7 Things to See While Visiting Jungle Jim's

Posted on Jul 9

Making a trip to Jungle Jim's International Market? Here are 7 must-see things along the way.

In 1971, James O. Bonaminio (a.k.a Jungle Jim) started his businesses as a fresh produce stand, and it has now evolved into a wild 6.5 acre attraction. Jungle likes to collect what others might consider "junk," like used equipment from amusement parks or arcades. He has a huge collection of all kinds of things in storage, until Jungle comes up with an idea on how he can implement it into the store. Jungle Jim's has 200,000+ products from over 75 countries, and is full of robotic characters, singing animatronics, and theatrical decor. For example, the frozen food features fake penguins and the honey aisle has real hornets nests. On your next journey through the Jungle, here are 7 things to keep an eye out for.

1. Campbell's Soup Can

Campbell's Soup Can, Jungle Jim's International Market Fairfield

This giant swinging and singing can of Campbell's Soup can be found right through the Foodie Entrance. Whether you find it fascinating or terrifying, it's only the start of Jungle's zany animatronics.

2. Corn & Butter

Corn & Butter, Jungle Jim's International Market Fairfield

Before you see the Campbell's Soup Can, you'll probably run into Corn & Butter, located right below the original Jungle Jim's building sign from 1974. There's a button to push so you can hear from "the comedy team" yourself. Grumpy corn and the talking butter will put on a show!

3. Singing Elvis

While stocking up on goodies in the candy isle, be sure to stop and admire the Singing Elvis Lion. Press the button to get the full effect— he sings a popular tune on his guitar.

4. The Big Cheese

The Big Cheese, Jungle Jim's International Market Fairfield

The Big Cheese is a popular attraction, so much so that Jungle likes to host an annual Big Cheese Festival. The cheese is displayed like a trophy in a giant refrigerated case. It weighs nearly a half-ton and is eaten and replaced every year or so. The cheese section is also wildly impressive, with 1,400 cheeses from all over the world.

5. The Bathrooms...

The lush (2007 Cintas "Best Bathroom in America" winner) bathrooms are hilariously disguised behind port-o-potty doors. Taking a picture in these famous restrooms is a must during your visit. Above the entrance of each bathroom, a line of five video monitors played clips of TV newscasts reporting the breaking news of the bathrooms— which received coverage around the globe.

6. Hot Sauce Firetruck

Can you handle the heat? Above the many, many fiery sauce selections in this aisle, you'll discover a real, vintage Hueston Woods Firetruck. It's a great addition atop the 1,200 hot sauces available for purchase.

7. The Monorail & Oscar Station

Jungle's love for theme park equipment led to his 1998 purchase of the retired Lion Country Safari monorail from King's Island. The monorail, while always on display at Jungle Jim's, finally found a purpose when Jungle opened his bourbon bar and event venue, The Oscar Station. The monorail connects guests to The Oscar Event Center.

The bar, complete with 100 bourbons, is definitely the highlight of The Oscar Station. Above the bar is a revolving, repurposed dry-cleaning rack that Jungle bought nearly 20 years ago.

Of course, there are SO many fun things to experience at Jungle Jim's. Plan your visit and make sure to save plenty of time to explore everything there is to offer!