longaberger basket factory

We took our mom, who loves Longaberger baskets, to the headquarter office first. Took a few pics in front of the office which looks like a huge basket then 20 minutes away we came to the factory. Upon entering the compound you get a sense that its going out of business. The landscape is pretty rough and on a Friday afternoon there were only a hand full of cars in the huge parking lot. However, upon entering the welcome center building you are greeted warmly and provided a map of the stores. (Which appeared to be totally connected so you dont have to go outside. Nice if its raining or cold) You can get a push basket, which was nice for mom to push throughout all the stores or use lockers to store your coats or purses. The buildings are very nice and an elevator is available for anyone who cant manage the stairs. The employees were helpful, they had every kind of basket you could imagine, the restrooms were plentiful throughout and were very clean. Mom bought 1 medium and 1 small pumpkin (made of Longaberger strips of wood) and a beautiful christmas basket. All for $81. The pumpkins were not but the christmas basket and loads of others were 50% off. Not bad compared to buying them in a retail store. I am not a huge "basket person", but even I can appreciate the workmanship. Overall, a good experience. If this review helped you, click like below.

What a fun place! If you need a basket, good luck choosing! There are so many you will want to take home. Or, you can make one yourself. It is a beautiful building and property and the restaurant is a must. A big buffet of all the home cooking, comfort food you'd want! Every item was delicious! Save room for dessert.

Longaberger Homestead was on my to do list for the summer and I finally got to visit this past weekend. The store had everything 50% off or more. I was determined to purchase something but could not find the color picnic basket I wanted for the discounted price. You can also make your own basket there but I did not have an hour to do so. My guy and I ate at the Longaberger Homestead Restaurant. The food was pretty good, especially the chicken and the carrot cake. It was buffet style and dessert was included. The restaurant is not actually owned by the company but is located on the property. The Longaberger property and store are beautiful. I was just sad to see it so deserted. They are making lots of changes to the company and I hope that they do well in the future. I hope to return to make a basket in the near future.

There are four options to take at this location. One, their Homestead Restaurant, I'll review separately. Of the other three:First, there's a reconstruction of the Longaberger home, where Dave Longaberger, the third generation in a family of basket-weavers, was born and raised. It's got some historical decor, but the main feature is a time-line recounting how the family established the basketry business that Dave finally turned into an international success four decades ago.Second, there's the Longaberger store, a spacious (was this place perhaps over-built?) and meticulously clean and neat retail shop where you'll find an exhausting selection of Longaberger baskets and pottery, with a few additional items of apparel or housewares. All Longaberger merchandise here is 50% off (or more). Now, those not in the know should be advised; a Longaberger basket is a work of art, a top-of-the-line item that usually retails for over $100. If you just need a cheap basket to carry stuff in, your local thrift store might offer something more affordable. But if you want the very best basketry, if it's going to be decor, or if there's a special purpose--the price reduction might compensate for the cost of the trip.Finally, there's the factory--which our allotted time did not permit us to tour. I understand they offer an option to make your own basket.The facility also includes, I believe, some meeting spaces that might be of interest to business or civic groups.I found our short time there quite enjoyable, especially the history of the Longaberger family.

The guide for the factory was informative, pleasant, and responsive. She was a well informed,long time employee. All in all a pleasant learning experience.

Spent one day at the Longaberger Homestead.What made the trip special wasn't just visiting the Homestead but was how friendly and helpful the employees we met. Took factory tour with Kenny. Very nice gentleman.Made a basket at the Crawford Barn. The ladies were very nice, friendly and patient.Ate lunch at the Millers Restaurant. Food was very good and the staff very pleasant.

Stopped on the way through town to see the basket building. Neat looking and a few things in the lobby to see. Not what I'd drive out of the way to see, but it was okay. Didn't stop at the factory.

Things have changed after the girls have taken over and now its not the best place in the world to go anymore

Wow, have things changed at Longaberger and I don't mean for the better. Property was shabby. It used to be pristine and beautiful. Limited hours, just plain disappointing. I have visited several times in the past and it doesn't even look like the same place. Weeds growing up in the landscape and parking lots. Almost looks deserted. Greed was the downward spiral of this once thriving empire. Going to China didn't help either. So, so sad.

Area was rundown...Nothing, no one there anymore! So disappointing for our relatives, that had looked forward to this time so much. So sad that this has happened to this once beautiful area.

This company was prided around all american products, now the only thing american is their baskets. Ever since the daughters took the comapny over the place has gone downhill and fast. Not to mention everything made in china is still outrageous in price. I dont forsee this company making it if it keeps down the path its going. I worked for the outlet store and the manager the hired was constantly hitting on a high school kid we had working, he finally asked me to report it to corprate and you know what they did, got rid of me and the kid effected. This company is a joke. Please shop elsewhere.

Loved the tour. Great to see how the workers make the baskets. Lots of skill involved here.

I usually visit at least once a year. The staff and weavers are extremely friendly. Great atmosphere.

It is amazing to see what the Longaberger family has done with their basket business over the decades! A very family oriented business for their employees as well, it is amazing to watch them make the different style baskets that are made with such quality. You know you have something of value when you own them! A neat experience!

Was a little disappointed. I thought the place was several buildings of shops. It may have been exciting for a basket collector. Didn't get to Dresden because it started to rain and we needed to head home.