Columbus, Ohio (One-Day Tour)

Columbus is the state capital and the largest city in Ohio.  Named for the famed explorer Christopher Columbus, the city was founded in 1812 at the confluence of the Scioto and Olentangy rivers and assumed the functions of state capital in 1816.  Located near the geographic center of the state, Columbus is the county seat of Franklin County, although parts of the city also extend into Delaware and Fairfield counties.  The city has a diverse economy based on education, insurance, healthcare and technology.  Acknowledged as the eighth best large city to inhabit in the United States by Money Magazine, it is also recognized as an emerging Global City.

COLUMBUS ZOO & AQUARIUM

The Columbus Zoo & Aquarium has a worldwide reputation, largely attributable to the efforts and promotion of director emeritus Jack Hanna.  The Zoo has over 6,000 animals and sees over 1.5 million visitors annually.  Student tours are treated to a behind-the scenes animal tour, education workshops, refreshments and a guided walk through the Zoo.

COSI

COSI provides an exciting and informative atmosphere for those of all ages to discover more about our environment, our accomplishments, our heritage and ourselves.  At COSI students are motivated toward a better understanding of science, industry, health and history through involvement in exhibits, demonstrations and a variety of educational activities and experiences.  COSI is for the enrichment of the individual and for a more rewarding life on our planet, Earth.

FORT ANCIENT

Fort Ancient features 18,000 feet of earthen walls built 2,000 years ago by American Indians.  The site offers beautiful vistas along hiking trails as well as the remains of the prehistoric mounds for students to see.  The Museum at Fort Ancient contains 9,000 square feet of exhibits, including many interactive units, focusing on 15,000 years of American Indian history in the Ohio Valley.

GERMAN VILLAGE

German Village, the internationally recognized historic district just blocks from downtown Columbus, has much to offer your student group.  The 233-acre district offers a glimpse of how a working class neighborhood developed and grew in the early 19th century and how the passion of a small group drove the 20th century rehabilitation efforts.  The guided group tours provide a comprehensive overview of the history and restoration of German Village.

OHIO HISTORICAL CENTER & OHIO VILLAGE

Inside this unique structure the Ohio Historical Society offers visitors a rewarding museum experience of Ohio’s past and an Archives/Library that provides rich resources for genealogists and other researchers.  The Center serves as the headquarters for the Ohio Historical Society and is the flagship museum of the Society’s network of 60 historic sites and museums.  Exhibits include Ohio:  Two Centuries of Change, The Nature Ohio and Ohio’s Garden Path.  Adjacent to the Ohio Historical Center, Ohio Village is designed to recreate the appearance of a typical county-seat town in Ohio during the mid 19th century, about the time of the Civil War.

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY

One of Ohio’s greatest assets, The Ohio State University is a world-class public research university and the leading comprehensive teaching and research institution in the state.  Ohio State provides a distinctive educational experience for students and pursues cutting-edge interdisciplinary research that brings together scholars from diverse disciplines to solve key problems in society.  Experience a guided tour of the campus and a chance to walk on the field at the famous Ohio State Stadium (‘the Horseshoe’).

OHIO STATEHOUSE

The Ohio Statehouse construction began in 1839 on a 10-acre plot of land donated by four prominent Columbus landowners.  Built of Columbus limestone, the Statehouse stands on foundations 18 feet deep.  Unlike many United States state capitol buildings, the Ohio State Capitol owes little to the architecture of the national Capitol.  During the course of the Statehouse's 22 years of construction, seven architects were employed.  The Statehouse was opened to the legislature and the public in 1857 and finally completed in 1861.  Today the recently restored Statehouse offers students an opportunity to learn more about the history and architecture of the Statehouse.

SANTA MARIA

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 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.

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