
Best Cruise Destinations in Columbus, United States
1. Scioto Mile
A scenic riverfront park with various attractions like the Columbus Rowing Center and Scioto Audubon Metro Park.
- Riverfront Attractions: Offers unique water activities like kayaking or paddleboarding.
- Urban Green Space: A relaxing escape from the bustling city, perfect for picnics or leisurely walks.
- Accessible Cruise Dock: Provides a convenient location to board cruises for sightseeing along the Scioto River.
2. German Village
A historic neighborhood known for its German architecture and vibrant local businesses.
- Architectural Beauty: Showcases beautifully preserved Victorian-era homes.
- Local Shops and Restaurants: Offers unique, authentic German cuisine and local goods.
- Historic Tours: Provides guided tours exploring the neighborhood's rich history.
3. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
A glasshouse filled with exotic plants from around the world, including a palm house, orchid room, and desert house.
- Tropical Escape: Provides an immersive experience of various climate zones.
- Seasonal Events: Hosts special events, exhibits, and educational programs throughout the year.
- On-site Restaurant: Features an on-site restaurant offering delicious meals with a botanical twist.
4. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
A world-renowned zoo featuring animals from around the globe, including the famous 'Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures' exhibit.
- Animal Encounters: Offers unique animal interactions, such as feeding giraffes or penguins.
- Wildlight Planetarium: Features a planetarium showcasing night sky wonders and educational programs about space.
- Outdoor Adventures: Provides various outdoor activities like zip lines, train rides, and water play areas.
5. Ohio Statehouse
The seat of Ohio's government featuring a stunning gold-domed building with free guided tours.
- Historical Significance: Showcases the history of Ohio's government and its role in U.S. history.
- Free Guided Tours: Provides knowledgeable guides to share the stories behind the Ohio Statehouse.
- Art Collection: Boasts an impressive collection of artwork, including pieces by famous artists.
6. North Market
A historic public market offering a variety of local food vendors, specialty stores, and restaurants.
- Local Cuisine: Provides an array of delicious local dishes to sample.
- Artisanal Goods: Features unique, locally-made products like art, jewelry, and specialty foods.
- Farmers' Market: Offers a weekly farmers' market showcasing fresh produce, meats, and baked goods.
7. National Museum of the United States Air Force
A large aviation museum housing the world's oldest and largest collection of airpower.
- Historical Artifacts: Showcases over 360 aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft.
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive experiences like flight simulators and cockpit replicas.
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs for visitors of all ages, including guided tours and workshops.
8. Battelle Riverfront Park
A riverfront park featuring outdoor concerts, festivals, and the Columbus Symphony's summer performances.
- Outdoor Events: Hosts a variety of events for visitors to enjoy throughout the year.
- Riverfront Views: Offers stunning views of the downtown Columbus skyline and the Scioto River.
- On-site Restaurants: Features on-site restaurants offering food and drinks during events.
9. The Center of Science and Industry (COSI)
An interactive science center with exhibits focused on space, health, and environment.
- Hands-on Exhibits: Offers a variety of hands-on activities for visitors to explore.
- IMAX Theater: Features an IMAX theater showing educational and entertaining films.
- Planetarium: Showcases the wonders of space in a state-of-the-art planetarium.
10. Columbus Art Museum
A nationally recognized art museum with an extensive collection spanning from ancient to contemporary works.
- Art Collections: Features a diverse collection of over 5,000 works of art.
- Special Exhibits: Hosts rotating exhibits showcasing various artistic styles and themes.
- Art Education: Provides educational programs for visitors, including guided tours and workshops.
11. Columbus Commons
A central park in downtown Columbus with a variety of amenities, events, and activities.
- Events and Activities: Hosts events like concerts, festivals, and ice skating during the winter.
- On-site Restaurants: Features on-site restaurants offering food and drinks during events.
- Urban Green Space: Provides a relaxing escape from the bustling city, perfect for picnics or leisurely walks.
12. Topiary Park
A unique park featuring topiaries recreating George Seurat's famous painting 'A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jette'.
- Topiary Artwork: Features over 50 topiaries recreating a famous Impressionist painting.
- Educational Tours: Offers educational tours explaining the history and creation of the park's artwork.
- Picnic Areas: Provides picnic areas for visitors to enjoy a meal amidst the beautiful topiaries.
13. Greek Revival Mansion District
A historic neighborhood featuring beautifully preserved Greek Revival-style mansions.
- Architectural Beauty: Showcases stunning Greek Revival architecture.
- Local Shops and Restaurants: Offers unique, locally-owned shops and restaurants.
- Historic Tours: Provides guided tours exploring the neighborhood's rich history.
14. The Ohio State University Campus
A vibrant college campus featuring a variety of historic buildings, cultural attractions, and sports venues.
- Cultural Attractions: Features various museums and galleries showcasing art, history, and science.
- Sports Venues: Hosts a variety of sports events for basketball, football, and other collegiate sports.
- Campus Tours: Provides guided tours showcasing the university's rich history and architecture.
15. COSI Rooftop Beer Garden
A rooftop beer garden located at the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), offering food trucks, local brews, and stunning city views.
- Stunning City Views: Offers breathtaking views of downtown Columbus.
- Local Food Trucks: Features a variety of food trucks offering delicious meals.
- Seasonal Events: Hosts events like live music, trivia nights, and movie screenings throughout the year.