Columbus Area Attractions

One of the city's most popular attractions is left over from the 1992 festivities commemorating the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' arrival in the New World. (Columbus is the largest city in the world named after the great explorer.) The Santa Maria, a full-size replica of Columbus' three-masted flagship, is now permanently moored downtown on the Scioto River.

Santa Maria Replica
90 W. Broad St. • Columbus, OH 43215 • 614.645.8760
The world was forever changed when, in 1492, Christopher Columbus set sail searching for a direct trade route to the Indies. Carrying him was the Santa Maria, a 98-foot wooden "nao", or typical cargo ship. More than 500 years later, you can tour the world's most authentic, museum-quality replica of Christopher Columbus' flagship. Guided tours dramatize the daring and determination it took for these explorers to set out on their mission. Fascinating displays show the far-ranging impact of the encounter of two worlds that existed in 1492.

Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Garden
1777 East Broad Street • Columbus, OH 43203 • 614.645.8733
Experience different climates around the world at this 90-acre park and conservatory. A stroll through various greenhouses immerses you in the coolness of the Himalayan Mountains, the dry heat of an arid desert or the steaminess of a tropical rain forest.

German Village
588 South Third Street • Columbus, OH 43215 • 614.221.8888
A visit to this historic area is like a trip back in time. The restored community, originally settled by German immigrants in the mid-1800s, is filled with antique shops, Queen Anne style houses, brick-laden sidewalks and fine cuisine.

Short North
Short North • Columbus, OH • 614.221.2489
This arts district off High Street between Nationwide Boulevard and King Avenue is just north of downtown and south of the Ohio State University campus. In the 1860s, Goodale Boulevard, toward the southern end of Short North, was the quiet northern edge of Columbus. By 1920, High Street was a thriving urban area, and today it's a trendy neighborhood full of excellent restaurants, bars, boutiques, and unique shops. Try to catch the Gallery Hop, held on the first Saturday night of each month; crowds congregate to stroll from gallery to gallery.

Sega GameWorks
Easton Town Center • Columbus, OH • 614.428.7529
GameWorks® is the incredible high-tech entertainment, restaurant and bar experience where guests can eat, drink, party and play. GameWorks provides all the best elements of a great night out in one location, including a full-service restaurant with a fantastic menu and casual decor; a cool, high-energy bar serving signature martinis and specialty cocktails; and the most entertaining and interactive games and attractions in the world. It's state-of-the-art fun.

Scioto Downs
6000 South High Street • Columbus, OH 43207 • 614.491.2515
For more than 40 years, people of all ages have experienced thrilling harness racing at Scioto Downs! Many of harness racing's superstars - both human & equine - have competed at Scioto Downs, and some of today's standouts call Scioto home. No other night spot in Columbus offers fine dining with the added thrill of top harness racing action right in front of you! Plus, they have simulcasting from the top thoroughbred and harness tracks across the country.

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