- Attraction: Paul A. Johnson Pencil Sharpener Museum
- Location: 13178 State Route 664 S, Logan, OH 43138
- Industry: Museum
- Website: https://www.explorehockinghills.com/things-to-do/paul-a-johnson-pencil-sharpener-museum
What started as a thoughtful retirement gift has blossomed into the world’s first and only pencil sharpener museum, housing an incredible collection of over 5,000 unique sharpening devices that will transport you back to your elementary school days while simultaneously amazing you with their creativity.
Located right next to the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center in Logan, this charming museum proves that the most delightful discoveries often come in the smallest packages.
You’ll find yourself saying “Look at this one!” as you examine miniature orchestras, fleets of airplanes, and famous landmarks—all designed to sharpen your pencils.
From Retirement Gift to World Record
The Sweet Beginning: In 1988, when Rev. Paul A. Johnson retired, his wife Charlotte encouraged him to find a hobby and gifted him a few car-shaped pencil sharpeners, suggesting he start a collection representing different modes of transportation. That small gesture sparked an unexpected fascination that eventually led to a collection spanning thousands of sharpeners from across the globe.
Two Remarkable Collections Unite: The museum’s story grew even richer in 2024 when Frank Parades’ family from Tampa, Florida donated his 1,500-piece collection to join Paul’s original 3,450 sharpeners. Frank was passionate about the craftsmanship of early pencil sharpeners and owned rare models from EMB Marti and Valencia’s Play-Me brand that collectors pay over $100 for today.
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Keep Exploring →Museum-Quality Display: After Paul’s death in 2010, the collection found its permanent home at the welcome center. The current facility, which opened in January 2024, features museum-grade display cases and handicapped accessibility, ensuring every visitor can appreciate these tiny marvels up close while preserving their delicate details.
Incredible Variety of Miniature Art
Transportation Wonderland: You’ll discover sharpening cars, tractors, airplanes, trains, boats, and even rocket ships. Each piece represents incredible attention to detail, from vintage automobiles to space-age vehicles that capture different eras of design and imagination.
Character Parade: The collection includes beloved characters like Garfield, Mickey Mouse, Tweety Bird, U.S. presidents, panda bears, and countless other personalities transformed into functional pencil sharpeners. There’s even a monster sharpener that belches after devouring pencil shavings!
Famous Landmarks and Monuments: Miniature replicas of famous buildings, monuments, and landmarks from around the world fill the display cases. One of Paul’s most prized possessions was a twin towers pencil sharpener from New York, representing the deep personal connections these small objects can hold.
Functional Art Forms: From globes and skateboards to people and animals, the sharpeners showcase the incredible imagination of designers who transformed everyday objects into functional art. Many pieces came from Valencia, Spain, where intricate craftsmanship elevated simple tools into collectible treasures.
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Discover MoreA Quick But Memorable Experience
Perfect Rest Stop: Located directly at the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center, this museum offers the ideal quick diversion when you’re stopping for maps, brochures, or restroom breaks. Most visitors spend 15-20 minutes exploring, making it a perfect addition to any Hocking Hills adventure without disrupting your schedule.
Free and Accessible: The museum operates whenever the welcome center is open (typically Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 11am-5pm) and admission is completely free. The modern building includes wheelchair accessibility and museum-quality lighting that lets you examine every tiny detail.
Educational Value: You’ll gain appreciation for the evolution of pencil sharpening technology, from simple sandpaper and blade models to sophisticated hand-crank mechanisms. There’s even a 224-page book titled “How to Sharpen Pencils” that highlights how much thought has gone into this seemingly simple task.
Part of the Hocking Hills Experience
Gateway to Adventure: Since you’re already at the welcome center, you can gather information about all the Hocking Hills attractions like Ash Cave, Old Man’s Cave, and Cedar Falls. The museum serves as a delightful appetizer before exploring some of Ohio’s most beautiful natural areas.
Local Dining Recommendation: Many visitors combine their museum visit with lunch at the nearby Olde Dutch restaurant, creating a perfect small-town Ohio experience that captures both quirky charm and authentic local flavor.
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Keep Exploring →Photo Opportunities: The collection provides countless opportunities for unique photos, especially for social media enthusiasts who appreciate unusual roadside attractions. Each display case reveals new details and favorite pieces that make great conversation starters.
Other Considerations
Collector’s Dream: If you’re into vintage collectibles or unusual museums, this represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the world’s most extensive pencil sharpener collection. Many of the pieces are extremely rare and would be impossible to view anywhere else.
Family Appeal: Children love trying to spot their favorite characters while adults appreciate the craftsmanship and nostalgia of recognizing sharpeners from their own school days. It’s one of those attractions that generates excitement across all age groups.
Bucket List Status: Several visitors describe this as a genuine “bucket list” experience—the kind of unique attraction you can’t find anywhere else in the world. Whether you’re a serious collector or just enjoy quirky roadside stops, this museum delivers something truly special.
Paul A. Johnson Pencil Sharpener Museum
📍 13178 State Route 664 S, Logan, OH 43138
