Close your eyes and make a wish. That’s something I used to tell myself when tossing a coin into Fountain Square. My grandma had a plastic baggie filled with spare change, and as a kid we’d go downtown and always, always stop by the The Genius of Water to make a wish. Wishing fountains seem to be in short supply nowadays, and whether or not you’re actually throwing a coin into the water (which, depending on what fountain you visit, might be frowned upon), the idea of pausing and conjuring up a positive thought seems as necessary as ever. In Mt. Vernon, Ohio, there is a public fountain where it’s pretty much impossible *not* to pause (or paws?) and think about a wish or two: the South Main Plaza, AKA the Mt. Vernon Dog Fountain, is a quirky attraction that’s, well, doggone delightful.

Public fountains are a common part of many a small town and big city center. They serve as beautiful works of art around which folks naturally gather; they also often provide the perfect setting for community events and festivals.
Mount Vernon News/Facebook
The town of Mount Vernon, Ohio, is no different. In addition to the historic Cooper Fountain (pictured above), the town is home to another fountain that's quite literally a horse -- or dog? -- of a different color.
South Main Plaza/Google Local
This is the fountain at South Main Plaza, and since its unveiling in 2019, has been something to bark about in small-town Mt. Vernon, Ohio.
South Main Plaza/Google Local
Inspired by world-renowned landscape architect Claude Cormier’s fountain in Toronto’s Berczy Park, the fountain at South Main Plaza features painted cast aluminum sculptures of 18 dogs, one cat, two pairs of birds, a pony, and an apple (but of course).
South Main Plaza/Google Local

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Some might wonder why. Why create a dog fountain in the middle of a small town in America's heartland? To those folks, I simply say, "why not?" What could be more fun that a fountain full of spraying, smiling pups?
lucaseq on Two Wheels/Google Local
Since its debut, the fountain has become a must-visit in town; a place for fun photo ops and communing with fellow animal lovers and art enthusiasts.
AL Keefus/Google Local
If, on the off chance you happen upon this doggy fountain when it's turned off, that's okay -- it's still a doggone delightful piece of public art to witness...
Jennifer Teu/Google Local
...for cat lovers, too!
South Main Plaza/Google Local

Have you visited this quirky fountain in Ohio before? Did you know about this pup-tastic public fountain in Mt. Vernon? The fountain at South Main Plaza might be my all-time favorite roadside attraction in Ohio… and that’s saying something, as our state is filled with wonderfully weird attractions!

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South Main Plaza, 201 S Main St, Mt Vernon, OH 43050, USA