Historical neighborhoods, a multicultural university district and a downtown area filled with museums and theaters make Columbus, Ohio, an exciting place to explore. Visitors can admire German Village's brick cottages, enjoy a Columbus Jazz Orchestra concert or attend a festival at the North Market. Those who want to venture outside of the city will find several interesting attractions nearby.
Stroll through a Victorian garden and admire a fine collection of 19th century furnishings at the Kelton House Museum and Garden. The house contains items owned by the original inhabitants, including a scrapbook filled with news clippings and letters, silverware, chess table, grandfather clock and Staffordshire china cottages. The garden features rhododendrons, azaleas, crabapple trees and silver lace vine. Guided tours of the house, which served as a stop on the Underground Railroad, are offered on Sundays or by appointment during the week. Call (614) 464-2022 to schedule a tour or visit the website below for additional information.
Kelton House Museum and Garden
586 E. Town St.
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 464-2022
http://www.keltonhouse.com/
Learn the history of American motorcycling at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame. The museum contains vintage and modern bikes, along with memorabilia honoring those who have made significant contributions to the motorcycling industry. Inductees have included engineers, racers, designers, promoters and business owners. Temporary exhibits are also featured throughout the year. The Hall of Fame is open daily. Call (614) 856-2222 or visit the website below for information on admission fees and hours of operation.
Motorcycle Hall of Fame
13515 Yarmouth Dr.
Pickerington, OH 43147
(614) 856-2222
http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org/
Visit West Indian manatees, black rhinos and timber wolves at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. The zoo, which opened in 1927, features a variety of animal species found on six continents, including red kangaroos, American bison, Malayan sun bears and Panamanian golden frogs. Marine species include bonnethead sharks, cow nose stingrays and clownfish. The zoo offers several educational and entertaining shows throughout the day where visitors can see animals up close and meet zookeepers. Visitors can also enjoy thrill rides, including a roller coaster and log flume, at Jungle Jack's Landing. The park features rides for younger guests as well. The zoo is open year round. Visit the website below for hours of operation and admission information.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
9990 Riverside Dr.
Powell, OH 43065
(800) 666-5397
http://www.columbuszoo.org/default.aspx
Kids can explore the ocean, ride in a space capsule and send Morse Code messages at the Center of Science and Industry. The museum's interactive exhibits provide an entertaining way for kids to learn more about space, technology, engineering and natural environments. The Big Science Park exhibit features a prairie landscape, centripetal generator and giant lever. The Gadgets exhibit lets kids build bridges, use pulley chairs and experiment with laser light. Little Kidspace provides a safe area for younger kids to explore. Babies can play with blocks and soft objects, while toddlers and preschoolers can climb a tree, build a house or drive an ambulance. The museum is open all year. Visit the website below for current hours of operation and cost of admission.
Center of Science and Industry
333 W. Broad St.
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 228-2674 or (888) 819-2674
http://www.cosi.org/
