The Ohio state capital, Columbus, situated almost exactly in the geographical center of the state, was founded in 1812 and named after Christopher Columbus. Features of interest are the State Capitol (1861), in the grounds of which is a monument commemorating the murdered President William McKinley (1843-1901), and the Ohio Historical Center, with two "history malls" illustrating the archaeology and history of the state with the most modern methods of presentation. The German Village, south of downtown Columbus, is a refurbished old quarter of the town well equipped with shops and bars.
The COSI, as it is usually referred to, is the Ohio Center of Science and Industry. The COSI contains 116,000 square feet of exhibits. Visitors will find more than just the exhibits fascinating, the building itself is a sight to see. Created by architect Arata Isozaki, the design in very leading edge.
Address: Cosi Columbus, 333 West Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215, United States
Phone: 1 (614) 228-2674, Fax: 1 (614) 629-3226
Hours:
10am-5pm; Sun:12pm-6pm; Closed: Mon, Tue
Always closed on: Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Easter - Christian
The Central Ohio Fire Museum and Learning Center in Columbus is designed to entertain all ages. The museum is housed in a restored 1908 fire station and laid out according to theme. There is a Children's Play Area, a Burned Room Display, and other displays focusing on fire safety.
Even if visitors do not have the time to stop in at the Central Ohio Fire Museum, the building is worth driving by.
The Columbus Museum of Art in Columbus is one of the premier art galleries in Ohio. Highlights of the collection include works by Monet, Matisse, Picasso, Renoir, Hopper and O'Keeffe. The museum features both European and American artists as well as some of Ohio's most famous artists such as George Bellows and Elijah Pierce.
In addition to the impressive permanent collection the Columbus Museum of Art also features traveling exhibitions so there is always something new to see.
Hours:
10am-5:30pm; Thu:10am-8:30pm; Closed: Mon
Always closed on: Martin Luther King's Birthday - USA (3rd Monday, January ), President's Day - USA (3rd Monday, February ), Memorial Day - USA (last Monday, May ), Labor Day - USA (1st Monday, September), Columbus Day - USA (2nd Monday, October ), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
The Columbus Zoo is home to a variety of domestic and exotic animals from around the world. The zoo is divided up into themes that include the African Forest, Asia Quest, Australia, Islands of Southeast Asia, North America, Pachyderms, Reptiles, and Shores.
The zoo is open year round and offers different events depending on the season so be sure to check in advance to see what is happening.
The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Columbus are a nature lover's paradise. Here visitors will find a wonderful selection of plants, particularly stunning in summer. The park has an active event calendar that features whatever is blooming. Be sure to check out the Orchids in the January through March timeframe.
Address: Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Garden, 1777 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43203-2040, United States
Phone: 1 (614) 645-8733, Fax: 1 (614) 645-5921
Hours:
10am-5pm; Wed:10am-8pm; Closed: Mon
Always closed on: Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Parking: Free
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
The Kelton House Museum and Garden in Columbus allows a glimpse into life in the last half of the 18th Century. This two story Victorian townhouse has been restored and displays period furnishings and decorative arts. Most of the collection in the Kelton House Museum came from the family of Sophia and Fernando Cortez Kelton.
The Kelton House Garden is also maintained in a Victorian style and based on the original design by Grace Kelton. In spring and summer the gardens come to life with a vast array of colors.
Address: Kelton House Museum and Garden, 586 East Town Street, Columbus, OH 43215-4802, United States
Phone: 1 (614) 464-2022, Fax: 1 (614) 464-3346
The Ohio Statehouse in Columbus is a Greek Revival style building. It is open to the public for guided or self guided tours, along with Capitol Square, and the Senate building and atrium. Visitors are welcome to wander around the statehouse at their leisure. The building underwent much needed, extensive renovations in the 1990s which returned it to its former glory. The ground floor offers educational displays, along with a cafe and gift shop.
West facing facade of the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio.
An aerial view of the Greek Revival style Ohio Statehouse in Columbus.
Address: Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, OH 43215-4210, United States
Phone: 1 (614) 752-9777, Fax: 1 (614) 752-5209
A visit to Ohio Village in Columbus is like stepping back in time. The village is a recreated mid 19th Century county seat. Visitors will be treated to a diverse set of displays and are able to wander through the painstakingly authentic on-site buildings. The village has an active event calendar and boasts of the Ohio Village Muffins, a baseball team that plays the game in the Victorian style.
The Santa Maria in Columbus is a replica of Christopher Columbus' historic ship, the Santa Maria. Tours of the ship attempt to recreate life on the boat, showing everything from the type of equipment that would have been used during that time period to the types of social activities the explorers would have engaged in as a 15th century sailor. Displays also explore the historical implications and changes that came with the expeditions on the Santa Maria and the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the new world.
Address: Santa Maria, 90 West Broad Street, 1st Floor, Columbus, OH 43215-9019, United States
Phone: 1 (614) 645-8760, Fax: 1 (614) 645-8748
Hours:
April 1 to May 30: 10am-3pm; Sun:12pm-5pm; Sat:12pm-5pm; Closed: Mon, Tue
June 2 to September 3: 10am-5pm; Sun:12pm-6pm; Sat:12pm-6pm; Closed: Mon, Tue, Mon, Tue
September 4 to October 24: 10am-3pm; Sun:12pm-5pm; Sat:12pm-5pm; Closed: Mon, Tue, Mon, Tue, Mon, Tue
Thurber House belonged to author, humorist, and cartoonist, James Thurber and his family. Thurber lived here while attending Ohio State University in the early 1900s. The house is now a museum with Thurber's memorabilia on display as well as some of the original furnishings. The grounds are nicely maintained with the Centennial Reading Garden, statues, benches, and a fountain.
Address: Thurber House, 77 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215, United States
Phone: 1 (614) 464-1032, Fax: 1 (614) 280-3645
Hours:
January 3 to December 23: 1pm-4pm
Tips: Guided tours are available on Sundays, or by appointment, for $2.50.
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