Reps. Rader, Schmidt Introduce Bill to Make Loveland Frog Ohio's Official Cryptid

COLUMBUS — State Reps. Tristan Rader (D-Lakewood) and Jean Schmidt (R-Loveland) this week introduced bipartisan legislation, House Bill (HB) 821, to designate the Loveland Frog as Ohio’s official state cryptid, celebrating a legend that has captured imaginations and drawn visitors for generations.

“This bill is about showcasing our communities,” said Rep. Rader. “The Loveland Frog is uniquely Ohio. It reflects the stories we tell, the places we’re proud of, and the creativity that makes our state worth celebrating.”

Whether or not cryptids exist, their impact is real. Across the country, folklore fuels tourism, builds local identity, and gives communities something uniquely their own to rally around.

Ohio has its own entry in this strange, wonderful tradition. The Loveland Frog, often called the Frogman, is said to be a four-foot-tall amphibian walking upright along the Little Miami River. First reported in 1955, sightings have surfaced over decades, adding to the mystery and the myth. The City of Loveland has embraced it fully, hosting an annual Frogman Festival and leaning into the quirky charm that makes Ohio stand out.

HB 821 has already drawn bipartisan support and now awaits committee assignment.