x
Home guide general information

Know All About Columbus, Ohio

Columbus is fondly known as 'The Discovery City' or 'Indie Art Capital'. Prepare to discover the phenomenal city, that boasts as home to the country's 2nd largest University - Ohio State University. It is also known as 'College Town' due to its vast student population along with sports leisure for football. Pony up for a enthralling adventure to this beautiful city that showcases renowned science and industry museum, historical centers, art centers, world class attractions - all these and much more in queue for you to explore in Columbus.


Image by Yassie via Wikimedia Commons

History of Columbus

The French Empire ruled the region of Columbus,that was known as the Ohio County.  Prior to the arrival of the European explorers, Native Americans settled in the Central Ohio region till the 1700s. By 1797, Lucas Sullivant, surveyor from Virginia, founded the first permanent settlement on the western bank of of the Olentangy River and Scioto River. The state capital was founded advocated on 1812 and was given the name "Columbus" in glory of Christopher Columbus. The development of transportation network and facilities, brought in a gradual growth to the city. In 1803, Ohio attained statehood.  

Important Locations in Columbus

Columbus is home to many unique world class landmarks - Ohio State University, NetJets, Chemical Abstracts ServiceGreek Revival State Capitol, the Rhodes State Office Tower,  The Santa Maria,Franklin Park Conservatory, and so on. Rhodes State Office Tower, at 629 feet is currently the city's tallest building. The city exudes a rich blend of art, history, culture and showcases its incredible infrastructure, exquisite flagship museums and many renowned performing arts institutions.

Ohio Statehouse

The majestic Greek revival style building offers you resourceful tours to explore the Senate building, the Capitol Square, atrium. The ground floor is decked up with many educational displays and it has cafe and gift shop for you to relax. For more information, Click Here

Center of Science and Industry

Generally referred as the COSI, it encompasses 116,000 square feet of exhibit space. It has 300 interactive exhibit with discovery based and theme areas on gadgets, life, kidspace, ocean space and outdoor big science park. Find out more about COSI here.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Garden

The 88 acres of indoor and outdoor gardens, showcases its stunning horticultural display. Here you will get to see magnificent varieties of plant collections and seasonal events. Click here to know more.

Topiary Park

A perfect blend of art and nature is realized here in Topiary Park. The painting by Georges Seurat is what represents the garden. Visit to learn more about this place. Definitely worth seeing!

Santa Maria

The Santa Maria is a magnificent replica of the historic ship of the great explorer Christopher Columbus. Everything is recreated to bring back the explorer’s life, activities and equipment, as close to that time period as possible.   Want to know more?

Ohio Historical Center

An interactive museum to explore that will enlighten you about the city's important historical events. Also a great place for  kids to learn and enjoy dress up in period costume. Explore more here.

German Village

German Village is the 19th-century neighborhood that is located in the southern part of downtown.  The village is distinctive with its all-brick houses, cobbled streets, beer halls, and arts-filled parks. Know more interesting things about the village.


Discover the top restaurants to dine in Columbus!


People and Culture of Columbus

Whites made up to nearly 90% of the population of Ohio. Recently, the Columbus metropolitan area has witnessed an influx of immigrants, including - African, Asian, and Latin American ethnic groups. In addition, Columbus is home to a huge gay population. Forbes has ranked Columbus at number fourth as the best city for singles. The presence of globally reputed Universities, colleges and institutions has made the city one of America's prime hub of education. Columbus Symphony Opera, BalletMet and Opera Columbus brighten the arts scene.

Time Zone and Phone Codes of Columbus

Columbus is in the Eastern Time Zone (UTC-5). The Summer Daylight Saving Time (DST) is eastern Daylight Time (UTC−4).
Standard time zone: UTC/EST - 5 hours
Daylight saving time: 1 hour
Current time zone offset: UTC/EDT - 4 hours
Time zone abbreviation: EST

Phone Codes of Columbus

Area Code: 614
International Country Code: 1

Best Time to be in Columbus

If you're an outdoor enthusiast, the best time to be in Columbus is during late spring, fall and summer. Occasional snowstorms and heavy rainfalls in winter makes the weather is quite severe. But this is the perfect time to avoid tourists rush and the hotel rates are lesser comparatively. The city weather is little unpredictable and you may expect moderate to intense rainfall all year long .

Ohio State Fair
Central Ohio Folk Festival
Park Street Festival
Columbus Day
Gay pride parades
Community Festival
Doo Dah Parade
Powell Festival
Oktoberfest

Map of Columbus

Are you a Business Owner?

Add the products or services you offer

Promote your business on your local city site and get instant enquiries

LIST YOUR BUSINESS FOR FREE