minutes, and operates from 9am to 9pm most of the year. I believe it’s closed during the winter due to the elements. But it is free and definitely a once in a lifetime experience. There is plenty of standing room but also a bench if you wanted to relax with the family.

 

Be sure to check out the World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock in Sugarcreek, Ohio, the next time you’re nearby. It’s in the middle of Amish country so be sure to leave enough time to visit the local area too! Learn more on the clock’s Facebook page for the latest information.