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Central Ohio
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Central Ohio combines Columbus museums and food with Indigenous earthworks, historic towns, river parks and accessible countryside across the state capital region.

Central Ohio is a broad, informally defined region centred on Columbus, Ohio’s state capital and largest city. It extends beyond the metropolitan core into surrounding communities and counties, where university culture, state government, historic villages, productive farmland and rapidly changing suburban landscapes meet. The Scioto and Olentangy rivers shape Columbus, while smaller waterways, wooded ravines and rolling glacial terrain appear across the wider region.
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Columbus provides the region’s main concentration of museums, performing arts, restaurants, sporting events and independent shops. The Short North Arts District is known for galleries, restaurants and nightlife, while German Village preserves brick streets, nineteenth-century homes and a strong dining culture just south of downtown. Downtown landmarks include the Ohio Statehouse, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, COSI science centre and the Columbus Museum of Art. The Victorian Village, Italian Village and Brewery District add further architectural and cultural contrasts within the city.
Outside Columbus, Central Ohio becomes more spacious and varied. Dublin combines a historic village centre with riverside parks and contemporary development; Westerville has a walkable old centre and local cultural venues; and Delaware, Newark, Lancaster and other nearby communities retain courthouse squares, older commercial streets and links to the region’s agricultural economy. In Licking County, the Newark Earthworks form part of the UNESCO-listed Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, an extraordinary Indigenous construction associated with the ancient Hopewell culture.
The region’s landscape is well suited to accessible outdoor recreation. Metro parks provide trails through forests, wetlands and restored prairies, while the Scioto Mile offers an urban riverside setting in Columbus. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium lies in Powell, north of the city, and Dawes Arboretum near Newark combines extensive plant collections with open rural scenery. Farther south and east, the terrain becomes more wooded and hilly, though the famous rock formations of Hocking Hills lie outside the usual core understanding of Central Ohio and are better treated as a separate excursion.
Food and drink reflect both Ohio traditions and the region’s international population. Local menus range from diner breakfasts, barbecue and craft beer to Vietnamese, Somali, Ethiopian, Nepalese, Mexican and East Asian cuisines. Farmers’ markets and independent food halls complement established neighbourhood restaurants, while college sports, live music, theatre and festivals give Columbus an active calendar. Central Ohio is therefore best explored through a combination of city districts, historic settlements, Indigenous earthworks and carefully chosen countryside excursions.

Getting to and around Central Ohio

How to get there

John Glenn Columbus International Airport is within Columbus and is the principal air gateway for Central Ohio, with domestic connections and onward international possibilities through larger United States hubs. Interstate highways including I-70, I-71, I- Columbus and I-270 serve the metropolitan area, while I-670 links the airport with downtown. Amtrak’s national passenger service has limited direct coverage compared with other major American cities, so long-distance rail travellers may need to connect through another gateway. Intercity buses and car travel are practical options, particularly for reaching communities and attractions outside Columbus.

Transportation

The Central Ohio Transit Authority operates local bus services in the Columbus metropolitan area, but coverage and frequency are strongest in the urban core and major corridors. Columbus is manageable on foot in downtown and several inner neighbourhoods, and bike infrastructure is expanding, although distances and traffic require care. Taxis and app-based rides are available in the city. A car is generally the most convenient choice for the Newark Earthworks, Dawes Arboretum, rural metro parks and smaller towns beyond the Columbus area; allow extra time for suburban traffic on major routes.

Top city travel guides in Central Ohio

The cities of Central Ohio, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Central Ohio

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Central Ohio

Central Ohio’s attractions range from major Columbus museums to archaeological sites and open landscapes outside the capital. Downtown visitors can combine the Ohio Statehouse, COSI, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum and the Scioto Mile, while the Columbus Museum of Art and the nearby cultural districts provide a more focused arts itinerary. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers glasshouses, gardens and changing exhibitions, and the Ohio History Center presents the state’s wider story. Historic neighbourhoods such as German Village, Victorian Village and the Short North are attractions in their own right, through architecture, galleries, restaurants and local shops. North of Columbus, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Powell is a substantial family and wildlife attraction, while Dublin adds river parks and a historic village centre. East of the capital, the Newark Earthworks and nearby Dawes Arboretum provide distinctive cultural and botanical experiences. Metro parks across the region offer walking, cycling, wetlands, prairies and wooded trails, giving Central Ohio a varied attraction landscape without requiring visitors to travel to the state’s more mountainous south.

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Best landmarks in Central Ohio

The Ohio Statehouse is Central Ohio’s most important civic landmark, occupying a prominent site in downtown Columbus and illustrating the political importance of the state capital. Nearby, the Scioto Mile and the riverfront frame the city with promenades, bridges and public spaces, while the National Veterans Memorial and Museum provides a distinctive contemporary architectural presence. German Village is notable for its preserved nineteenth-century brick houses, narrow streets and former religious and commercial buildings, offering a coherent historic townscape within the modern city. The Great Circle and Octagon Earthworks at Newark are more ancient landmarks: monumental geometric constructions made by the Hopewell culture and now part of the UNESCO-listed Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks. In the wider region, the historic centre of Dublin, river landscapes and older courthouse-town streets in communities such as Delaware and Lancaster add local architectural character. Franklin Park Conservatory’s glass structure is a prominent botanical landmark, contrasting with the region’s Indigenous earthworks, civic monuments and nineteenth-century urban fabric.

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Explore Central Ohio on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Central Ohio

Central Ohio’s dining scene is metropolitan in range but still connected to Ohio’s Midwestern food traditions. Columbus has established neighbourhood restaurants, cafés, breweries and food halls alongside strong Vietnamese, Somali, Ethiopian, Nepalese, Mexican, Indian, Middle Eastern and East Asian offerings. German Village is particularly associated with historic streets, bakeries and independent restaurants, while the Short North, downtown, Clintonville and the university area each have different concentrations of dining. Visitors will find classic American breakfasts, burgers, barbecue, pizza and seasonal farm-to-table menus, as well as contemporary cooking built around Ohio produce. Farmers’ markets and specialist food shops are useful places to encounter apples, sweet corn, baked goods, preserves and other regional products when in season. Outside Columbus, historic town centres and rural communities tend towards diners, cafés, pubs and family-run restaurants rather than a dense restaurant circuit. Ohio craft beer is widely represented, but the region’s culinary identity is best understood through its combination of immigrant cuisines, university-city experimentation and practical Midwestern staples.

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Best bars in Central Ohio

Nightlife is concentrated in Columbus, particularly around the Short North, downtown, the Arena District, the Brewery District, German Village and the Ohio State University area. These districts offer cocktail bars, breweries, pubs, live music, comedy, theatre and late-night restaurants, though the character of each changes with university terms, sporting events and major conventions. The Arena District is especially active around concerts and professional sports, while smaller venues and neighbourhood bars provide a less event-driven evening. Dublin, Westerville and other suburban centres have pubs, breweries and restaurants, but their nightlife is generally earlier and more local in character. Rural Central Ohio tends to centre on traditional bars, restaurants, seasonal events and occasional live music rather than large clubs. Visitors should check current arrangements for individual venues, carry valid identification when required and plan transport carefully if travelling beyond walkable urban districts.

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Best nightclubs in Central Ohio

Nightlife is concentrated in Columbus, particularly around the Short North, downtown, the Arena District, the Brewery District, German Village and the Ohio State University area. These districts offer cocktail bars, breweries, pubs, live music, comedy, theatre and late-night restaurants, though the character of each changes with university terms, sporting events and major conventions. The Arena District is especially active around concerts and professional sports, while smaller venues and neighbourhood bars provide a less event-driven evening. Dublin, Westerville and other suburban centres have pubs, breweries and restaurants, but their nightlife is generally earlier and more local in character. Rural Central Ohio tends to centre on traditional bars, restaurants, seasonal events and occasional live music rather than large clubs. Visitors should check current arrangements for individual venues, carry valid identification when required and plan transport carefully if travelling beyond walkable urban districts.

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Best shops in Central Ohio

Shopping in Central Ohio ranges from independent urban retail to traditional market-town high streets and regional food purchasing. The Short North is known for galleries, design-led shops, fashion, books, homewares and locally produced goods, while German Village and nearby districts offer smaller specialist businesses. Downtown and the Easton area provide larger-scale retail, though Easton is a shopping and entertainment complex rather than a historic regional market. Columbus’s farmers’ markets are useful for seasonal produce, baked goods, preserves and prepared food, with schedules varying by season and location. In Dublin, Westerville, Delaware and other surrounding communities, older commercial streets combine cafés, gift shops, antiques, galleries and practical local services. Visitors seeking souvenirs should look for Ohio-made food products, craft beer merchandise, artwork, ceramics, books about Indigenous earthworks and locally designed goods rather than generic state memorabilia. Retail is widely dispersed, so checking transport and parking arrangements is worthwhile when combining several shopping areas.

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Central Ohio essentials

Currency and Payment
Central Ohio uses the United States dollar (USD), as does the rest of Ohio and the United States. Credit and debit cards, mobile wallets and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, shops, restaurants and attractions, although an occasional cash payment may be useful at small markets, food stalls or rural businesses. Automated teller machines are common in Columbus and larger towns. Prices normally exclude sales tax, which is added at the till, and restaurant bills commonly require a discretionary tip for table service.
Safety
Central Ohio is a generally established urban and suburban travel destination, but visitors should use ordinary precautions in busy areas, at night and around unattended vehicles. Keep valuables out of sight, use well-lit routes and follow local advice during large sporting events or festivals. Summer heat, thunderstorms, winter ice and rapidly changing weather can affect outdoor plans. Drivers should expect wide roads, heavy commuter traffic and limited pedestrian infrastructure outside central districts. On park trails, carry water, observe posted rules and take care near rivers, ponds and uneven ground.
Emergency Situations
Dial 911 throughout Central Ohio for police, fire and ambulance emergencies; this is the national emergency number used across the United States. Give the dispatcher a precise address or landmark and explain whether medical, fire or police assistance is needed. For serious weather, retreat indoors and monitor official alerts, particularly during thunderstorms, tornado watches or winter storms. Outdoor visitors should carry a charged phone and share their route when visiting less developed parks. Non-emergency police and medical arrangements vary by municipality, so hotel or attraction staff can provide local guidance.
Do's and Don'ts
Do queue politely, respect museum and park rules, and ask before photographing people in private or community settings. Do expect table-service staff to receive a tip, usually calculated as a percentage of the pre-tax bill, unless a service charge is already included. Do allow extra time when travelling during Ohio State University events or major conventions. Do not walk on protected earthworks, historic landscaping or marked natural areas. In restaurants and bars, follow age-verification rules and carry accepted identification if you intend to buy alcohol; legal drinking age and other alcohol regulations are national and state-level matters, not unique to Central Ohio.
Local Tips
Central Ohio’s attractions are dispersed, so group visits by direction rather than attempting to cross the metropolitan area repeatedly. Downtown and the surrounding historic districts work well together, while the zoo and Dublin suit a separate northern outing and Newark’s earthworks and arboretum require an eastern itinerary. Check university and convention calendars before booking accommodation. Farmers’ markets, neighbourhood food halls and independent restaurants often give a more representative sense of the region’s contemporary culture than the central business district alone.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHi[hai]
GoodbyeSee ya[see yah]
YesYep[Yep]
NoNope[nohp]
Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem[pleez/no prob]
Thank youThanks[thangs]
Excuse me/SorryExcuse me/Sorry[ex-kyoos mee/saw-ree]
How are you?How ya doin'?[how yah doin']
Fine. And you?Good. And you?[gud. And you?]
Do you speak English?Do ya speak English?[doo yah speek ing-glish?]
I don't understandI don’t get it[I dont get it]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu, please?[kan I see thuh menu, pleez?]
I don't eat meatI don't eat meat[I dont eet meet]
Cheers!Cheers![cheers]
I would like to pay, pleaseCan I get the check, please?[kan I get thuh chek, pleez?]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![help]
Go away!Leave me alone![leev me uh-lone]
Call the Police!Call 911![call nine-one-one]
Call a doctor!Get a doctor![get a dok-tor]
I'm lostI’m lost[I'm lost]
I'm illI’m not feelin' well[I'm not feelin' wel]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...[I wanna buy...]
I'm just lookingJust lookin'[just lookin']
How much is it?How much is this?[how much is this?]
That's too expensiveThat's way too pricey[thats way too pry-see]
Can you lower the price?Can you knock down the price?[kan you nak down thuh price?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time is it?[what time is it?]
It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock[it's one o'clock]
Half past (10)Half past ten[half past ten]
MorningMorning[morning]
AfternoonAfternoon[afternoon]
EveningEvening[evening]
YesterdayYesterday[yesturday]
TodayToday[today]
TomorrowTomorrow[tomorrow]
1One[won]
2Two[too]
3Three[three]
4Four[for]
5Five[five]
6Six[six]
7Seven[sev-en]
8Eight[ate]
9Nine[nine]
10Ten[ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's the...?[where's thuh...?]
What's the address?What’s the address?[what's thuh ad-dress?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can you point it out on the map?[can you point it out on thuh map?]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next bus?[when's thuh next bus?]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket to...[a tik-it to...]

History of Central Ohio

Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, c. 1–400 CE

Central Ohio contains some of the most substantial surviving earthworks associated with the Hopewell culture, an Indigenous network of communities active in the Middle Woodland period. The Newark Earthworks, including the Great Circle and Octagon Earthworks, used enormous banks and geometric forms whose alignments reflect sophisticated knowledge of landscape and the sky. The sites were not simply defensive structures: they supported ceremonial, social and exchange activities. Although later development damaged parts of the original complexes, the surviving earthworks remain major archaeological places and form part of the UNESCO-listed Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks.

Indigenous Homelands and Dispossession

Long before Columbus was founded, the region was home to Indigenous peoples and crossed by established networks of travel, exchange and diplomacy. In the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, Ohio was contested among Indigenous nations, colonial powers and the expanding United States. Treaties, warfare and federal removal policies progressively dispossessed Native communities, including peoples connected with the Shawnee, Delaware, Wyandot, Miami and other nations. The forced removal of Indigenous communities is essential to understanding Central Ohio’s settlement history, even though many Native people and communities continue to maintain connections with Ohio today.

The Founding of Columbus, 1812

Columbus was founded in 1812 at the meeting point of the Scioto and Olentangy rivers and named for Christopher Columbus. Its location near the geographic centre of Ohio was chosen for the new state capital, helping to distribute political activity between the state’s older northern and southern centres. The young city grew through government, trade and transport rather than through a single dominant industry. The Ohio Statehouse and surrounding downtown civic buildings still express the capital’s continuing political role.

Canals, Railways and Commercial Growth

Nineteenth-century transport infrastructure transformed Central Ohio. The Ohio and Erie Canal connected the region to Lake Erie and the Ohio River system, while later railways made Columbus an important inland junction. These routes supported grain, livestock, manufactured goods and migration, linking the capital with farms and market towns across the state. Rail and canal development encouraged population growth, warehouses and industrial activity, much of which shaped neighbourhoods such as the Brewery District and the areas around the Scioto River. Even after canals declined, transport remained central to the region’s economy.

Settlement, Industry and German Influence

Central Ohio’s nineteenth-century growth brought immigrants and migrants from Europe and other parts of the United States. German settlement had a particularly visible effect in Columbus, where German Village developed south of downtown with brick houses, churches, breweries and small businesses. Agriculture, food processing, clothing, machinery and brewing contributed to the wider economy, while African American communities also established institutions and neighbourhoods despite segregation and discrimination. The surviving historic districts offer architectural evidence of these changes, but the region’s social history also includes labour struggles, exclusion and uneven access to housing and opportunity.

Ohio State University and the Modern Capital

The establishment of Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College in 1870, later Ohio State University, helped make Columbus a major educational and research centre. The university expanded the city’s intellectual, medical, sporting and cultural life and attracted students, scholars and workers from across the world. During the twentieth century, state government, retail, manufacturing, logistics and education drove metropolitan expansion. Neighbourhoods around the university and downtown developed distinct identities, while suburban growth spread into communities such as Dublin, Westerville, Gahanna and Reynoldsburg.

Civil Rights, Migration and Cultural Change

The twentieth century brought major changes in Central Ohio’s population and civic life. African American residents built churches, businesses, newspapers and community organisations while challenging housing discrimination, segregation and unequal public services. Later migration from Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East broadened the region’s cultural and culinary landscape. These communities are visible in religious institutions, festivals, restaurants, professional networks and neighbourhood organisations. Central Ohio’s contemporary identity is therefore shaped not only by its state-capital institutions but also by successive movements of people and campaigns for greater inclusion.

Revitalisation and Regional Expansion since the Late Twentieth Century

From the late twentieth century onwards, Columbus and nearby communities experienced extensive downtown redevelopment, suburban growth and investment in universities, healthcare, technology, logistics and the arts. Projects along the Scioto River, the restoration of historic districts and the development of districts such as the Short North changed the visitor experience of the capital. At the same time, rapid expansion created debates about housing affordability, transport, land use and the preservation of farmland and historic buildings. Central Ohio today combines a growing metropolitan economy with older industrial, agricultural and civic landscapes.

Central Ohio in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Central Ohio

Discover Central Ohio with Evendo, a 100% free app-based guide offering insights on attractions, landmarks, dining, and more for an unforgettable trip.

  • Comprehensive information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, and restaurants.
  • Easy hotel, tour, and ticket bookings directly within the app.
  • Detailed descriptions, images, maps, and contact details for each location.
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More about the Evendo app

Explore Central Ohio like never before with Evendo, the ultimate free app-based travel guide. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Evendo has you covered.

  • Local tips and rich travel advice for a true local experience.
  • 'Near Me' feature for discovering nearby attractions.
  • Easy navigation through the app and Central Ohio.
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases.

Welcome to Central Ohio, a region brimming with vibrant culture, historic landmarks, and culinary delights. Whether you're planning to explore the iconic Ohio State University campus, marvel at the architectural beauty of the Ohio Statehouse, or indulge in the local flavors at North Market, Evendo is your indispensable travel companion.

With Evendo, dive into the heart of Central Ohio's attractions. Discover the charming German Village, walk through the sprawling Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, or experience the thrill of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Our app provides comprehensive details, rich images, and local tips for these must-see destinations, ensuring you don't miss a thing.

Food enthusiasts will relish our curated list of renowned eateries, from the exquisite Lindey's in German Village to the innovative dishes at The Refectory Restaurant. For those looking to unwind, explore vibrant nightlife options with our recommendations for top bars and nightclubs.

Evendo not only lists these experiences but also allows you to book hotels, tours, and tickets effortlessly, all within the app. With features like 'Near Me', easily find attractions and restaurants around you, and navigate Central Ohio with ease. Download Evendo today and turn your trip into an unforgettable adventure.

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