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Lake Station, Indiana: Ruben's Giant Hobo

Since the late 1950s a big, portly hobo with a hole in his shoe, a stick, and a handful of balloons has stood outside a local restaurant. Felled by a storm on Nov. 12, 2015, back in action March 2016.

Address:
2230 Ripley St., Lake Station, IN
Directions:
I-80/94 exit south to US Hwy 6/Ripley St., on right at Parkside Ave.
Phone:
219-962-3212
Admission:
Free
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Visitor Tips and News About Ruben's Giant Hobo

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Ruben's Giant Hobo.

Ruben's Giant Hobo

The Ruben Hobo is looking good! Busy road, but adequate parking places in the area.

[Luv2RV, 09/16/2023]

Hobo statue.

Ruben's Giant Hobo

Ruben's Giant Hobo is a cool stop. There's parking next to the statue.

[Stephen Francia, 10/11/2021]

Hobo statue.

Ruben's Giant Hobo

Found Ruben's by accident ... the giant hobo with hot dogs in his pocket caught our eye. Worth a stop for a cheap lunch basket with a loaded polish sausage and fries for under $4. The restaurant has great mid-century architecture.

[J Nichols, 07/02/2019]

Hobo with balloons.

Giant Roadside Hobo

A statue of a hobo holding a bunch of balloons and a hobo stick. He is the mascot for Ruben's Restaurant on U.S. 6 in Lake Station, IN.

[Alan Culley, 06/17/2012]

Nearby Offbeat Places

Elephant and Hippie RhinocerosElephant and Hippie Rhinoceros, Lake Station, IN - < 1 mi.
Birthplace of Michael JacksonBirthplace of Michael Jackson, Gary, IN - 5 mi.
Fusion: Steel Workers and FairiesFusion: Steel Workers and Fairies, Gary, IN - 5 mi.
In the region:
Muffler Man: Golfer, Worth, IL - 29 mi.

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