Ohio attractions

More than 360 planes, jets, missiles, and unusual aircraft are parked in Dayton’s National Museum of the United States Air Force—the world’s largest military aviation museum. Collection highlights include the Wright Brothers’ 1909 Flyer, a decommissioned atomic bomb, the first Air Force One, and a Sopwith Camel biplane from World War I.

Embark on a safari adventure without the long-haul flight at Ohio’s African Safari Wildlife Park. Drive across more than 60 acres (24 hectares) of land to see hundreds of animals roam free and get a close-up view of giraffe, zebra, bison, alpaca, elk, and more. The animals may even approach the car to be fed.

Embraced by four US states and a Canadian province, Lake Erie seamlessly blends natural beauty and recreation. Major cities, including Cleveland and Toledo, grace its shores, making Ohio a preferred gateway to this Great Lake. Boasting everything from museums to tranquil state parks, it’s the perfect year-round escape.

A hub of sights, parks, cultural venues, and restaurants, Downtown Columbus is the city’s vibrant heart. Many of the top attractions are clustered here—including the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), the Columbus Art Museum, and the Columbus Metropolitan Library—with plenty of spots to satisfy art and architecture buffs, foodies, and even lovers of the great outdoors.

One of Columbus’ most vibrant neighborhoods, the Short North Arts District is centered on North High Street. Framed by 17 steel arches, the walkable thoroughfare is packed with galleries and art spaces, as well as hip boutiques, popular restaurants, and cool coffee shops. It hosts several major events throughout the year, including Stonewall Columbus Pride.

Kelton House Museum and Gardens is a beautifully preserved historic gem that offers a captivating window into Columbus’ history. The Greek Revival and Italianate mansion was built in 1852 by merchants who were also committed abolitionists. Today, it stands as a testament to Columbus’ role in the Underground Railroad, which facilitated sanctuary and escape for enslaved people.

One of largest sports and entertainment venues in Columbus, the Nationwide Arena is home to the Columbus Blue Jackets NHL team. Built on the site of the historic Ohio Penitentiary, the venue not only hosts hockey games, it’s also a destination for other sporting events, concerts, and festivals.

Set in the south reflecting pool just outside the entrance to the Moyer Judicial Center—home of the Supreme Court of Ohio—the World’s Largest Gavel is a striking 2008 work in stainless steel by Black artist Andrew F. Scott. Gavel stops passersby in their tracks, and is considered the largest rendering of a judge’s traditional gavel in the world.

With its sweeping expanse of lawns, a permanent outdoor stage that hosts live music and performances, food trucks and open-air dining spaces, and a whimsical carousel for kids, Columbus Commons (formally John F. Wolfe Columbus Commons) is one of the top parks in downtown Columbus. Stop here to relax, catch a concert, and enjoy a snack alfresco to break up your day of sightseeing.

One of the oldest surviving theaters in Ohio, the Southern Theatre’s ornate interiors and spectacular acoustics still impress more than a century after the performance hall opened in 1896. Today, the theater is home to the Opera Columbus, the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, Chamber Music Columbus, and the ProMusica Chamber Orchestra. The venue was completely renovated in 1998 and visitors can admire its gilded proscenium arches and side boxes, three tiers of seating, and other original architectural details.

One of the most attractive urban parks in Columbus, the Scioto Mile stretches from the city’s downtown to the banks of the Scioto River via a network of parks and boulevards connected by walking and cycling routes. Enjoy a scenic walk or bike ride through the city, stopping to take in art exhibits and sculpture gardens, cool off in the “sprayground” fountains, or dine with skyline views along the route.

The vast main branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library sits in the heart of the city, with its elegant original building dating from the early 20th century now backed by a modern expansion. In addition to an extensive collection of books and periodicals, the library offers reading and play areas plus a wide range of cultural events for adults and kids, near many of the main city sights in Columbus.

One of Columbus’ prettiest green spaces, Scioto Audobon Metro Park is located just south of downtown, along the banks of the Scioto River. A former industrial site that has since been reborn as a place for public recreation and nature, the 120-acre (49-hectare) park is home to walking trails and the tallest free climbing wall in the country.

A favorite haunt for garden enthusiasts, nature lovers, and families, the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is one of the premier outdoor attractions in Columbus. Explore its 40 acres (16 hectares) of lush gardens and greenhouses, home to hundreds of species of plants, flowers, and trees, its elegant 19th-century palm house, and the children’s garden. Visitors can also admire rotating installations from the largest private collection of Dale Chihuly glass artwork in a botanical garden.