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Put-in-Bay, Ohio: House That Was a Ship

The luxurious "shiphouse" of Henry Ford's personal Great Lakes freighter was converted into a house on land.

Benson Ford Shiphouse

Address:
Ashburn Ave., Put-in-Bay, OH
Directions:
Benson Ford Shiphouse. On the northwest edge of South Bass Island, on very short Ashburn Ave., next to Capt. Alfred Parker Park. Private property; visible from the park (or the water) but not open to the public.
Admission:
Free
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Benson Ford Shiphouse.

House That Was a Ship

This house is visible from one angle on land using the adjacent park. A private residence prevents approaching any closer. There is a chain link fence with hundreds of padlocks on it. The locks commemorate special events and dates. The various locks and the messages on them are more intriguing than the boat house. There is plenty of space on the fence to add your own lock.

[Chris, 08/13/2023]

Benson Ford Shiphouse.

Benson Ford Shiphouse

A large ship was sawed in half and propped up on a cliff to serve as a private home. Visible from the water (Jet Express boats point it out) and land, from the adjacent park. Very impressive from the outside.

[Kitsa, 08/25/2016]

This is the "shiphouse" of a 1924 Great Lakes freighter. It was lifted off of the boat in 1986 and barged to South Bass Island, where it was bolted to a promontory as a house. The freighter was luxurious -- designed for Henry Ford's pleasure with walnut-paneled staterooms and galleys -- so we imagine the people who live in the shiphouse do so in luxurious comfort.


Nearby Offbeat Places

Perry's Cave, War of 1812 Mini-GolfPerry's Cave, War of 1812 Mini-Golf, Put-in-Bay, OH - < 1 mi.
Stand Inside World's Largest GeodeStand Inside World's Largest Geode, Put-in-Bay, OH - < 1 mi.
Taxidermy Free-for-AllTaxidermy Free-for-All, Put-in-Bay, OH - < 1 mi.
In the region:
Giant Tigers, Detroit, MI - 49 mi.

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