Columbus, Ohio, the state capital, is a large and culturally diverse metropolis in the state’s geographic center. The city’s innovative dining and nightlife scenes are just as well-known as its illustrious past and world-class museums and cultural institutions. Columbus’ cultural heritage is a major selling point. Guests to the city can choose from a wide variety of live performances and cultural events hosted by institutions such as the Ohio Theatre, Columbus Museum of Art, and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. The historic German Village in Columbus is a lovely area with brick streets and 19th-century homes.
Columbus is known for its vibrant arts and entertainment scene, but it is also home to excellent restaurants. The city is home to both cutting-edge farm-to-table restaurants and classic Midwestern diners. There are a number of breweries and distilleries in the city, making it an ideal vacation spot for those interested in beer and liquor. In addition to its rich history, Columbus is renowned for its stunning parks and natural areas. The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens are located in Columbus, as are the Scioto Mile and the Whetstone Park of Roses, among other large parks. Hocking Hills State Park is close by and has some of the best hiking trails and views in the state.
15.Visit the Ohio Stadium
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The Ohio Stadium, also known as the Horseshoe, is the home of the Ohio State Buckeyes football team. It is located on the campus of The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. The stadium has a seating capacity of over 102,000 and is one of the largest stadiums in the United States.
The stadium is known for its iconic horseshoe shape and its large, passionate fan base. The Ohio Stadium is also home to many other events, such as concerts, soccer matches, and other sporting events. It is a great place to visit for any fan of the Buckeyes or anyone looking for a great experience in Columbus.
14. Scioto Mile Park
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Scioto Mile Park is a public park located in downtown Columbus, Ohio. It is situated along the Scioto River and is part of the Scioto Greenways project. The park features a variety of recreational activities, including walking and biking trails, a playground, a splash pad, and a large fountain.
It also has a variety of amenities, such as picnic areas, restrooms, and a cafe. The park is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike and is a great place to spend a day outdoors.
13. Explore the Topiary Park
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The Topiary Park in Columbus, Ohio is a public park located in downtown Columbus. It is home to the world’s only topiary display of Georges Seurat’s famous painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.
The park features over 50 topiary sculptures, including a life-size elephant, a giraffe, and a variety of other animals. The park also features a pond, a gazebo, and a variety of other amenities. The park is open year-round and is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
12. Visit the North Market
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The North Market in Columbus, Ohio is a vibrant public market located in the heart of downtown. It is home to over 30 independent merchants, offering a variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and specialty items. The North Market also features a variety of restaurants, cafes, and food stalls, as well as a farmers market on Saturdays.
The market is a great place to explore and find unique items, as well as to enjoy a meal or snack. It is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike and is a great way to experience the culture and flavors of Columbus.
11. The Express Live!
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Express Live! is a multi-purpose entertainment venue located in downtown Columbus, Ohio. It is a great place to enjoy a concert, with a capacity of up to 4,500 people. The venue features a large stage, state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, and a full-service bar. Express Live! hosts a variety of events, including concerts, comedy shows, and special events.
The venue also offers a variety of food and beverage options, including a full-service bar and concession stands. Whether you’re looking for a night of music and entertainment or just a place to hang out with friends, Express Live! is the perfect place to enjoy a concert.
10. The German Village
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The German Village in Columbus, Ohio is a historic neighborhood located just south of downtown. It was founded in the mid-1800s by German immigrants and is now a popular tourist destination. The area is known for its unique architecture, cobblestone streets, and brick buildings.
Visitors can explore the area’s many restaurants, shops, and galleries, as well as take a tour of the historic Schiller Park. The area also hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, including the annual Oktoberfest celebration.
9. The Nationwide Arena
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The Nationwide Arena is a multi-purpose arena located in downtown Columbus, Ohio. It is home to the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets and the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament. The arena opened in 2000 and has a seating capacity of 18,500 for hockey games and 19,500 for basketball games.
The arena features a variety of amenities, including a full-service restaurant, a sports bar, a club lounge, and a variety of concession stands. The arena also hosts a variety of concerts, family shows, and other events throughout the year.
8. Short North Arts District
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The Short North Arts District is a vibrant neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio. It is known for its vibrant art galleries, unique boutiques, and eclectic restaurants. The district is home to a variety of cultural events, including the monthly Gallery Hop, which features art openings and live music.
The Short North Arts District is also home to the historic North Market, which offers a variety of fresh produce, meats, and other goods. The district is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike and is a great place to explore the city’s culture and history.
7. The Ohio Statehouse
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The Ohio Statehouse is the official seat of government for the state of Ohio. It is located in downtown Columbus and is a National Historic Landmark. The building was designed by architect Elijah Myers and was completed in 1861.
It is a beautiful example of Greek Revival architecture and is home to the Ohio General Assembly, the Governor’s office, and the Supreme Court of Ohio. Visitors can take a guided tour of the Statehouse, which includes the Senate and House chambers, the rotunda, and the Governor’s office. The Statehouse also houses a museum, which features exhibits on Ohio’s history and culture. The Ohio Statehouse is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
6. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
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The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a botanical garden located in Columbus, Ohio. It was founded in 1895 and is one of the oldest and largest public gardens in the United States.
The conservatory features a variety of indoor and outdoor gardens, including a tropical rainforest, a desert garden, a Japanese garden, and a Victorian garden. The conservatory also offers educational programs, special events, and seasonal exhibits. The conservatory is open year-round and is a popular destination for visitors of all ages.
5. Ohio Theatre
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The Ohio Theatre is a historic theatre located in downtown Columbus, Ohio. It was built in 1928 and is one of the oldest surviving movie palaces in the United States. The theatre is a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The theatre is home to the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts, which presents a variety of performing arts events, including Broadway shows, concerts, and comedy acts. The theatre also hosts a variety of film screenings, including classic films, independent films, and foreign films. The Ohio Theatre is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike and is a great place to experience the performing arts in Columbus.
4. Center of Science and Industry
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The Center of Science and Industry (COSI) is a science museum located in Columbus, Ohio. It is one of the largest science museums in the United States and is home to over 300 interactive exhibits. COSI offers a variety of educational programs and activities for all ages, including hands-on science experiments, live science shows, and educational films.
The museum also features a planetarium, an outdoor science park, and a variety of special events throughout the year. COSI is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers and is a great place to explore the wonders of science.
3. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
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The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a non-profit zoo located in Powell, Ohio, just north of Columbus. It is home to over 9,000 animals representing over 600 species from around the world. The zoo is a major tourist attraction in the area and is one of the most visited zoos in the United States.
The zoo is known for its conservation efforts and has been involved in numerous conservation projects, including the reintroduction of the endangered black-footed ferret. The zoo also has a large aquarium, which houses a variety of aquatic species, including sharks, rays, and other fish. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a great place to visit for families and is a great way to learn about the animals of the world.
2. Ohio History Center
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The Ohio History Center is a museum and research center located in Columbus, Ohio. It is the headquarters of the Ohio Historical Society, a state-wide historical organization. T
he center houses a variety of exhibits and artifacts related to Ohio’s history, including a full-scale replica of a 19th-century Ohio village, a natural history gallery, and a library and archives. The center also offers educational programs, lectures, and special events. The Ohio History Center is open to the public and admission is free.
1. Columbus Museum of Art
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The Columbus Museum of Art is a world-class art museum located in Columbus, Ohio. Founded in 1878, the museum is home to a collection of over 30,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, prints, drawings, and decorative arts.
The museum also features a variety of special exhibitions, educational programs, and events. The museum is located in the Discovery District of downtown Columbus and is open to the public.
Summary
As you can see, Columbus has a lot to offer everyone. If you are looking to do more in the surrounding area, check out other weekend trips from nearby Columbus, Ohio.
These areas are perfect for a quick day trip or a long weekend getaway. Explore our favorite things to do or peruse some pre-built itineraries.
