Things to do in Columbus

Columbus has emerged to offer visitors world-class culture, sports, entertainment and a vibe all of its own. This lively university city has some good museums, stunning Germanic architecture, extensive art collections and a vibrant nightlife.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Situated just two miles east of downtown Columbus, Franklin Park Conservatory is one of Columbus’s most popular and unique destinations for residents and visitors of all ages. There are more than 90 acres of outdoor green space, 400 plant species, 100 butterfly species and 800 feet of model railroad track. The conservatory boasts several greenhouses that replicate some of the world’s most beautiful and diverse biomes.

Visitors can explore a cool Himalayan mountain, a tropical rainforest, an arid desert and an inviting Pacific island water garden, and see rare botanical specimens and animals that are native to each habitat. In the historic Palm House and Showhouse, the conservatory also showcases significant bonsai, orchid and palm collections.
There are some lovely winding paths through pastoral green spaces, flower gardens and cascading waterfalls. The park is free and open to visitors year-round.

German Village

By the end of the 19th century, almost a third of the population of this district were German. These days, the people who live here try to preserve the cultural heritage of the area. The area has been fully restored and there are some beautiful decorative gardens, Italianate and Queen Anne architecture and cobbled streets. A visitor centre can be found at the German Village Society Meeting Haus on South Third Street. They have handy and informative maps and there is the opportunity to view a short, introductory video about the neighbourhood. Phone: +1 614 221 8888.

Thurber House

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Thurber House was the home of author, humorist and New Yorker cartoonist James Thurber and his family. Thurber House is now a literary centre and museum of Thurber materials. Visitors are invited to sit on chairs, play a tune on the downstairs piano and touch the typewriter that was Thurber's while he was at The New Yorker.

The house is furnished in the style of the 1913 to 1917 period, when the family lived here. The first two floors are open daily for tours and next door is the Thurber Centre; a contemporary classroom and conference facility complemented by a gallery celebrating book-related artwork. In between the buildings is the Centennial Reading Garden, complete with sculptures of five Thurber dogs, a fountain and three Central Park benches. Phone: +1 614 464 1032.

Statehouse

The Statehouse complex represents one of America's finest examples of Greek Revival civic architecture, and is one of the oldest working statehouses in the United States. It is the fourth building used for Ohio government and is the place where the legislature (Senate and House of Representatives) meets and conducts state business. Recently restored and re-opened in 1996, the Statehouse appears much as it did when it was completed in 1861. Visitors can see where and how the vital business of state government is conducted, view magnificent architectural and artistic treasures, and learn more about Ohio through guided tours, educational displays and interactive touch-screen kiosks. The Ohio Statehouse is located in the centre of Columbus, at the corner of Broad and High Streets. Phone: +1 614 728 2695.

Gameworks

Gameworks serves as the ultimate playground for the young and the young at heart. This popular game centre features over 200 video and virtual reality games including action-packed motion simulation games. It is divided into five different game zones for visitors of all ages: adventure, racing, sports, carnival and classics.  Phone: +1 614 428 7529.

Columbus Santa Maria

In 1492, Christopher Columbus set sail, searching for a direct trade route to the Indies. Carrying him was the Santa Maria, a 98-foot wooden ‘nao’, or typical cargo ship. Today, you can tour the world's most authentic, museum-quality replica of Columbus's flagship. Guided tours dramatise the challenges the explorers faced 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. Fascinating displays show the far-ranging impact of the encounter over 500 years ago. The Santa Maria is located in Battelle Riverfront Park, between Long Street and West Broad Street. Phone:  +1 614 645 0351.

Ohio Historical Centre

The Ohio Historical Centre offers visitors a rewarding museum experience of Ohio’s past. The building is a great example of the architectural style known as Brutalism, a rational, structuralist, monumental style exported by French and British architects in the mid-20th century. One of the most popular exhibits chronicles Ohio history from frontier days to the 1970s, focusing on agricultural and industrial progress, leadership and the effect of major changes on the lives of ordinary people. Within the gallery can be found a section called ‘Ohio and the Civil War’, which describes the state's key role in the conflict. Artefacts include weapons, uniforms, medical and camp equipment and battle flags from the society’s collections. Other highlights of this history gallery are 1920s newsreels, an operating carriage shop and vintage automobiles. Phone: +1 614 297 2300.

Centre of Science and Industry

Known simply as COSI, the Centre of Science and Industry is one of the most popular attractions in the city. There are many exhibits including displays exploring space, the ocean, media and chemistry. You'll be able to tour a working television and radio studio, and parents and children will experience hands-on digital media activities, exhibits and media literacy workshops. In addition to exhibit areas, COSI also offers a wide array of shows designed to enlighten and entertain. Three movie theatres provide enough entertainment variety for the whole family. Be sure to check show times upon arrival at the COSI Box Office. Phone: +1 614 228 2674.

Columbus Museum of Art

The Columbus Museum of Art houses an outstanding collection of late 19th and early 20th century American and European modern art. This collection includes major works by Monet, Matisse, Picasso, Renoir, Hopper and O'Keeffe, and other examples of Impressionism, German Expressionism and Cubism. Also recognised for extraordinary regional collections, the museum boasts the largest public collection of woodcarvings by Columbus’ folk artist Elijah Pierce as well as the world's largest collection of paintings and lithographs by Columbus artist George Bellows, who is widely regarded as the finest American artist of his generation. Phone: +1 614 221 6801.