5 of Ohio's Top Cryptids

Ohio is rich in folklore, especially when it comes to cryptids—creatures whose existence remains unproven but are deeply embedded in local lore. From mysterious humanoids to aquatic beasts, these enigmatic creatures have intrigued both skeptics and believers alike. Let’s dive into five of Ohio’s top cryptids that continue to capture the imagination of residents and visitors alike.

1. The Loveland Frogman

The Loveland Frogman, or Loveland Lizard, is one of Ohio’s most famous cryptids. Sighted near Loveland, Ohio, this creature is said to resemble a humanoid frog, standing about 4 feet tall. The first reported sighting dates back to 1955, when a businessman allegedly saw three frog-like creatures on the side of the road. The legend grew stronger after a police officer claimed to have seen a similar being in 1972.

Eyewitnesses describe the Frogman as having leathery skin and webbed hands and feet. Some versions of the story even claim that it held a wand emitting sparks. Despite the skepticism, the Loveland Frogman has become a staple of Ohio folklore and a beloved local legend.

2. The Grassman

Often referred to as Ohio’s Bigfoot, the Grassman is a large, ape-like creature reported in the state’s eastern regions, particularly in the rural areas around Salt Fork State Park. Descriptions of the Grassman suggest it stands 7 to 9 feet tall, with broad shoulders and a strong odor. Unlike other Bigfoot variants, the Grassman is said to live in small groups, making it a social cryptid.

First reported in the 1800s by Native American tribes, sightings have persisted through the years, with recent reports claiming strange vocalizations, large footprints, and glimpses of the elusive beast. Whether real or mythical, the Grassman has a dedicated following among Bigfoot hunters and cryptid enthusiasts.

3. Charles Mill Lake Monster

The Charles Mill Lake Monster has been a fixture of local legend since 1959 when two teenage boys reported seeing a strange creature emerge from the waters of Charles Mill Lake, located in north-central Ohio. The beast was described as a large, frog-like creature, standing about 7 feet tall with glowing green eyes and slimy skin.

Though sightings have been sparse since the original encounter, the legend of the Charles Mill Lake Monster endures. Some cryptozoologists speculate that it may be related to the Loveland Frogman, while others believe it could be a prehistoric reptile surviving in the depths of the lake.

4. The Ohio Dogman

Similar to the Michigan Dogman, Ohio has its own version of this werewolf-like cryptid. The Ohio Dogman is described as a humanoid creature with the body of a man and the head of a dog or wolf. Sightings have been reported across the state, especially in rural areas, with some claiming the creature can walk on two legs or run swiftly on all fours.

One of the most famous sightings occurred near Defiance, Ohio, in the 1970s when multiple witnesses claimed to have seen a large, man-beast with dog-like features stalking the area. Since then, stories of the Dogman have become intertwined with local tales of shape-shifters and werewolves, adding a new layer of mystery to Ohio’s cryptid lore.

5. Bessie, the Lake Erie Monster

Ohio’s very own version of the Loch Ness Monster, Bessie, is said to inhabit the waters of Lake Erie. First reported in 1793, Bessie is described as a serpent-like creature, ranging anywhere from 30 to 40 feet in length. Over the centuries, sailors and lake-goers have claimed to see a large, undulating form breaking the surface of the water, only to disappear quickly into the depths.

Some believe Bessie could be a remnant of an ancient aquatic species, while others suggest it may simply be large schools of fish or debris mistaken for a monster. Regardless, the legend of Bessie persists, attracting curious tourists and cryptid hunters alike.