Columbus is Ohio’s state capital and as such, it is expected that the city should have a lot of landmarks. Alongside its administrative centers, restaurants and scenery, Columbus is also a center of culture and history. The city is also the most populous in Ohio state. Located on the bank of the Scioto River, the city is picturesque, and it is just as historical.
When visiting, be sure to check out these five historical landmarks in the city of Columbus:
Ohio State University
The State’s Premier University is located in the capital and it is a must-visit if you are looking at getting in the sight and sounds of the city. The University’s main campus has been in existence for 150 years and it is one of America’s largest. It is also rated as one of the top-20 public universities and there is so much to explore.
If you are looking at taking in the history of Columbus and the whole of Ohio, you can visit the Hopkins Hall Gallery and Wexner Center for the Arts to check out art pieces and exhibitions. The mirror Lake is also a must-visit location on the campus.
Ohio Statehouse
Where else would you visit than the power seat of the state? The Ohio Statehouse is more than just the place where the official business of the state takes place, it is equally beautiful and picturesque. The Statehouse has free guided tours that provide an overview of the history and design of the statehouse complex. The rotunda is grand and is decorated with thousands of marble pieces.
German Village Historic District
The German Village Historic District has kept true to its historic mandate. With renovated buildings ad cottages arranged in an unpretentious manner, the German Village Historic was one of the first settlements in Columbus city. At a point, half of the entire construction in the city happened in the district. The district then lost the grandeur.
To preserve its history, 1,600 structures in the village were renovated, making German Village the largest, privately funded historic district in the country. Easily accessible on foot, the village is a beauty to behold.
Kelton House Museum & Garden
Kelton House Museum and Gardens is located in the Town Street Historic District, it is a serene house that was occupied by the Kelton family until 1975 when Grace Kelton died and her will bequeathed the property to the Columbus Foundation. As the last building on East Town Street, it is surrounded by pastureland, it was considered as one of the shelters in the underground movement that hid slaves.
Today, the house is open for tours, and events can also take place in the house. The historic settings have been preserved and you will find it quite alluring.
Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Thinking of a large space with nothing but flowers and nature-based exhibitions? The Franklin Park and Botanical gardens is the answer. With 83,000 square feet of glasshouses and the largest collection of glass artwork Dale Chihuly. It also houses the internationally recognized light artist, James Turrell’s Light Raiment II, which illuminates the John F. Wolfe Palm House every evening from dusk until dawn. The conservatory is the true definition of love and light.