12 Top Places to See, Explore and Visit in Columbus, Ohio

by Janis on June 6, 2013

This is a guest post by Morgan Large, a graduate student at the University of Arkansas.

Home to almost 800,000 people, and Ohio’s capital city, Columbus, has quite a lot to offer to any travel enthusiast. From kindergartener to grandparent and from sports fan to horticulturalist, Columbus has the bases covered.

Below, in no particular order, are the 12 must see places while in Columbus, Ohio. Each has a little something for everyone.

1. Franklin Park Conservatory- Located close to downtown Columbus, the Franklin Park Conservatory attracts more than just the average horticulturalist. The conservatory began almost 150 years ago by the Franklin County Agriculture Society. The conservatory has numerous garden and plant collections on display, art collections, hot shop glass blowing, butterfly exhibit, farmers’ market and much more. Numerous hours could be spent looking at the flora, architecture, and art displays that the conservatory has to offer.

2. The Ohio State University- Dating all the way back to 1870, The Ohio State University was built on the Neil farm in Columbus. The campus covers a vast 1,765 acres just north of downtown. On your visit, be sure to walk on the Oval and view the historic buildings, stroll by Mirror Lake, and enjoy the splendor of the Horseshoe where the pigskin has been thrown since 1922. Buckeye fan or not, the rich history of the university coupled with Buckeye pride is sure to not disappoint on this stop.

3. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium- Anyone recognize the name Jack Hanna? Well, Jack Hanna, famous animal expert and zookeeper, calls the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium home. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium boasts 6,300 animals on site with the new polar bear exhibit and manatee exhibit featured as some of the highlights. When the animals are enjoying their midday nap, you can venture over to Zoombezi Bay, the zoo’s waterpark, or work on your swing at the Safari Golf Club.

4. German Village- Columbus is full of rich culture and ethnicities, and German Village is a part of that culture that makes Columbus great. A neighborhood just south of downtown, German Village, nestled in busy Columbus, takes you back with its narrow cobblestone streets, old style feel, German eateries, and shops. Once you step foot into this area of town, you will feel like you are right in Berlin, Germany. The atmosphere makes you feel like you are a stepping back in time. To make the trip to German Village complete, stop and try one of Schmidt’s Sausage Haus’ jumbo puff pastries.

5. North Market- The North Market is where culture and food collide. The market features merchants and farmers that market their goods in this public market nestled close to downtown. Butchers, bakers, florists, candy makers, and farmers selling their produce fill this space every day of the week. Visitors can walk around and sample products, people watch, and immerse themselves in the culture all surrounded by the aromatic smells and sights that is the North Market.

6. Ohio Statehouse- The Ohio Statehouse is known as one of the oldest working statehouses in the United States. After 22 years of work, it was finally completed in 1861 and is an outstanding architectural example of the Greek Revival style. Portions of the building are constructed of real Ohio limestone often where numerous fossils can be seen in the stone. The Rotunda, grand staircase, artwork, and marble sculpture of President Abraham Lincoln are all worthy sights at the Ohio Statehouse. President Abraham Lincoln is noted for having stopped at the Ohio Statehouse three different times with the last being after his assassination when he lay in state in the Statehouse Rotunda.

7. Hayden Falls- Beauty and relaxation are the two words that can be used to describe Hayden Falls located close to Tuttle Mall. At a height of 25 feet, Hayden Run is the water source for these falls as it makes its way to the Scioto River. The view is outstanding with children and families often enjoying the water and nature around them. The falls also make for a splendid photo opportunity, and with the new boardwalk, more and more people are welcome to visit this splendid natural landmark in Columbus.

8. Ohio Expo Center- Concerts, fairs, races, and shows the Ohio Expo Center has it covered. With over 150 events each year, the Ohio Expo Center is a valuable piece of the Columbus economy. More notably known as the location of the Ohio State Fair every July through August, the Ohio Expo Center is home to such events as the All-American Quarter Horse Congress, Ohio Beef Expo, Equine Affair, and the Goodguys Rod & Custom Car Show. If you happen to visit when the fair is in town, be sure to stop by the livestock barns, take a ride on the Sky Glider overlooking the entire fair, and take a walk through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources exhibit to do a little fishing or kayaking.

9. Wexner Center for the Arts- Named after the Limited Brands’ businessman Leslie “˜Les’ Wexner’s father Harry L. Wexner, the Wexner Center for the Arts is located on The Ohio State University’s campus. There is something that will appeal to the art lover in all of us at the Wexner Center. The building itself is a piece of art and inside the building hosts various films/videos, performing arts events, and art exhibits that await you. Many known artists have had their work on display at the Wexner Center such as famed photographer Annie Leibovitz. Make the Wexner Center for the Arts a part of your trip to campus; you will be happy you did.

10. Center of Science and Industry (COSI)- Commonly referred to as COSI, the Center of Science and Industry will be sure to keep your mind busy at its science-based exploratory exhibits. From space simulations to the new Mythbusters exhibit, COSI laces fun with learning about science and the world around us. Attendees have the chance to learn about water and its properties in the Ocean exhibit, and they even have the chance to see rats put their game face on when the rats hit the hardwood to play “Rat Basketball”.

11. The Santa Maria- This real life replica of one of Christopher Columbus’ famous ships is docked along the banks of the Scioto River in downtown Columbus. Visitors are guided through onboard tours of the replica ship to experience the history of the 500-year-old Santa Maria. Also, close by is the Battelle Riverfront Park where COSI can be viewed across the river making this stop in close proximity to other Columbus must see places.

12. Sporting events- You pick your sporting event and Columbus has it. The Columbus Crew, a major league soccer team, is located just beside the Ohio Expo Center. The Columbus Blue Jackets, a national hockey league team, is located downtown in Nationwide Arena. Columbus even has a minor league baseball team, the Columbus Clippers, with their stadium conveniently located downtown as well. Finally, a visit to Columbus would not be a complete trip if you do not watch and experience one of the Ohio State Buckeyes sporting events especially the football team on the turf of Ohio Stadium. Bring your sports fever, your friends, and Columbus has the entertainment on the field, diamond, hardwood, or ice!

Have you visited Columbus, Ohio? What’s your favorite thing to see or do? Please share in comments below.

Morgan Large loves to explore the world. She’s traveled across the United States and to 11 countries.

Originally from Ohio, Morgan currently lives in Arkansas with her Australian Shepherd, Oxley.

A graduate student at the University of Arkansas, Morgan’s studies are focused in agricultural communications. Her blog, RazorBuck: A Midwestern girl living in a Southern world highlights her adventures in photography, cooking and travel.

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