A- Overview:
Columbus is the largest city in the world named after the great explorer. It is fitting, therefore, that one of the city’s most popular attractions is a full-size replica of Columbus’s three-masted flagship, The Santa Maria, which is permanently moored downtown on the Scioto River and open to visitors.
This Ohio State capital city continues to lead the way to the future. State of the art is synonymous with Columbus, which ranks with Washington, D.C., as a center for scientific and technological information. More than 150 high-tech companies have a presence in Columbus.
These businesses made Columbus one of the first areas offering citywide cable television and introduced such technology as the 24-hour banking machine, interactive cable television and the electronic newspaper. The city is also a center for retail banking, insurance and real estate, and has emerged as a leading convention city.
It all began with the opening in 1873 of Ohio Agriculture and Mechanical College, (later renamed Ohio State University), which established a new outlook for the city. Education moved to the forefront, and the intellectual atmosphere helped contribute to the invention of the forerunner of the computer, the development of the xerography process, and numerous advancements in the medical treatment of physical disabilities. Current enrollment at Ohio State University is 48,500.
Ohio State University’s Wexner Center for the Visual Arts is housed in a castle like structure that is itself considered a work of art. Architect Peter Eisenman juxtaposed a red-brick armory with a modern glass-and-steel building, creating a stunning visual effect. The Center houses an extensive art collection, offering various collections and shows of interest to the serious art lover as well as the browser. There is also a film and video center and a performance theater. Tour guides acquaint visitors with the highlights of Ohio State, one of the largest and most significant university campuses in the country.
Columbus offers a perfect cross section of consumers for the testing of new products. Because so many fast-food chains develop their menus in Columbus, the city is often referred to as “Test Market, U.S.A”. However, the cuisine of Columbus is by no means limited to fast food. Dining choices include Asian, Irish, French, Italian, Cajun, German, Mediterranean, Mexican, Greek, Japanese, Indian, and vegetarian, to name a few! Many of the city’s restaurants have enjoyed success and have served fine food for decades.
A privately funded historic district, German Village, is made up of restaurants, shops and beer gardens that are housed in buildings from the 1800s. The nearby Brewery District has several old beer-making factories that have been converted into restaurants, microbreweries and specialty shops. German Village and the Brewery District are pleasant places to spend an afternoon or evening.
In nearby Westerville a replica of a German village from the 1800s can be seen. North of Columbus, in Marion, Ohio are the home and tomb of U.S. President Warren G. Harding. The Harding homestead is carefully appointed with its original furnishings. Southeast of Columbus, in Cumberland, visitors take a drive on the wild side at The Wilds, a conservation center that is home to roaming herds of rhinos, giraffes and zebras, among other species, all of whom can be observed from your automobile.
Greater Columbus is an arts and cultural mecca with a symphony orchestra, grand and light opera companies, one of the top 12 ballet companies in the U.S., and several noteworthy museums. A thriving theater scene is centered upon three historic theaters. Live music clubs offer everything from alternative rock and jazz to blues and country.
The Arena District surrounds Nationwide Arena, while the Short North Arts District houses what has been described as the best collection of art galleries between New York and Chicago.
The Short North, north of downtown Columbus, a strip of bars and restaurants, art galleries, clothing and antique stores is home to the funky, exotic and trendy. It offers up a once-a-month “Gallery Hop”, a combination sale and party that brings out artists, patrons, and revelers in force.
COSI, Ohio’s Center of Science and Industry, is a favorite with children of all ages, with four floors of interactive exhibits. Over 2.5 million visitors visit the Columbus Zoo annually. The Zoo has received national recognition for its success in breeding cheetahs, polar bears and lowland gorillas. Adjacent to the zoo, a favorite spot to spend a warm, summer day is Wyandot Lake, a water amusement park with water slides, rapids, and canyons.
The renovated and expanded Franklin Park Conservatory is a beautiful and serene showcase. Inspired by London’s Crystal Palace, the conservatory contains tropical gardens and exhibits of four of the Earth’s ecosystems. Also, plan a visit to the Ohio Historical Center, with its Ohio Village, a small Ohio town replication from the 1800s, with costumed interpreters.
Well worth seeing is Discovery Reef, a 100,000-gallon tank containing artificial coral and more than 1,000 species. Other “must sees” are the gracefully proportioned Statehouse, the beauty of the changing leaves in the fall, and the famous Ohio State Fair.
Sporting events are another major draw. Columbus is home to three major-league sports teams. The National Hockey League’s Blue Jackets and the Arena Football League’s Columbus Destroyers play downtown in Nationwide Arena, while Major League Soccer’s Columbus Crew plays in the first stadium in the U.S. designed specifically for soccer. The Columbus Clippers is a minor-league affiliate of the New York Yankees. Columbus also hosts the National Champion Ohio State University Buckeyes.
When is the best time to visit Columbus and Franklin County? Anytime! Every season offers a host of recreational and cultural opportunities for individuals and families in this friendly city at the center of Ohio.
B- City Information:
Population: 711,470
Elevation: 800 feet
Area: 210.3 square miles
Location: Columbus is centrally located at the intersection of I-70 from the west, I-71 from the north, I-670 from the east and I-71 from the south. Conveniently located 111 miles NE of Cincinnati and 45 miles east of Springfield.
Nearest city with population over 1,000,000: Chicago, IL, 346.6 miles
Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone, Daylight Savings Time observed.
Local Seasons: Columbus enjoys four distinct, colorful seasons of moderate weather. Spring brings colorful wildflowers and lush greenery throughout the city’s parks. Summer is warm and humid, with July’s average high temperatures peaking around 85 degrees. Evenings are cooler, dropping from even the hottest days into the low 60’s. Fall brings a dazzling display of color, perfect for a fall foliage tour. Sunny days with highs of 66 degrees are the norm for October and by November; the nights are cooling down to 33. Ski resorts in the region thrive on an annual 28 inches of snow, and cross-country skiing is popular in the city’s snow-covered parks.
Weather:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average temp. (°F)
28.1
32.0
42.1
52.1
62.4
71.1
74.8
73.0
66.3
54.7
43.6
33.3
High temperature (°F)
36.1
40.9
52.1
63.7
73.8
82.0
85.4
83.8
77.6
66.0
52.6
40.9
Low temperature (°F)
20.1
23.1
31.9
40.6
51.0
60.1
64.0
62.2
55.0
43.3
34.5
25.5
Precipitation (in)
2.5
2.2
2.9
3.5
4.1
4.2
4.4
3.9
2.9
2.5
3.3
3.0
Climate:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Days with precipitation
13
11
13
13
13
11
11
9
8
9
11
13
Wind speed (mph)
9.8
9.6
10.1
9.6
8.1
7.2
6.5
6.2
6.4
7.4
9.1
9.4
Morning humidity (%)
78
77
76
76
79
81
84
87
87
83
80
79
Afternoon humidity (%)
68
64
57
53
55
55
56
57
57
55
63
69
Sunshine (%)
36
42
44
51
56
60
60
60
61
56
37
31
Days clear of clouds
4
4
5
5
6
6
7
7
9
10
5
4
Partly cloudy days
6
6
7
8
10
11
13
13
9
8
7
6
Cloudy days
21
18
19
17
15
13
11
11
12
13
19
21
Snowfall (in)
8.8
5.9
4.4
0.9
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.1
2.2
5.4
How to get there
By Air
Port Columbus International Airport
4600 International Gateway, Columbus 43219
614-239-4000 is 10 mi east of downtown Columbus.
Port Columbus International Airport is served by most national and some regional carriers.
By Car
Columbus is in the center of Ohio, at the intersection of I-70 and I-71.
By Bus
Greyhound (800-231-2222) provides service to Columbus from all U.S. destinations.
How to get around
Downtown is fairly compact and easily walkable. Some government buildings are connected to each other and to nearby buildings through underground walkways.
By Car
Two major interstates, east-west I-70 and north-south I-71, intersect near downtown. I-670 connects the airport to downtown, and I-270 loops around the outer boundaries of the city. I-70, I-71, and I-670 heading downtown are congested in the morning; in the evening they’re clogged heading out of downtown. The Short North area and High Street are also very busy. Traffic usually flows smoothly in outlying suburbs (you do need a car in these areas because bus service is infrequent).
By Bus
The Central Ohio Transit Authority (614-228-1776) operates buses within Columbus.
National Holidays
New Year’s Day: Jan. 1
Martin Luther King, Jr., Day: 3rd Mon. in Jan.
President’s Day: 3rd Mon. in Feb.
Memorial Day: last Mon. in May
Independence Day: July 4
Thanksgiving Day: 4th Thurs. in Nov.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Dec. 24 and 25
New Year’s Eve: Dec. 31
C- Attractions/Things To Do:
Historic Capitol Square (includes the Statehouse and several statues and monuments).
Between State and Broad Sts, Third and High Streets
Columbus, Ohio
614-752-6350, 614-728-2695 or 1-888-OHIO-123
Ohio Statehouse
Desk at the Third Street entrance to the Statehouse Complex.
Columbus, Ohio
614-752-6350
Call for information
Hours: Weekdays 7am-7pm.
Weekday tours: 10am, 11am, noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. Closed on national holidays.
Admission Free
The Ohio Statehouse was built between the years 1839 and 1861. Prison labor from the Ohio Penitentiary was used to construct the foundation and ground floors of the building. The Statehouse was built in the Greek Revival style, a style which emulates an understated elegance. It is a masonry building, consisting largely of brick and Columbus limestone. The limestone was taken from a quarry on the west banks of the Scioto River. The stone of the Statehouse foundation is more than 18 feet deep. . Learn about Ohio’s Statehouse, its history, architecture and legislative process in a free 45-minute tour. All tours begin promptly near the Information Desk.
Ohio Stadium
Ohio State University
Building 082
411 Woody Hayes Drive,
Columbus, Ohio
614-292-2661 (Call to schedule tours)
Tours can be scheduled year-round, Monday through Friday at any time between 8:00am and 3:30pm.
Admission Charged
Go behind the scenes at the Ohio Stadium on a guided tour that takes you inside the storied history of Buckeye Football. Tour must consist of 10 or more individuals and must be scheduled 2 weeks in advance. A typical tour last 1.5 hours and a large amount of walking is involved.
Dedicated in 1922, Ohio Stadium’s horseshoe shaped configuration makes it one of college football’s most recognizable landmarks. Ohio Stadium is the second largest stadium in the Big Ten and the fourth largest college stadium in America. Its’ fame and design make it a must-see when you visit Columbus. Take a day to experience scarlet and gray.
Columbus Museum of Art
480 E. Broad St.
Columbus, Ohio 43215-6801
614-221-6801
Hours: 10:00am-5:30pm, Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00am-8:30pm, Thursdays
Admission Charged
The Columbus Museum of Art houses an outstanding collection of late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century American and European modern art. This collection includes major works by Monet, Matisse, Picasso, Renoir, Hopper and O’Keeffe and other spectacular examples of Impressionism, German Expressionism, and Cubism. Also recognized for extraordinary regional collections, the Museum boasts the largest public collection of woodcarvings by Columbus folk artist Elijah Pierce.
COSI Columbus (Center of Science and Industry)
333.W.Broad St.
Columbus, Ohio
888-819-COSI
Call for hours of operation
Admission Charged
Science, technology, history and more come alive in this interactive, architecturally-unique museum. COSI features interactive, discovery-based and themed exhibit areas, three theaters, the outdoor Big Science Park, the country’s only high wire unicycle, a restaurant, and shop. The exhibition areas – Adventure, Gadgets, Life, little kidspace, Ocean, Progress, and Space – each provides experiences for all age levels that creatively combine science facts and learning through play.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
9990 Riverside Dr.
Columbus, Ohio
614-645-3400
Hours: 9am-5pm daily; Memorial Day weekend – Labor Day, 9am-6pm.
Admission Charged
The zoo is located along the banks of the Scioto River in Northwest Columbus. Sights include a 100,000-gallon coral reef exhibit, one of the largest reptile collections in the United States and the largest manatee exhibit outside Florida. The newest Southeast Asia exhibit brings Komodo dragons, gibbons, orangutans, Asian small-clawed otters, black swans, Javan whistling ducks, and cattle egrets to the zoo. Travel the world by viewing wildlife species from all corners of the globe.
The Santa Maria
The Santa Maria is located just north of the Broad Street Bridge, moored in the Scioto River, at Battelle Riverfront Park, at Marconi Blvd. and West Broad Street, 2 blocks west of the State House.
Columbus, Ohio
614-645-0351
April 5 – May 23, Wed-Fri: 10 am – 3 pm; Sat-Sun: Noon – 5 pm
May 24 – Aug. 31, Wed-Fri: 10 am – 5 pm; Sat-Sun: Noon – 6 pm
September 1 – October 26, Wed-Fri: 10 am – 3 pm; Sat-Sun: Noon – 5 pm
Memorial Day: Noon- 5 pm; 4th of July: Noon- 5 pm; Labor Day: Noon- 5 pm
Admission Charged
Visit the world’s most authentic, museum-quality replica of Christopher Columbus’ flagship, the Santa Maria. Imagine what it must have been like more than 500 years ago to embark on a voyage that would forever alter the world in which we live. Imagine using only wind and current for propulsion and a crude compass, the sun and the stars for direction!
The Santa Maria’s tours dramatize the daring and determination it took for Columbus and his explorers to set out on their mission. Experience the lives they led, interact with replicas of the navigational tools they used and play the games they played to pass the time.
Jack Nicklaus Museum
2355 Olentangy River Rd.
Columbus, Ohio
614-247-5959
Hours: Tues-Sat 9am-5pm.
Admission Charged
The Jack Nicklaus Museum; located in the heart of The Ohio State University sports complex in Jack’s hometown of Columbus, Ohio, is a 24,000 square-foot educational and historical facility.
Kelton House Museum
586 E. Town St.
Columbus, Ohio
614-464-2022 or 800-228-3429
Hours: 10am-5pm, Mon-Fri., 1-4pm Sun.
Admission Charged
Beautiful Victorian home with focus on 19th century life in Columbus.
Ohio Craft Museum
1665 W. Fifth Ave.
Columbus, Ohio
614-486-4402
Hours: 10am – 5pm, Mon-Fri; 1-5pm Sun.
Admission Free
Located near Upper Arlington and Grandview Ave. Exhibitions featuring artwork created in the field of the American crafts.
Ohio Historical Center
1982 Velma Ave.
Columbus, Ohio
614-297-2300 or 800-OLD-OHIO
Hours: 9am-5pm, Mon-Sat; 10am-5pm, Sun. Call for holiday hours.
Admission Charged
Explores Ohio’s history, archaeology, natural history. Ohio Village represents a typical Ohio county seat during the Civil War era. In the Village’s 22 craft shops, residences, & civic building, interpreters share their knowledge of life in the 19th century.
Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame
145 S. Front St.
Columbus, Ohio
614-466-4496
Call for hours of operation
Admission Free
Display features the names of all of the members of the Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame and photographs and biographies of the most recent year’s inductees. Also features a video, “Women in Ohio’s History”.
German Village Society
588 S. Third St.
Columbus, Ohio
614-221-8888
Call for hours of operation
Admission Charged
Located six blocks south of the state capitol and south of I-70 (Third and Fourth St. exits)
Restored 19th century German community containing beautifully renovated homes, shops and restaurants.
American Whistle Corporation
6540 Huntley Rd.
Columbus, Ohio
877-876-2380
Hours: 10am-4pm, Mon-Fri.
Tours available by appointment (minimum 15 people).
Admission charged for tour (Includes one free whistle)
Visit the only manufacturer of metal whistles in the USA.
Anthony-Thomas Candy Company
1777 Arlingate Lane
Columbus, Ohio
614-748-8405
Tours: Mon-Fri. 9am-3 pm. Reservations required.
Admission Free
Visit one of the largest family-owned candy-making facilities in the US and shop for delicious chocolates.
Olentangy Indian Caverns
1779 Home Rd.
Columbus, Ohio
614-548-7917
Hours: 9:30am-5pm, Apr – Oct.
Admission Charged (Children under 7 free).
Cavern tours, Indian Museum, frontierland with gem mining, gift shop, snack bar. Cavern tours.
Shopping:
The North Market
59 Spruce St,
Columbus, Ohio
614-463-9664
Call for hours of operation
Admission Free
Fresh and prepared foods, flowers, ethnic cuisine, and unique gifts delight the senses at central Ohio’s only public market. Across from the Convention Center, the 30-plus merchant market sits on what was once the North Graveyard.
City Center Mall
111 S. 3rd St.
Columbus, Ohio
614-221-4900
Call for hours of operation
Admission Free
Major department stores.
Easton Town Center
I-270 and Easton Way
Columbus, Ohio
614-416-7001
Call for hours of operation
Admission Free
This outdoor village, complete with two town-square areas with fountains, is an entertainment enclave with a score of restaurants, bars, and bistros; a multiplex movie theater; the Funnybone Comedy Club; and Gameworks interactive games and attractions.
Mall at Tuttle Crossing
5043 Tuttle Crossing Blvd.
Dublin, Ohio
614-717-9300
Call for hours of operation
Admission Free
Browse more than 125 shops and restaurants in the northwest suburb of Dublin. The mall is anchored by four department stores and has a children’s play area.
Polaris Fashion Place
1500 Polaris Pkwy.
Columbus, Ohio
Place is located near the Polaris Parkway exit on I-71, just north of I-270, about twenty minutes north of downtown.
614-846-1550
Call for hours of operation
Admission Free
At 1.5 million square feet, Polaris Fashion Place is Central Ohio’s largest mall. Polaris Fashion
Short North Arts District
Short North Business Association
120 West Goodale Street
Columbus, Ohio
614-228-8050
Call for additional information
Short North straddles the best known street in town – High Street. High runs straight through town from end to end, north to south.
An arts and entertainment area featuring galleries, shops, eateries and nightclubs.
Parks and Gardens
Metro Parks
1069 W. Main St.
Westerville, Ohio
614-895-6365 or 614-508-8000, 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week
Call for local park information
Admission Free
Metro Parks was established on April 14, 1945. Today, Metro Parks manages and operates 14 parks, comprising over 20,000 acres throughout seven Central Ohio counties. Metro Parks offers fun year-round. Each park has its own special and seasonal recreational facilities and activities, carefully balanced with the park’s natural environment.
Inniswood Metro Gardens
940 S. Hempstead Road
Columbus, Ohio
614-895-6216
Hours: Gardens: 7am-dark daily
Innis House: Tues. – Fri. 8 am – 4:30 pm; Sat-Sun. 11 am – 4 pm.
Admission Charged
A 92 acre botanical garden and nature preserve with theme gardens and nature trails.
Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
1777 East Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio
614-645-TREE
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Voted “best landscape in the world” in 1992. Visitors enjoy earthly wonders of the Himalayan Mountains, Tropical Rain Forest, Desert, Tree Fern Forest, Bonsai, and Orchids, outstanding seasonal shows, café & gift shop.
Downtown Walking Tour
Admission Free
Follow this tour to see downtown and some near-downtown neighborhoods and suburbs.
Difficulty: Easy
Time required: from two hours to all day.
1. Start with a tour of the Statehouse at Broad and High in the heart of downtown. You can park underneath. Historic Ohio Theater is along the south side of the Statehouse grounds on State St.; the Ohio is connected to City Center Mall.
2. From the Statehouse drive east on E. Broad St. The Columbus Museum of Art will be on the left; then after about a mile you will pass Franklin Park, where Ameriflora was held years ago. Continue past Franklin Park and you enter Bexley.
3. Turn left at Cassady Av., and then left at Maryland Av., to pass elegant mansions. Continue to Parkview Av.; turn left and follow Parkview back across Broad St. to E. Main St. Turn left on E. Main; in two blocks turn left at Drexel Av.
4. Take Drexel back to E. Broad St. and turn left. As you pass the old mansions along E. Broad, envision that there was once a boulevard down the middle of this present-day six-lane street. Many of the mansions are now office buildings.
5. Return to downtown, continue past the Statehouse and across the Scioto River to the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), on the left side of W. Broad. (The ‘Santa Maria’ replica will be on the right as you cross the river.)
6. From COSI head back across the river on W. Broad St. and turn right on Civic Center Drive. Go three blocks to W. Main St. and turn left; then turn right on S. High St. The historic Southern Hotel and Theater is on the corner of S. High and E. Main.
7. Head south on S. High St. After you cross I-70/71 you are in historic German Village, a great area to park and walk. Turn left on Kossuth St. and go several blocks to reach Schmidt’s, an authentic German restaurant in a restored building.
8. After visiting German Village, go north on S. High St. back through downtown. After you pass the Statehouse and the Columbus Convention Center you will be in a neighborhood called the Short North.
9. The Short North is an area of art galleries and trendy shops. Look for a parking lot along N. High St. if you want to shop. Continue north on N. High to reach the Ohio State University campus.
10. The N. High St. campus strip is kind of run down right now, but renovation plans are in the works. The OSU campus is along the left; the avant garde looking building on the left is the Wexner Center for the Arts.
11. At the northern edge of the OSU campus, turn left onto Lane Av. Follow Lane Av. until you cross the Olentangy River, then turn left on Olentangy River Rd. The new Schottenstein Arena is on the corner.
12. Right after you turn onto Olentangy River Rd., turn left on Woody Hayes Dr. After you cross back over the river turn right on Cannon Drive. The famous Ohio Stadium where Woody Hayes coached will be on the left.
13. Follow Cannon Drive until it ends into King Av. Turn left; Battelle Memorial Institute–where photocopying, space shuttle tiles, and other innovations were developed–will be along the right side of King Av.
14. After five blocks on King Av., turn right on Neil Av. This will take you through restored Victorian Village. After you pass under I-670 you will enter the Arena District and pass Nationwide Arena, home of the NHL Blue Jackets.
15. When Neil Av. ends into Dublin Rd. (US 33), turn right. Turn right on Grandview Av. in about a mile. After you climb a steep hill, you will be in downtown Grandview Heights. Turn left on First Av. When you reach Marble Cliff, the tour ends.
D- Family Fun Attractions:
Magic Mountain Fun Center/Polaris
8350 Lyra Dr.
614-844-4386
Admission Charged.
Call for hours of operation.
Come play! Attractions include Adventure Golf, video and skill games, a KidsGym playland, bumper boats, laser tag, go-karts, rookie karts, sprint karts, a virtual roller coaster and a pizza buffet.
Wyandot Lake (part of the Six Flags family of amusement parks)
Six Flags
10101 Riverside Drive, Powell
1-800-328-9283 or 614-889-9283
Admission Charged.
Call for hours of operation.
At Wyandot Lake, you’ll find over 60 thrilling rides, slides and attractions for all ages! And when you come to Ohio’s premiere family water and amusement park, you get your excitement’s worth because everyone in your group can enjoy all our attractions – wet and dry – for one price!
Hocking Valley Canoe Livery & Family Fun Center
31251 Chieftain Dr.
614-385-9764 or toll free 800 686-0386
Open April-Oct.
Call for hours of operation.
Admission Charged.
Take U.S. Rte 33 E to Exit 33A, left four miles. Ideal for families and group outings. Canoe, Kayak, raft, go-karts, driving range, miniature golf. Season – April – Oct.
The Wilds
14000 International Rd., Columbus
614-638-5030
9 am – 5 pm daily.
Admission Charged.
Located 90 minutes southeast of Columbus on St. Rte. 146.
10,000 acre endangered species preserve. See rhinos, zebras, camels and more.
COSI Columbus (Center of Science and Industry)
333.W.Broad St.
888-819-COSI
Admission Charged.
Call for hours of operation.
Science, technology, history and more come alive in this interactive, architecturally-unique museum. COSI features interactive, discovery-based and themed exhibit areas, three theaters, the outdoor Big Science Park, the country’s only high wire unicycle, a restaurant, and shop. The exhibition areas – Adventure, Gadgets, Life, little kidspace, Ocean, Progress, and Space – each provides experiences for all age levels that creatively combine science facts and learning through play.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
9990 Riverside Dr., Columbus
614-645-3400
9am-5pm daily; Memorial Day weekend – Labor Day, 9am-6pm.
Admission Charged.
Located along the banks of the Scioto River in Northwest Columbus. Sights include a 100,000-gallon coral reef exhibit, one of the largest reptile collections in the United States and the largest manatee exhibit outside Florida. The newest Southeast Asia exhibit brings Komodo dragons, gibbons, orangutans, Asian small-clawed otters, black swans, Javan whistling ducks, and cattle egrets to the zoo. Travel the world by viewing wildlife species from all corners of the globe.
Ohio Historical Center
1982 Velma Ave.
614-297-2300 or 800-OLD-OHIO
9am-5pm, Mon-Sat; 10am-5pm, Sun. Call for holiday hours.
Admission Charged.
Explores Ohio’s history, archaeology, natural history. Ohio Village represents a typical Ohio county seat during the Civil War era. In the Village’s 22 craft shops, residences, & civic building, interpreters share their knowledge of life in the 19th century.
American Whistle Corporation
6540 Huntley Rd., Columbus
877-876-2380
10am-4pm, Mon-Fri.
Tours available by appointment (minimum 15 people).
Admission charged for tour. (Includes one free whistle)
Visit the only manufacturer of metal whistles in the USA.
Anthony-Thomas Candy Company
1777 Arlingate Ln.
614 -74-8405
Tours: Mon-Fri. 9 am – 3 pm. Reservations required.
Admission Free.
Visit one of the largest family-owned candy-making facilities in the US and shop for delicious chocolates.
Olentangy Indian Caverns
1779 Home Rd., Columbus
614-548-7917
9:30 am – 5 pm, Apr – Oct.
Admission Charged. (children under 7 free).
Cavern tours, Indian Museum, frontierland with gem mining, gift shop, snack bar. Cavern tours.
E- Events & Entertainment:
Events
March
Arnold Fitness Week
Greater Columbus Convention Center and Veterans Memorial
614-431-2600
Call for schedule.
Admission Charged.
This may be the largest fitness expo in the world! It routinely draws 10,000 athletes and more than 70,000 spectators. The Arnold Schwarzenegger Fitness Weekend features international fitness and strength competitions, a world-class fitness expo and continuous entertainment. Weekend highlights include men’s and women’s bodybuilding, women’s fitness competition, martial arts, gymnastics, cheerleading and dance competition, a 5K pump and run race, World’s Strongest Man competition and arm wrestling.
Blooms & Butterflies (March-November)
Franklin Park Conservatory 1777 E. Broad St.
614-645-1802
Call for hours.
Admission Charged
Franklin Park Conservatory is a flutter with hundreds of butterflies at this popular annual event. Walk amid hundreds of the flying jewels–all different colors and sizes. You even can watch butterflies hatching from their cocoons.
May
Asian Festival
1777 E. Broad St.
614-463-1752
Call for exact dates and schedule.
Admission Free.
The sights, sounds, and tastes of Asia are captured at this event. Sample Asian cuisine from a gamut of countries, shop the Asian market, keep the kids active with hands-on activities, and be entertained by the stage performances and cultural booths.
June
Columbus Rose Festival
Whetstone Park of Roses
3923 N. High St.
614-645-3350
Admission Charged.
Call for exact dates and hours.
The 2 day festival is held when roses are at their peak. Take in the sights and smells, or attend a floral design workshop by a gardening expert, listen to live entertainment, or buy a few plants.
Festival Latino
Downtown Riverfront
Bicentennial Park, Genoa Park & Civic Center Drive
614-645-7995
Call for exact dates and times.
Admission Free.
Show off your salsa, banda, cumbia, merengue, mariachi, Afro-Cuban or Andean talents, or learn how you can acquire some at this two-day fiesta. Taste the culture at the local restaurants specializing in across-the-border fare.
Greater Columbus Arts Festival
Downtown Riverfront
614-224-2606
Call for exact dates and times.
Admission Free.
More than 300 of the nation’s best artists display their works at this annual 3-day street festival and show along the riverfront in downtown Columbus. Music, food, and art activities add to the festivities.
North Market Berries and Dairy Festival
59 Spruce Street, one block north of Nationwide Arena and one block one block west of
Greater Columbus Convention Center
614-463-9664
Admission Free.
Call for exact dates and times.
The day-long festival will feature berry and dairy related foods throughout the North Market and outdoors at the Farmers’ Market, as well as children’s activities, roving entertainers, music, recipes and samples.
July
Red, White and Boom
Downtown riverfront, Columbus
614-421-2666
Call for date and hours.
The annual Independence Day celebration is full of live music, a parade, and food and is topped off by one of the most extravagant fireworks displays in the Midwest!
The Doo Dah Parade
Goodale Park (Intersection of Park Street and Buttles Ave. in Short North)
Admission Free.
The Doo Dah parade is a satirical celebration of life and lunacy. There is no fee to enter just show up and show off.
August
OHIO STATE FAIR
State Fairgrounds, I-71 at 17th Ave. (Expo Center)
614-221-6623 or 800-345-4386
Call for exact date and hours.
Admission Charged.
It’s not summer until you see the life-size butter cow at one of the largest state fairs in the country. This 17 day fair features everything from star studded performers and heart stopping rides to livestock exhibits and exceptional displays for the whole family to enjoy. Nationally known musical acts, one of the world’s longest sky rides and the largest junior fair in the nation are highlights. Agricultural displays, children’s contests, tractor pulls, laser light shows, and, of course, the butter cow, are mainstays.
Buckeye Invitational
Palace Theater
614-459-0400
Admission Charged
Call for exact date and schedule.
International barbershop competition featuring both men’s and women’s choruses and quartets.
Dublin Irish Festival
Coffman Park
5600 Post Road
614-410-4545 or 800-647-1518
Call for exact dates and hours.
Admission Charged.
Celebrate all things Irish during the annual event, which showcases Irish dance, music and culture.
September
Columbus Family Fun Fest
Riverfront Amphitheater, Genoa Park, Washington Boulevard
614-645-4313
Call for exact dates and times.
Admission Free.
Celebrate family at Columbus’ most family friendly festival. Columbus’ downtown riverfront will host extreme sports entertainment, river rides, artistic adventures and an evening fireworks extravaganza, Stars and Stripes, over the Scioto.
Columbus Italian Festival
St. John the Baptist Church, 720 Hamlet St.
614-BYI-TALY
Call for exact dates and times.
Admission Charged.
Enjoy fun for the entire family including live entertainment, an open-air market and fabulous food and drink. Whether you’re Italian or not, the Columbus Italian Festival will make you feel like part of the family.
October
German Village Oktoberfest
Mohawk Alternative School Athletic Field
Northeast corner of South Grant and East Livingston Ave.
614-224-4300 or 614-221-8888
Admission Charged.
The German Village Oktoberfest is a celebration blending a time-honored German festival with the vitality and charm of a thriving urban neighborhood. More than 30 bands performing on three stages, a wide variety of authentic German food, as well as artisans and shops; Oktoberfest continues to brew a whole new tradition of fun.
Harvest Festival
North Market, 59 Spruce Street
614-463-9664
Call for exact date and time.
Admission Free.
Shop for crisp apples, flavorful squash, pumpkins and other autumn produce while enjoying an array of fall entertainment at the North Market’s Annual Harvest Festival. The day-long event features cooking demonstrations, amateur pie contest, music, free apple cider and pumpkin bread, roving entertainers, face painting, balloons and other children’s activities.
Columbus Marathon, Inc.
929 Harrison Ave. Suite 202
Downtown Columbus.
614-42-7866
Call for information.
Admission Charged.
Watch runners wind through a fast and friendly 26.2 miles of streets in the downtown area and surrounding suburbs during the 3 day event, which includes a free sports and fitness expo. The Columbus Marathon has no limit on the size of the field and requires no qualifying time to enter. Participants must be at least 18 years of age as of race day to enter.
November
Columbus International Festival
Veterans Memorial, 300 W. Broad St.
614-421-4400
Call for dates and times.
Admission Charged.
The 49th annual Columbus International festival is an entertaining and educational event sponsored by the Columbus Chapter of the United Nations Association. Numerous countries will be represented through food, exhibits, education, shopping and entertainment.
December
Winterfair
Ohio Expo Center, 717 E. 17th Ave.
614-486-7119
Call for exact dates and times.
Admission Charged (seniors and children free).
Artists from across the nation will showcase their traditional and contemporary crafts including ceramics, wood, glass, painting, metal, jewelry, photography and sculpture. It’s the perfect place to pick up holiday gifts.
