Wapakoneta, Ohio: The Temple of Tolerance
RoadsideAmerica.com Team Field Report
- Address:
- 203 S. Wood St., Wapakoneta, OH
- Directions:
- I-75 exit 111. Drive west on Bellefontaine St. for around a mile, then turn right onto Wood St. The house will be halfway up the block, on the left.
- Hours:
- Open daily; just walk up Jim's driveway and into his back yard. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
- Phone:
- 419-738-4474
- RA Rates:
- Worth a Detour
Results 1 to 5 of 7... Page of 2 [Next 2 items]
The Temple of Tolerance
An ordinary house on an ordinary street, but its extensive yards have been transformed by its owner into the Temple of Tolerance.
Roadsideamerica.com Report... [04/15/2012]The Temple of Tolerance: If you're visiting the Temple of Tolerance in Wapakoneta, Ohio, and temple master Jim Bowsher is around, ask politely if you can go inside his house. [04/15/2012] Complete Story...
Visitor Tips and News About The Temple of Tolerance
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All of the rocks and artifacts have a meaning and a story. I live right down the street and still go and visit. This is not creepy or a freaky place. If you look past your judgments, you might learn a little, especially if you meet Jim, the owner of the property. The history that you see in the yard, from the front all the way to the back, is what everyday society has wanted to toss away and forget happened. Jim wants people to learn from the past, be open, be tolerant. Just remember: they are not just rocks. They are our history. Take pictures, read a book, light a bonfire at the top of the Temple and play your guitar. Open your mind.
[Rebecca Lee, 07/18/2017]The Temple of Tolerance
So worth the side trip if you love extreme, creative rock gardens!
[Caryn Langdon, 04/07/2014]We visited this creepy looking house in the middle of the day. Mom was forced to come because she was too afraid to sit in the truck alone while Dad and I explored the massive rock garden. It was very intriguing as we walked around, admiring each different "development" and how they were created. There were old headstones and millstones throughout.
A cat followed us around and we came to this massive barrel; I looked inside through the window and it was just storage for other materials. There was a tree statue thing made out of old tree limbs, an old prison door, endless gates and old benches.
I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that the altar that rises above this mass garden was at some time that of sacrificial devotion, but whatever it was -- it was definitely the coolest free tourist trap of the day! Props to the owner!
[Lockamy, 04/25/2010]Page of 2 [Next 2 items]
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Visitors should get Jim's permission before lighting any fires.