Weird & Unusual Attractions in Columbus, United States
1. Dante's Hell - A Columbus Underground Tour
Explore the labyrinth of underground Columbus with a tour that takes you through sewers, secret passages and forgotten chambers, offering a glimpse into the city's history from a unique perspective.
- Underground Adventure: Provides an adventure below ground level, showcasing hidden aspects of Columbus.
- Historical Insight: Offers a different perspective on the city's history through the exploration of underground spaces.
- Unique Experience: Provides an experience that is not offered anywhere else in Columbus or many other cities.
2. Ohio State Reformatory
Tour the former prison turned tourist attraction, famous for its use in films like Shawshank Redemption.
- Film History: Provides a connection to film history through its role as a filming location.
- Architectural Beauty: Showcases stunning architecture that stands out among other attractions in Columbus.
- Haunted Experience: Offers a haunting and eerie experience for those interested in the paranormal.
3. Columbus Museum of Art's Outsider Art
View art created by self-taught artists outside the mainstream art world.
- Unique Perspective: Offers a unique perspective on what art can be.
- Inspiration Source: Serves as an inspiration for visitors who may not consider themselves artists.
- Diverse Collection: Presents a diverse collection of art from around the world and various artistic movements.
4. Columbus Zoo's Heart of Africa
Immerse yourself in an African savannah with giraffes, lions, and zebras right in Columbus.
- Authentic Experience: Provides a close-up view of African wildlife in a life-like savannah environment.
- Educational Opportunity: Offers an educational opportunity to learn about African wildlife and their habitats.
- Entertainment Value: Provides family-friendly entertainment through animal encounters and shows.
5. Whippoorwill Acres Butterfly Farm
Visit a tropical greenhouse filled with thousands of butterflies in various species.
- Relaxing Environment: Offers a peaceful, relaxing environment for visitors.
- Educational Opportunity: Provides an opportunity to learn about butterflies and their life cycle.
- Photography Opportunities: Offers unique photo opportunities with beautiful, colorful butterflies.
6. Piston Auto Works
Step inside a working auto repair shop that has remained unchanged since the 1950s.
- Historical Preservation: Preserves a slice of history from the 1950s in an otherwise modern city.
- Educational Experience: Offers an educational experience about car repair and restoration.
- Unique Atmosphere: Provides a unique atmosphere that is unlike any other auto shop in the city.
7. Little Bear's Paw Cabin
Visit a tiny cabin built for a bear cub found wandering the streets of Columbus.
- Animal Connection: Provides an opportunity to learn about and connect with animals.
- Historical Significance: Has historical significance as a symbol of the city's care for its animals.
- Unique Structure: Features a unique structure designed with a bear cub in mind.
8. Columbus Food Adventures' Food Tours
Join a food tour to discover Columbus' best eateries and unique local cuisine.
- Culinary Experience: Provides a culinary experience that showcases Columbus' diverse food scene.
- Local Insight: Offers insight into the city's local culture and history through its food.
- Taste Variety: Allows visitors to taste a variety of foods from different cultures and cuisines.
9. The Book Loft
Explore one of the largest independent bookstores in the US, located in a nine-story Victorian mansion.
- Historical Building: Located in a beautiful, historic Victorian mansion.
- Book Selection: Offers an extensive selection of books across various genres and categories.
- Unique Layout: Features a unique, labyrinth-like layout that encourages exploration and discovery.
10. Museum of the Ohio River Valley
Discover the history, culture, and natural wonders of the Ohio River Valley.
- Regional Focus: Focuses on the history, culture, and natural wonders of the Ohio River Valley.
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive exhibits that engage visitors in the learning process.
- Local Connection: Provides a sense of connection to the local region and its history.
11. The Topiary Park
Walk through an outdoor park featuring a topiary sculpture of Georges Seurat's painting 'A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jette'.
- Artistic Expression: Expresses art in an unconventional medium: topiary.
- Photography Opportunities: Offers unique photo opportunities amidst the lush greenery and detailed topiaries.
- Educational Value: Serves as an educational tool to teach about Georges Seurat and his famous painting.
12. The Book Loft Annex
Explore another location of The Book Loft, this time in a historic church.
- Historical Building: Located in an old church with beautiful architecture.
- Book Selection: Offers a wide variety of books across different genres and categories.
- Unique Layout: Features a unique, labyrinth-like layout similar to the main store.
13. The Pizzaro and Pearls Mystery Dinner Theatre
Experience a dinner theatre production that combines mystery, comedy, and great food.
- Entertainment Value: Provides a fun and engaging entertainment experience.
- Interactive Experience: Allows visitors to actively participate in the mystery-solving process.
- Unique Concept: Combines dinner, theatre, and a mystery story for a unique experience.
14. Columbus Brewing Company's Beer Cave
Visit an underground beer cave and enjoy a cold brew in a unique setting.
- Unique Atmosphere: Offers an underground atmosphere that is unlike any other bar or pub.
- Local Beer Selection: Serves a wide variety of locally brewed beers.
- Happy Hour Specials: Provides happy hour specials for budget-friendly drink options.
15. The Elevator House
Visit a house that has been turned into a working elevator museum.
- Historical Preservation: Preserves the history of elevators and their development.
- Unique Experience: Provides a unique experience to ride different types of elevators.
- Educational Opportunity: Offers educational opportunities about the history and technology of elevators.