1. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
2. The Ohio Statehouse
3. COSI - Columbus Science Center
4. The German Village
5. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
6. Nationwide Children's Hospital
According to recent estimates, over 43 million people visited Columbus in 2019! The city has something to offer everyone, from world-class museums and attractions to beautiful parks and gardens. Read on for a closer look at some of the best things Columbus has to offer tourists!
1. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a world-renowned attraction that should not be missed when visiting Columbus. The zoo is home to over 11,000 animals from around the world, including elephants, lions, and gorillas. In addition to the animal exhibits, the zoo also has a water park, rides, and a zipline course.
The zoo offers a variety of different exhibits that are sure to entertain visitors of all ages. Some of the most popular exhibits include the Africa exhibit, the Primate Forest, and the Water Park. There is also a variety of restaurants and gift shops on-site for visitors to enjoy.
Animals are the best part of the zoo. At the zoo, you can see many different kinds of animals from all over the world. You can learn about them and even see them up close.
Elephants at the Columbus Zoo
The Elephant Exhibit is one of the most popular at the Columbus Zoo. Here, you can see elephants up close and learn about their habitat, diet, and behavior. You can also watch them interact with their trainers and even participate in a training session!
Lions at the Columbus Zoo
The Columbus zoo has Lions! They are big and exciting. People love to see them. The staff is very knowledgeable about the Lions and can answer any questions that you might have.
2. The Ohio Statehouse
The Ohio Statehouse is another popular tourist destination in Columbus. This imposing building is home to the Ohio state government and contains beautiful marble floors and ceilings, as well as paintings and sculptures by some of the state's most famous artists. Guided tours are available daily and offer visitors a look at some of the Statehouse's most important rooms.
The History of the Ohio Statehouse
The Ohio Statehouse is the seat of government for the state of Ohio. The building houses the Ohio General Assembly, the governor of Ohio, and the Supreme Court of Ohio. The Statehouse is located in downtown Columbus on Capitol Square.
The current Statehouse building was constructed between 1839 and 1861. The architect of the building was Elijah Myers. The building is made of limestone and is in the Greek Revival style of architecture.
The Statehouse is home to many important artifacts and works of art. Some of the most notable items in the building include a portrait of George Washington, sculptures by Horatio Stone and Levi T. Scofield, and a copy of the Declaration of Independence.
What you need to know before visiting the Ohio Statehouse
The Ohio Statehouse is a working government building and as such, there are some things to keep in mind before visiting.
- Visitors must go through security screening before entering the building. This includes going through a metal detector and having your bags searched.
- Photography is allowed in most areas of the Statehouse, but flash photography is not permitted.
- Visitors are not allowed to bring food or drink into the building.
- Backpacks, umbrellas, and other large items are not allowed inside the Statehouse.
- The Statehouse is partially accessible to people with disabilities. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Highlights of a tour of the Ohio Statehouse
A tour of the Ohio Statehouse is a great way to learn about the history and architecture of the building, as well as see some of the most important artifacts and works of art up close. Here are some of the highlights of a tour of the Statehouse:
- The Senate Chamber: This room is where the Ohio Senate meets. The room is decorated with a portrait of George Washington and a marble bust of Abraham Lincoln.
- The House of Representatives Chamber: This room is where the Ohio House of Representatives meets. The room is decorated with a painting of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and a sculpture of Lady Justice.
- The Supreme Court Chamber: This room is where the Ohio Supreme Court meets. The room is decorated with a portrait of Chief Justice John Marshall and a sculpture of the Greek goddess Athena.
- The Governor's Office: This is the office of the governor of Ohio. The office is decorated with a portrait of President Abraham Lincoln and a painting of the Battle of Gettysburg.
- The Rotunda: This is the central room of the Statehouse. The room is decorated with a marble floor and a painting of the signing of the Ohio Constitution.
- The Memorial Hall: This room is dedicated to the men and women who have served in the military. The room is decorated with a mural depicting the history of the United States and a sculpture of an Ohio soldier.
The Statehouse is open to the public for tours Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm and Saturday-Sunday, 1:00pm-4:00pm. Guided tours are available and last approximately 45 minutes.
3. COSI - Columbus Science Center
COSI - Columbus Science Center is one of the largest science museums in the country. It contains over 300 hands-on exhibits that allow visitors to explore topics, including churches, schools, and businesses.
The Columbus Science Center is a great place to learn about science. It has exhibits with lots of things to touch and play with. You can learn about how things work in churches, schools, and businesses.
The Science Center also has a planetarium and an IMAX theater. Planetariums are places where you can learn about the stars and planets. They have special rooms with domes that show pictures of the sky. An IMAX theater is a movie theater where you can watch movies on a really big screen.
The Columbus Science Center is open Monday-Saturday, 9:00am-5:00pm and Sunday, 12:00pm-6:00pm. Admission is $14 for adults, $13 for seniors (60+), $12 for children (2-12), and free for children under 2.
4. The German Village
The German Village is a historic neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio. The neighborhood is home to many restaurants, shops, and businesses.
It's a great place to walk around and explore. There are many things to see and do in the neighborhood. You can eat at a variety of restaurants, shop at unique stores, and visit historic sites.
Some of our favorite shops and restaurants include:
- Katzinger's Delicatessen
- Harvest Pizzeria
- Schmidt's Sausage Haus
- The Book Loft
- Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
- Pistacia Vera
5. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a beautiful green space located in downtown Columbus. The conservatory contains multiple gardens with different themes, as well as a greenhouse full of exotic plants from around the world. Visitors can also enjoy walking trails, a butterfly garden, and an outdoor amphitheater.
6. Nationwide Children's Hospital
Nationwide Children's Hospital is one of America's largest pediatric hospitals. It offers free admission for all visitors and contains interactive exhibits on health and wellness topics such as nutrition, fitness, disease prevention, and more.
Nationwide Children's Hospital uses helicopters to transport children who are sick or injured to the hospital. The helicopters fly the children to the hospital quickly and safely.
There are many great things to see and do in Columbus, Ohio. This city has something for everyone, from world-class museums and historic sites to beautiful parks and gardens. Whether you're a local or a visitor, be sure to check out some of these great attractions.
When flying with Columbus Helicopters, you can enjoy a bird's eye view of some of the top tourist destinations in Columbus. The Ohio Statehouse, COSI - Columbus Science Center, German Village, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and Nationwide Children's Hospital are all easily visible from the sky. These attractions offer something for everyone and are well worth a visit if you're in the area.