9 Hidden Gems In Columbus Most People Don't Know Even Exist
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Sonya Afanasyeva
Author
If you’re tired of visiting the same places all of the time and need a break from the routine, you won’t want to miss these Columbus, Ohio hidden gems. Between shops, museums, and unique music venues, there is bound to be something in Columbus that you didn’t know about. Check out the best hidden gems in Columbus, Ohio.
1. The Book Loft
631 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43206, USA
If you're a book nerd - this will blow you away. The Book Loft is a city block-long independent bookstore, one of the largest in the nation. It occupies historic buildings, which used to be a general store, a saloon, and a nickelodeon cinema. The Book Loft has a whopping 32 rooms of books. Whether you're looking to purchase or just meander, visit this place and experience its unique old-fashioned German Village vibe.
Come along and explore The Book Loft:
Come along and explore The Book Loft:
2. Bossy Grrls Pin Up Joint
2598 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202, USA
How exactly does one describe Bossy Grrls? Words that come to mind are burlesque, exotic, and rowdy. This place is a true wild gem. They offer burlesque shows every Monday at 10:00 pm, and on other nights they feature dancers, musicians, and comedians. Beers, whisky, coffee, and sandwiches are also available. What isn’t there to love?
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3. Topiary Park
480 E Town St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
On the corner of East Town Street and Washington Avenue in the middle of downtown Columbus sits the Topiary Garden, an incredible and very unique park. The park recreates Georges Seurat’s famous impressionist painting, "Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte." The pond represents the river Seine, and the topiary consists of 54 people, eight boats, three dogs, a monkey, and a cat. It is the only topiary interpretation of a painting in existence. Walk among the figures for the unique sensation of living inside a painting. This can be a fun way to introduce kids to art.
Take a virtual walking tour through Topiary Park:
Take a virtual walking tour through Topiary Park:
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4. The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum
1813 N High St, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
How cool is this: a museum of cartoons and comics? The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum is the world's largest collection of all things that are cartoon or comic-related. This includes original artwork, magazines, newspaper clippings, and so much more. The museum is a nonprofit organization affiliated with Ohio State University. The museum's galleries are open to the public and admission is free.
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5. The Rambling House
310 E Hudson St, Columbus, OH 43202, USA
Columbus has tons of fantastic live music establishments, but this one deserves a special mention. If you don't know about this place, chances are you would never even notice it. No worries, though, The Rambling House has lots of regulars who love coming out to this laid-back spot to enjoy some bluegrass jams. The establishment also makes its own soda. The best way to sample the soda is in their very own house cocktail, The Rambler.
6. Bison at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
1775 Darby Creek Dr, Galloway, OH 43119, USA
The bison is an iconic American animal; did you know you could see free-roaming bison here in Columbus? Battelle Darby Creek, located just west of the city, has reintroduced Bison to the park where they roam in two enclosed pastures.
Get a closer look at the bison in this lovely park:
Get a closer look at the bison in this lovely park:
7. Pedal Wagon
848 N Pearl St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
Why walk when you can ride around town in style on a Pedal Wagon? Their motto says it all: "Pedal and Party!" You will need to book this tour in advance, and there are multiple routes that will take you to a selection of restaurants and bars around central Columbus. You are allowed to bring your own beers for the ride, but make sure you check out the policy first.
8. AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame
13515 Yarmouth Dr, Pickerington, OH 43147, USA
The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame aims to preserve America's rich history of motorcycles and the culture associated with it. The museum is open to the public and celebrates the inductees of the Hall of Fame, toys and collectibles, and the Indian Motorcycle brand, the oldest U.S. brand of motorcycles.
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9. Early Television Museum
5396 Franklin St, Hilliard, OH 43026, USA
If you're interested in technology or history, or you just want to reminisce about early childhood memories with a very old-fashioned TV, this is a great place to visit. Dedicated to the preservation of early television technology, the Early Television Museum has a unique collection of very old machines. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
How many of these have you never heard of? Let us know about your favorite hidden gems in Columbus, Ohio in the comments. While you’re in our lovely city, check out the most iconic places in Columbus, Ohio.
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More to Explore
Intriguing Attractions In Ohio
What are some hidden natural attractions in Ohio?
Hidden natural attractions in Ohio include:
- Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve near Rockbridge. This gorge has 200-foot-tall cliffs and an absolutely beautiful hiking trail. It's a positively stunning trail.
- Sugarcreek Metro Park in Bellbrook. This old-growth forest has some trees that are over 500 years old. Walking through here really shows off nature's beauty.
- Scioto Grove Metro Park in Grove City. This park has wide swaths of wildflowers, lush forests, and picturesque bluffs and it's great for an afternoon stroll.
- Highlands Nature Sanctuary in Bainbridge. This area was sacred to the Shawnee and Iroquois Nations and is stunningly gorgeous. It's a great place to see wildlife.
Find out more about these and other hidden natural attractions in Ohio.
What are the best day trip destinations in Ohio?
The best day trip destinations in Ohio include:
- The Akron Zoo. This is a wonderful zoo with a lot of different animals but not a lot of people crowding it. Bring the whole family along for a fun day trip.
- Land of Illusion Aqua Adventures in Middletown. This waterpark has an inflatable obstacle course and lovely sandy beaches, making it a fun family destination.
- Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve in Rockbridge. This is a gorgeous area with a short hiking trail that’s a must-see, especially in the spring when it really comes to life.
- The Book Loft in Columbus. If you want a bookstore you could browse all day in, this vast collection is the place. Just try not to get lost in all the rooms.
Learn more about the best day trip destinations in Ohio.
What are the most charming small towns in Ohio?
The most charming small towns in Ohio include:
- Yellow Springs. This bucolic town west of Columbus has a delightful farmers market and is home to comedian Dave Chapelle.
- Oberlin. This is where you’ll find Oberlin College and an amazing progressive cultural and arts scene.
- Waterville. This charming little town is home to the Interurban Bridge and the Roche de Boeuf Festival.
- German Village. This suburb of Columbus has cobblestone streets, brick buildings, and amazing shops and restaurants including Schmidt’s Sausage Haus.
Discover more about the most charming small towns in Ohio.