Travel Guides > Columbus, OH

Columbus Ohio Travel

Visitors may not consider Ohio's capital city of Columbus to be their number one stop on a trip through the Midwestern states. Often overlooked in favor of the larger cities of Cincinnati and Cleveland, Columbus struggled for years to develop a tourist industry. Largely a political city lined with government buildings, city planners decided a few decades ago that it was time to change Columbus' reputation... and they succeeded.

Today, Columbus has been touted as an outstanding supporter of the arts and an overall clean and friendly city, much different from the Columbus of just twenty years ago. Visitors to the central Ohio city now have a great choice of things to do, including arts and cultural offerings, lots of parks and gardens to enjoy, a growing restaurant community, and even a large shopping district.

Begin your visit with a bit of Ohio history. Once touted by the experts at Smithsonian as "probably the finest museum in America devoted to pre-European history", the Ohio Historical Center traces the history of the state from the ice age until 1970.

The Columbus Museum of Art houses a wonderful collection of nineteenth and early twentieth century American and European Art. Especially impressive is its exhibits of works by local artists such as George Bellows, a renowned twentieth century painter, and Elijah Pierce, a woodcarver.

For something truly unique to Columbus, visit the Jack Nicklaus Museum. Located on the campus of Ohio State University, this museum is a tribute to the life and career of this golfing great.

Another unique facility, the Mid-Ohio Historical Museum is dedicated to "preserving the heritage of children through their dolls and toys." Kids will enjoy the thousands of antique and modern toys displayed here, including lots of G.I. Joes from the 1960s and a ton of vintage Lionel trains.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is home to 650 species of wildlife from every corner of the Earth and lots of amazing undersea creatures as well. Jungle Jack Hanna, often seen promoting the cause of endangered animals on TV shows like Letterman, has been a part of this excellent zoo for the past 20 years.

When it's time for some extra special family fun, head to nearby Wyandot Lake. This Six Flags-owned amusement and waterpark is home to nearly 50 radical rides and attractions that will thrill every member of the family.

The Columbus Association for the Performing Arts brings everything from opera and jazz to children's plays and Broadway productions to Columbus' six excellent downtown performing venues so if you're hoping to take in a concert or theatrical production, you won't be disappointed.