The Giant Cuckoo Clock of Amish Country
More than thirty years ago, our company’s founder — and my great-uncle — Karl Schleutermann built one of the most extraordinary cuckoo clocks in America: a giant, walk-up Black Forest–style clock in the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country.
The clock was constructed in 1972–73 on the grounds of Grandma’s Alpine Homestead (also known as Alpine-Alpa) at 1504 US Route 62 in Wilmot, Ohio. It was built in friendly competition with another oversized cuckoo clock in Frankenmuth, Michigan — a clock that no longer exists today.
The scale of the Wilmot clock was staggering:
- Height: 7.2 meters (23.5 feet)
- Width: 3.3 meters (approximately 24 feet)
- Depth: 4.1 meters (13.5 feet)
It was reportedly recognized in both the Guinness Book of World Records and Ripley’s Believe It or Not, drawing visitors from across the country who wanted to witness a larger-than-life version of the beloved Black Forest icon.
Renovation and Relocation
In August 2007, the giant clock underwent renovation and was moved from its original position to a new location adjacent to the restaurant. Unfortunately, when the restaurant closed in 2009, the clock was auctioned.
The most recent reports suggest that the clock is slated to be re-erected in either Walnut Creek or Sugarcreek, Ohio — communities well known for their Swiss and German heritage. The exact location and timetable remain uncertain, as restoration depends on funding and preservation efforts.
Special thanks to CuriusJM’s post for tracking the history of this and other giant cuckoo clocks around the world.
