WARTHER CARVINGS & GARDENS

(Admission: $11.50 adults & $6.00 children 7-17)
 

• Open in January & February, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the last guided tour starting at 3 p.m.. (closed Sundays).  Starting in March Warthers will be open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. with the last guided tour starting at 4 p.m.
• Location: 1/4 mile off I-77 (exit #83) in Dover, Ohio  ● 331 Karl Ave., Dover, OH 44622
• Phone: 330-343-7513

This world class facility is a fitting tribute to Ernest “Mooney” Warther, World’s Master Carver. Warther created a collection of steam locomotives carved of ebony and ivory which have been appraised as priceless by the Smithsonian Institution. The carvings are displayed in a beautiful Swiss chalet which includes a new theater handcrafted of solid curly maple. You will also experience new displays, and the expanded knife making & wood shop. Freida Warther’s Button House is still a sight to see and in the summer the Swiss gardens are magnificent.  

The original Warther Carving Museum opened three generations ago and has blossomed into an attraction which draws visitors from all over the world. The amazing Warther story is presented by knowledgeable guides and enhanced by films that include family photos and movies of Mooney carving in his shop. Some of the new displays show his traveling years, his love of reading, and commando knives made during World War II.    

Dave Warther, Mooney’s son, or grandson Mark are usually in the lobby greeting visitors and carving souvenir wooden pliers for children. Mooney made the pliers famous by placing 10 interconnecting cuts into a block of wood. Another grandson, Dale, makes the handcrafted kitchen knives. From the knife shop viewing area, you can observe the cutlery and knife blocks being created. The Warther gift shop is operated by Dave’s wife, Joanne, and his daughter Carol. It is the exclusive home of Warther Cutlery. 

Return to OhioTraveler.com Fantastic Tours