Columbus is a hugely historical city and is one of the first settlements in the county, but the modern-day city is full of variety from Zoos, to sporting events, there’s History and different cultures to embrace. There’s plenty to do in this unique American city, let’s look at some.
Things to do in Columbus
Columbus is the state capital and the most populous city in the U.S. state of Ohio. With a population of 905,748 for the 2020 census, it is the 14th-most populous city in the U.S., the second-most populous city in the Midwest after Chicago, and the third-most populous state capital. Columbus is the county seat of Franklin County; it also extends into Delaware and Fairfield counties. It is the core city of the Columbus, OH Metropolitan Statistical Area, which encompasses ten counties. The metropolitan area has a 2020 population of 2,138,926, making it the largest entirely in Ohio.
Ohio Stadium, The Horseshoe, Ohio State Football game
Ohio Stadium, known as the Horseshoe to most fans, was built in 1922. It stands against the Olentangy River, so grand that the stadium was added to the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service in 1974.
Every year, millions of fans pass through the stadium to see the Ohio State Buckeyes play football. And every year the famous Ohio script (where the all-brass marching band proceeds to write the word Ohio in the middle of the field) is performed by the Best Damn Band in the Land, Ohio State University’s marching band.
Short North
Not too far from Ohio State University is a diverse, urban neighbourhood named the Short North. Here there is a multitude of things to do, places to eat, and plenty of shopping.
The Short North got its name from the police in the 1980s when it was populated with dilapidated buildings and crime rates were high. It was used to describe the short section just north of downtown Columbus.
But in 1985, The Wood Companies started a redevelopment plan of the area. Today the Short North is one of Columbus’s most active urban playgrounds that include many art galleries, shops and restaurants. It is now home to many high-quality homes and grand residences.
One of the most notable places near the Short North is the North Market. Since 1876, the North Market has been THE super Market in central Ohio. Located a block away from the Greater Columbus Convention Center and Nationwide Arena (home of the National Hockey League’s Columbus Blue Jackets) it’s a great place to shop or just pick up some coffee on your way to a game at the Arena.
German Village
The area known as German Village got started around 1841 when a significant number of German immigrants began settling in the area. It almost became extinct in the 1950s when neglect and urban plight finally took its toll. In the 1920s, prohibition shut down the breweries which many of the people living in the area relied heavily upon for income.
A small group of community members came together in the 1960s to restore the German Village to its former glory. Today many bars, shops, and coffee houses make German Village a fascinating place to visit. Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and Restaurant famous for its sizzling bratwurst and jumbo cream puffs has been serving the area since 1866. The Book Loft, once a set of pre-civil war general stores, is now a 32-room book store with today’s new books and music.
Every year towards the end of September, German Village celebrates the German Village Oktoberfest. This event blends historic German traditions with today’s urban needs into a fun-filled event for the whole family.
Arena District
If a vivacious nightlife is what you are looking for, visit the Arena District. Located close to downtown Columbus, it’s the place to be when the sun goes behind the scenes. The Arena Grand Theater with its state-of-the-art seating and sound there’s no better place to pick up the latest movies. Or you could see a game at the Nationwide Arena, home to the National Hockey Leagues’ Columbus Blue Jackets.
COSI (Center of Science and Industry)
This place has kids and adults alike ooh-ing and ah-ing up and down the halls. With enough exhibits and hands-on activities to fill a weekend with fun and learning this is the place for kids and the young at heart.
Come to the Big Science Park exhibit and have a hand lifting a car by yourself. Or you can gravitate toward the Centripetal Generator and feel how gravity affects you.
From space to gadgets to life sciences there is something for any kid and every adult. There is even a section for the smaller kids who might be a little overwhelmed with the rest of the place. Located off the Scioto River and convenient to major highways, COSI is anything but just another science park.
Franklin Park Conservatory
Also located downtown, Franklin Park Conservatory could be where you might want to relax and enjoy the scenery. The annual Blooms and Butterflies exhibit will leave you exhilarated. All sorts of butterflies each year are let loose inside the Pacific Island water garden and you can walk amongst absolute beauty.
There are different plant shows and exhibits throughout the year from the Orchid Show in March and June to Daffodils and Violets in early spring.
Columbus Metro Parks
The Columbus metro area has 14 different parks to stroll around including the largest Metro Park, Battelle Darby Creek. There is a great diversity of landscapes in the metro parks. From wetlands to ridges to ponds to prairies there is certainly enough space and trails to hike and picnic.
Easton Town Center
You can shop, read a book or three, eat amazing food and catch a movie you have been dying to see at the Easton Town Center. Located north of Columbus conveniently along Interstate 270, Easton Town Center is home to AMC Theatres, a 30-screen movie theatre. It is also home to several comedy clubs so you can catch some laughs as well as shop and see a movie.
GameWorks
Located in Easton Town Center, GameWorks takes on a life of its own. Open later during the weekend it’s a perfect spot to get your game on. GameWorks combines high-quality sound and highly technical entertainment. There is even a restaurant so if you burn too many calories playing that game you can refill and be back to it in no time.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is home to Manatee Coast. Built to hold up to five full-grown manatees, it’s a place where conservation and fun are combined. You can move close into the area and see the manatees up close and personal.
In the North American exhibit, you can check out the wolves and bald eagles. Or learn about reptiles in the reptile house. There is a huge aquarium where jellyfish and even a shark or two, hang out. You can pet a shark or other things in the touch and feel pool.
