Columbus Ohio City Limits
Introduction
Columbus, Ohio is a vibrant and historic city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or art lover, Columbus has plenty of attractions and activities to keep you entertained. This comprehensive travel guide will help you plan your trip, with tips on the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly options, and more.
Top Attractions
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is one of the top attractions in the city, with more than 10,000 animals from around the world. Visitors can see everything from polar bears to kangaroos, and even take a behind-the-scenes tour to learn more about the animals and their habitats.
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a beautiful oasis in the heart of the city. The conservatory features a variety of indoor and outdoor gardens, including a butterfly exhibit, a tropical rainforest, and a collection of bonsai trees.
The Ohio Statehouse
The Ohio Statehouse is a historic building that dates back to the early 1800s. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the state’s history and government, and see the beautiful architecture and artwork throughout the building.
Hidden Gems
The Book Loft
The Book Loft is a unique bookstore located in the German Village neighborhood. The store is housed in a series of connected buildings, with 32 rooms filled with books on every topic imaginable. It’s a great place to spend a rainy afternoon browsing the shelves.
The Topiary Park
The Topiary Park is a beautiful green space in the downtown area. The park features more than 50 topiary sculptures, including a full-size replica of Georges Seurat’s painting “A Sunday Afternoon on the Isle of La Grande Jatte.”
The North Market
The North Market is a bustling indoor market that features a variety of local vendors selling everything from fresh produce to artisanal cheeses. It’s a great place to grab a quick bite to eat or pick up some souvenirs to take home.
Food Scene
Northstar Cafe
Northstar Cafe is a popular local chain that serves healthy and delicious food made with fresh ingredients. The menu includes salads, sandwiches, and entrees like sweet potato and black bean tacos.
Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace
Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace is a fun and quirky spot that serves up creative hot dog combinations, like the “Chicago Dawg” with pickle spears, sport peppers, and celery salt.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is a local institution that serves up unique and delicious ice cream flavors like “Brambleberry Crisp” and “Salted Peanut Butter with Chocolate Flecks.”
Budget-Friendly Tips
Free Museums
Columbus has a number of museums that offer free admission, including the Columbus Museum of Art and the Ohio History Center. Check their websites for special events and exhibits.
Free Concerts
The city hosts a number of free concerts throughout the year, including the Downtown Live series and the Rhythm on the River concert series. Check the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department website for a schedule.
Free Parks
Columbus has a number of beautiful parks that are free to visit, including Goodale Park and Schiller Park. Pack a picnic and spend the day enjoying the great outdoors.
Outdoor Adventures
Hocking Hills State Park
Hocking Hills State Park is located about an hour southeast of Columbus and offers beautiful hiking trails and stunning natural scenery, including waterfalls, rock formations, and caves.
Scioto Audubon Metro Park
Scioto Audubon Metro Park is a great spot for bird watching and hiking. The park features a climbing wall, a dog park, and a fishing pond.
Alum Creek State Park
Alum Creek State Park is located just north of Columbus and offers a variety of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, and hiking. The park also has a beach for swimming and sunbathing.
Family-Friendly Activities
COSI
COSI is a hands-on science museum that offers interactive exhibits and activities for kids of all ages. The museum also has a planetarium and a giant screen theater.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a great destination for families, with plenty of opportunities to see animals up close and learn about conservation efforts. The zoo also has a water park and a zip line course.
The Ohio State Fair
The Ohio State Fair is held every summer in Columbus and offers a variety of attractions and activities for families, including carnival rides, concerts, and agricultural exhibits.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
The Thurber House
The Thurber House is a historic home in the Victorian Village neighborhood that was once the residence of author James Thurber. The house now serves as a literary center and hosts events and workshops throughout the year.
The Kelton House Museum and Garden
The Kelton House Museum and Garden is a historic home that dates back to the mid-1800s. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the history of the home and its residents, who were active in the Underground Railroad.
The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum
The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum is located on the Ohio State University campus and is home to the world’s largest collection of cartoons and comics. The museum hosts exhibitions and events throughout the year.
Natural Wonders
Hocking Hills State Park
Hocking Hills State Park offers stunning natural scenery, including waterfalls, rock formations, and caves. Visitors can hike the trails to see these wonders up close.
Scioto Mile
The Scioto Mile is a beautiful park that runs along the Scioto River in downtown Columbus. The park features fountains, gardens, and sculptures, and offers great views of the city skyline.
Chadwick Arboretum and Learning Gardens
The Chadwick Arboretum and Learning Gardens is a beautiful green space on the Ohio State University campus. The arboretum features a variety of trees and plants, and offers educational programs and events throughout the year.
Vibrant Nightlife
Short North Arts District
The Short North Arts District is a lively neighborhood that offers a variety of bars, restaurants, and art galleries. It’s a great spot for a night out on the town.
Easton Town Center
Easton Town Center is a shopping and entertainment complex that offers a variety of restaurants and bars, as well as a movie theater and live music venue.
German Village
German Village is a historic neighborhood that offers a variety of bars and restaurants, many of which have outdoor patios and live music.
Local Markets
The North Market
The North Market is a bustling indoor market that features a variety of local vendors selling everything from fresh produce to artisanal cheeses. It’s a great place to grab a quick bite to eat or pick up some souvenirs to take home.
The Worthington Farmers Market
The Worthington Farmers Market is held every Saturday from May to October and offers a variety of fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal products.
The Clintonville Farmers Market
The Clintonville Farmers Market is held every Saturday from April to November and offers a variety of local produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts.
Beaches and Mountains
Alum Creek State Park
Alum Creek State Park is located just north of Columbus and offers a beach for swimming and sunbathing. The park also has hiking trails and other outdoor activities.
Hocking Hills State Park
Hocking Hills State Park is located about an hour southeast of Columbus and offers stunning natural scenery, including waterfalls, rock formations, and caves. Visitors can hike the trails or go ziplining through the trees.
Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave National Park is located about three hours south of Columbus and is home to the world’s longest known cave system. Visitors can take guided tours of the caves and explore the surrounding woods and rivers.
Cultural Immersion
The Wexner Center for the Arts
The Wexner Center for the Arts is located on the Ohio State University campus and offers a variety of exhibitions, performances, and film screenings