Columbus Landmarks You Can't Miss

Built in 1861 and still serving as the seat of Ohio's state government, the Ohio Statehouse is one of the most iconic Columbus landmarks for visitors interested in history and architecture. The stunning Greek Revival building features the Rotunda, the Grand Stair Hall, and the House of Representatives Chamber. Free guided tours are available.

Located just south of downtown Columbus, German Village is a beautifully preserved 19th-century neighborhood of cobblestone streets, restored brick homes, German restaurants, shops, and galleries. Schiller Park is a popular gathering spot within the neighborhood, and the annual Oktoberfest celebration makes it one of the most atmospheric places to visit in Columbus, Ohio.

Spanning over 175 acres along the Scioto River, the Scioto Mile features gardens, fountains, public art installations, and walking and biking trails, with the Bicentennial Park offering stunning downtown views. Kayak and pedal boat rentals are available in summer, and a year-round calendar of events keeps the space lively.

One of the most engaging Columbus landmarks for families and curious minds of all ages, COSI features over 300 interactive experiences, including a Planetarium, a giant outdoor science park, and exhibits covering space exploration, the human body, and hands-on laboratory experiments.

Spanning over 88 acres, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens features a butterfly garden, a community garden, a bonsai collection, and beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces. Art exhibitions, workshops, and special events are hosted throughout the year.

In operation since 1876, North Market is a beloved Columbus landmark where over 30 vendors sell fresh produce, meats, seafood, baked goods, and specialty foods, while several on-site restaurants serve dishes from around the world. It is one of the most flavorful and lively places to visit in Columbus, Ohio.

Spanning over 580 acres and home to 10,000 animals, including polar bears, gorillas, and elephants, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is one of the top Columbus landmarks for animal lovers and families. Educational programs, interactive experiences, behind-the-scenes tours, and a world-class aquarium section make it a destination worth a full day.

A prominent downtown landmark hosting some of the city's biggest events, including the Arnold Sports Festival and the Origins Game Fair, the Greater Columbus Convention Center is worth visiting for its striking modern architecture and public art installations inside.

Built in 1928 in the Neoclassical style, Columbus City Hall features a grand marble staircase, stunning murals, and intricate architectural details. Guided tours are available, and the City Council Chambers offer a glimpse into where important decisions shaping Columbus are made.

One of the most iconic and photographed Columbus landmarks, the vintage neon Wonder Bread sign in the Italian Village neighborhood has been lovingly preserved and restored. Now overlooking the Wonder Bread Lofts apartment building, it is a beloved reminder of the city's industrial past and a popular spot for photos.

Now known as City Center Columbus, the historic Lazarus Building was once home to a beloved department store that operated for over 150 years. Today it houses shops, restaurants, and offices, and its striking architecture and role in Columbus's retail history make it a notable downtown landmark.

Created by artist Janet Echelman along the Scioto Mile, the Current is the longest public artwork display in Columbus history, comprising three large multi-colored net sculptures suspended above the Scioto River. By day, they cast beautiful patterns on the ground, and by night, they are illuminated with colorful lights.

Officially named McFerson Commons Park but universally known as Arch Park for its iconic three-arched entrance, this downtown green space features open lawns, playgrounds, and walking paths. Summer events and concerts make it a lively gathering spot, and Columbus Blue Jackets fans will recognize it from the team's famous Defend Nationwide campaign videos.

Locally known as The Shoe for its horseshoe shape, Ohio Stadium has been a symbol of pride for Columbus and Ohio State University football since 1922. The impressive architecture and electric atmosphere surrounding the stadium make it one of the most recognizable places to visit in Columbus, Ohio.

A uniquely whimsical Columbus landmark, Topiary Park features living topiary sculptures depicting Georges Seurat's famous painting "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte." Walking paths, benches, and a pond create a peaceful and picturesque setting perfect for a picnic or a relaxing afternoon.

Created by Polish artist Jerzy Kędziora, the suspended sculptures in Schiller Park feature acrobats, rowers, and the beloved Girl with Yo-yo, permanently installed after proving so popular during a traveling exhibition. The park also offers the chance of stumbling upon an outdoor Shakespeare performance at the amphitheater.

Once home to celebrated American cartoonist and author James Thurber, the Thurber House now operates as a museum hosting events and exhibits dedicated to preserving and promoting literary arts. Guided tours offer a look at where Thurber lived and worked, including his writing desk and original cartoons and illustrations.

Columbus's three iconic downtown suspension bridges, the Main Street Bridge, Rich Street Bridge, and Discovery Bridge, offer panoramic views of the Columbus skyline and are worth a walk or bike ride for their unique design and photo opportunities. The Discovery Bridge features a nighttime light show, adding a touch of magic to any evening outing.

Located at the intersection of Long and High Streets, the Makers Monument is a 35-foot, 7,000-pound sculpture by Mark Reigelman, inspired by the creative spirit of architects, designers, and makers. Resembling a tectonic crystal as a nod to Ohio's mineral-rich valleys, it is one of Columbus's most striking and modern landmarks.