A Borderline H.O.G. Chapter challenge, an Ohio backroad ride, and a whole pack of metal dogs chasing one golden bone.

We recently rode out to the South Main Plaza Dog Fountain in Mount Vernon, Ohio—and yes, it was every bit as cute and quirky as it sounds.

This stop was part of one of our Borderline H.O.G. Chapter challenges. We set the GPS to “scenic,” pointed the motorcycle toward Mount Vernon, and enjoyed a wonderful ride through the Ohio countryside. When your navigation offers a choice between fast and fun, we usually vote for fun.

Riding Ohio Backroads to Mount Vernon

The destination gave us an excuse to get out on the motorcycle, but the Ohio country roads were the real treat. Scenic routing traded the quickest path for smaller roads, rural views, and the kind of easygoing miles that make a simple day ride memorable.

It also felt like a fitting follow-up to our first ride exploring Ohio’s backroads with Borderline H.O.G. If you enjoy roads with more twists and elevation, take a look at our ride on Ohio Route 555, the Triple Nickle. Different ride, same goal: get off the interstate and enjoy Ohio from the saddle.

What Is the South Main Plaza Dog Fountain?

The South Main Plaza Dog Fountain is a whimsical downtown attraction at 201 South Main Street in Mount Vernon, Ohio. The fountain features 18 painted cast-aluminum dog sculptures, plus a cat, two pairs of birds, a pony, and an apple. They all surround the fountain’s GOLDEN BONE—and the cat wisely stays above the splash zone.

It is fun, unusual, family-friendly, and just odd enough to make a perfect motorcycle challenge stop. In other words, somebody looked at a normal fountain and said, “This needs more dogs.” They were right.

Why Riders Should Add It to an Ohio Motorcycle Route

• It is an easy photo stop: The fountain gives you something more interesting than another gas-pump picture.
• It is in downtown Mount Vernon: You can stretch your legs and explore the surrounding area.
• The ride can be the best part: Select scenic routing and let Ohio’s backroads do their thing.

Quick Visit Details

Destination: South Main Plaza Dog Fountain

Location: 201 South Main Street, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050

Best for: Motorcycle day rides, quirky roadside attractions, and photo stops

Final Thoughts

The South Main Plaza Dog Fountain turned a simple H.O.G. challenge into a great Ohio motorcycle ride. The fountain was cute, the country roads were wonderful, and the golden bone was still under heavy canine surveillance when we left.

If you are planning a scenic motorcycle ride through Ohio, add Mount Vernon and the dog fountain to your route. Sometimes the best ride destinations are not the biggest attractions—they are the ones that make you grin inside your helmet.

$ide On, Ride Safe