Worthington, Ohio, was founded in 1803 by the Scioto Company led by James Kilbourne. Worthington, a suburb of Columbus, Ohio, is named after Thomas Worthington, who was one of first two senators in Ohio. In 1812 the population in Worthington grew rapidly as new people settled in Columbus, the new capital of Ohio. Some notable people from Worthington include Betty Montgomery, former Ohio Attorney General and Dana Tyler, New York City’s CBS News anchor.
The American Whistle Factory started in 1956 and is the only manufacturer of metal whistles in the United States. Coaches, referees and hunting and camping hobbyists use these whistles. Additionally, American Whistle manufactures the official Boy Scouts of America whistle. The factory offers a 45-minute guided tour where visitors learn about the manufacturing of whistles and see historic machinery. Visitors also receive a souvenir whistle at the end of the tour. Reservations are required.
American Whistle Factory
6540 Huntley Road
Columbus, OH 43229
800-876-2918
americanwhistle.com
The Columbus Zoo is home to more than 5,000 animals. Exhibits are divided into five regions: Asia, Shores, African Forest, North America and Australia and the Islands. Additionally, the zoo offers special experiences where visitors can get face-to-face with the animals. Plan on spending several hours touring the zoo and the aquarium. As of August 2010, admission is $12.99 for ages 10 to 59, $7 for ages 2 to 9 and older than 60, and children younger than 2 are allowed in free. Parking is $5 per car, and buses are free. Hours of operation are: November through February, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; March, April and May, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; June, July and August, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and September and October, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Columbus Zoo
9990 Riverside Drive
Columbus, OH 43085
614-645-3550
colszoo.org
The Orange Johnson House was built in 1811 by Arora Buttles and is one of the oldest residences still in its original location. The six-room house sits on 35 acres. Visitors learn about life in the 1800s, see period furnishings and explore a walk in the fireplace in the kitchen. As of August 2010, admission is $3 for adults, $2 for children 6 to 16 and free for children younger than 6. The museum is open Sundays April through December from 2 to 5 p.m.
Orange Johnson House Museum
956 High St.
Worthington, OH 43085
614-885-1247
The Ohio Railway Museum takes visitors on a 2-mile, round-trip tour on one of the museum’s street cars or inter-urbans to learn about the history of steam and electric-powered trains. The museum is home to more than 30 types of trains including streetcars from 1900 to 1949, inter-urbans from 1905 to 1965 and passenger cars from 1918 to 1925. The museum, founded in 1948, is the fourth-oldest railway museum in America. As of August 2010, admission is $6 for adults, $5 for children ages 4 to 12 and free for children younger than 3. Additionally, admission includes unlimited rides on a trolley car. The museum is open Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m.
Ohio Railway Museum
990 Proprietors Road
Worthington, OH 43085
614-885-7345
ohiorailwaymuseum.org
