What to Do and See in Columbus, Ohio
Come explore Columbus, Ohio by visiting some of the city's top locations and attractions
Columbus, Ohio is not only the state’s capital, but its largest city as well. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Columbus is hosting one of the Midwest’s most extensive auto shows beginning later this week.
The Columbus Auto Show isn’t the only thing attracting visitors to Ohio’s state capital, however. Indeed, Columbus has a number of attractions that range from the educational to the entertaining. Here are just a few things to do and see while in Columbus, Ohio.
How to Get Around Columbus: Navigating the US: Getting Around in Columbus, Ohio
Top 5 Attractions in Columbus, Ohio
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The Ohio State University
The Ohio State University
Photo: Robert Chriss
The third-largest university campus in the nation and easily the largest university in Ohio, the Ohio State University, or OSU as it is usually abbreviated, is recognized as one of the country’s most prestigious public universities. OSU is not only home to some of the academic world’s most highly-respected political science and agricultural programs, but many points of interest for the public to visit as well. This includes a stroll near Mirror Lake or a spirited Buckeyes football game at the massive Ohio Stadium.
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Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Photo: Sam Howzit
If you want to get in touch with your wild side, the best place to do so in Columbus is at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. This zoo is recognized as one of the most popular in the country, thanks in part to the efforts of its former director, wildlife-enthusiast Jack Hanna. The zoo itself is separated into different sections based on the world’s continents, with wildlife indigenous to Africa, Asia, and beyond. In the summer, guests can even visit the 22.7-acre Zoombezi Bay water park.
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Franklin Park Conservatory
The Franklin Park Conservatory
Photo: Analogue Kid
Another fantastic place to explore plant and animal life in Columbus is at the Franklin Park Conservatory. Much like the Columbus Zoo, these botanical gardens are composed of foliage from different regions of the world, with tropical rainforest and desert exhibits on display. Additionally, in the spring and summer, guests can enjoy the Blooms and Butterflies exhibit, which has a kaleidoscope of butterflies scattered throughout the conservatory.
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COSI
COSI Columbus
Photo: COSI Columbus
Short for Center of Science and Industry, COSI is a science-based museum that researchers and explorers of any age can enjoy. The museums “Ocean” exhibit explores humanity’s relationship with the bodies of water that surround us. Meanwhile, the “Progress” exhibit allows for guest to travel through different eras of United States history. Later this year, COSI will collaborate with the American Museum of Natural History to open a Dinosaur Exhibition Gallery, a first for the Ohio museum.
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German Village
German Village
Photo: Postdlf
Long considered to be the cultural center for the city of Columbus, German Village is a 233-acre historic district located near the downtown area. As the name implies, German Village places an emphasis on German culture, brought to Columbus by early immigrants who helped shape the city into what it is today. Found throughout the district are a series of shops and restaurants, such as Schmidt’s Sausage Haus, that offer guests a sample of authentic German heritage.
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Source: Experience Columbus
Zachary Berry currently resides in the Dayton, Ohio area. However, he enjoys traveling from place to place, as he was born in Oklahoma City and has also lived in Albuquerque and Orlando (such is the life of a military brat). Zachary graduated from Ohio University with a major in Strategic Communication, which is fancy talk for advertising and public relations. Beginning his career at The News Wheel as a lowly intern, he was able to climb his way to the top, eventually claiming his place within the last cubicle on the left. Other jobs that Zachary has held include driving around a safari truck at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. When he’s not putting his nose to the grindstone, Zachary enjoys watching and critiquing movies and television. See more articles by Zachary.