Columbus, Ohio
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Columbus, Ohio is named after the famed discoverer Christopher Columbus. The city is made up of a patchwork of communities, each with its own distinct personality. Columbus is home to Ohio State University, the state's largest academic institution, with more than 50,000 students, and a number of other well known attractions including the perennial favorite - the Columbus Zoo. German-speaking settlers established German Village in the mid-1800s. It developed in the 1840s as Germans escaped from wars and poor living conditions in their home country to this ethnic pocket in Ohio. Since the 1960s, German Village has been protected as a historic area and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. Located six blocks south of the Ohio Courthouse, this unique district now occupies 233 acres, offering narrow brick streets, delightful old homes, restaurants, gardens and shops. Fun events include Oktoberfest and Shakespeare in Schiller Park during the summer.
The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum is the primary caretaker of America’s motorcycling heritage. The Museum is home to an impressive collection of motorcycles, with a two-story, 26,000-square-foot facility that houses three main galleries, showcasing machines of every description and from every era. The museum also celebrates the accomplishments of the more than 260 men and women recognized by the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, such as Evel Knievel and the founders of the Harley-Davidson Motor Co.
The Wexner Center for the Arts is an internationally known contemporary arts center located on the Ohio State University campus. The Center offers exhibitions, performances, films, artistic residencies, and several educational programs. The Center offers a number of galleries, performance spaces, a film video theater, a store, and a cafe. Enjoy a variety of events including dance, theater, jazz, world music, and more. In the Wexner Center Film/Video Theater, you can watch rarely screened movies, independent features, and classics from Hollywood and around the world.
The Franklin Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is home to both indoor and outdoor gardens. The conservatory represents four exotic regions of the world, with gardens such as the Himalayan Mountains and the Pacific Island. Landscaped grounds and theme gardens surround the conservatory, which offers educational classes and special events. The Franklin Park Conservatory also promotes environmental appreciation and ecological awareness.
Columbus Zoo has been made famous by director emeritus Jungle Jack Hanna’s appearances on shows like the Late Show with David Letterman. The 588-acre zoo lies along the Scioto River, about 25 miles northwest of downtown, with sights that include a 100,000-gallon coral reef exhibit and the largest manatee exhibit outside Florida. The newest Southeast Asia exhibit brings Komodo dragons, gibbons, orangutans, Asian small-clawed otters, black swans, Javan whistling ducks, and cattle egrets to the zoo.
The Center for Science and Industry or COSI is one of the most respected science centers in the nation. For over 40 years, they have created programs and hands-on experiences that make science fun. COSI features more than 300 interactive exhibits throughout its discovery-based and themed exhibition areas, an Extreme Screen Theater, a restaurant, and a retail shop. Be prepared to stay the day!
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