Experience Columbus

Located in the heart of the Midwest, Columbus is the 15th largest city in the U.S. and Ohio’s capital. Known for its distinctive neighborhoods like the Short North Arts District and historic German Village, its Downtown riverfront, world-class attractions and award-winning culinary scene, the four-season city offers the perfect getaway for families, friends or solo travelers. Getting to Columbus is easy with direct flights available to many nearby cities that are a short drive or flight from Columbus. In fact, Columbus is within a one-day’s drive or one-hour flight from more than half of the U.S. population.

Did you know Columbus was recently named a Top 10 Best Big City and one of the Friendliest Cities in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler's 2025 Readers' Choice Awards and one of America’s Next Great Food Cities by Food & Wine? Yes, Columbus! The city’s four professional sports team play in the Arena District, and Columbus is home to The Ohio State University, where you can catch a college football game at the fourth largest stadium in the world.

Come during festival season each summer to enjoy events like the Columbus Arts Festival, Columbus Pride Festival, Jazz & Rib Fest and more. Outdoor adventures await with the Scioto Mile riverfront serving as an urban oasis with more than 175 acres Downtown and more than 20 Metro Parks in and Columbus.

Explore top attractions like COSI, named the #1 science museum in the country by USA TODAY 10BEST for six times, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium or discover local favorites through Experience Columbus’ free experiential trails like the Columbus Live Music Trail, Columbus Distillery Trail and Columbus-style Pizza Trail.

Start planning your visit at www.experiencecolumbus.com.

Approximate Driving Distances:

Chicago - 5.5 hours

Detroit - 3.5 hours

Cleveland - 2 hours 

Cincinnati - 1 hour 40 minutes