Ohio Statehouse, Columbus

Ohio Statehouse, Columbus (must see)

The Ohio Statehouse is the ideal location for any visitor to the state capitol. The Statehouse combines history, current events and art. It is also in an easily reachable location for walking tours.

Anyone who visits the Ohio Statehouse is welcome to take a self-guided tour. They can visit the entire Capitol Square complex, which includes the Statehouse along with the Senate Building and the Atrium. About 500,000 people visit the Ohio Statehouse each year.

Building of the Statehouse began in 1839 and was completed in 1861. It was designed by multiple architects thanks to a competition hosted by the Ohio state government. The state asked architects and artists to submit designs, which would then be narrowed down to an ultimate winner. In the end, a consensus could not be reached. Three winners were chosen: Henry Walter, Martin Thompson and Thomas Cole. A number of architects were hired over the years to combine elements from the winning designs while also adding their own touches. The Statehouse is designed in a Greek Revival style.

Inside the Statehouse, visitors will see ceremonial offices, working offices and a museum. The museum includes a number of exhibits that reflect on Ohio's state history and its place within the country. The eight U.S. presidents from Ohio are prominently featured. There is also a hall of gubernatorial portraits, a gallery that honors women in Ohio history and flags that represent the different counties of the state.

The George Washington Williams Room honors African Americans from Ohio who have had meaningful impact on the state legislature. The Statehouse also honors Great Ohioans, an award that is given each year. Some of these Great Ohioans include the Wright Brothers, Neil Armstrong, John Glenn, John D. Rockefeller, Annie Oakley, Harriet Beecher Stowe, William T. Sherman, Gravnille T. Woods and Thomas Edison, among others.

Why You Should Visit:
- To learn about Ohio History
- To appreciate a melding of architectural designs

Tips:
The Ohio Statehouse is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM through 5 PM. It opens at 11 AM on weekends.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Columbus. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

Ohio Statehouse on Map

Sight Name: Ohio Statehouse
Sight Location: Columbus, USA (See walking tours in Columbus)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Columbus, Ohio

Create Your Own Walk in Columbus

Create Your Own Walk in Columbus

Creating your own self-guided walk in Columbus is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
German Village Walk

German Village Walk

One of the oldest and most treasured historic areas in Columbus, Ohio, is the laid-back German Village. Many of its charming brick houses along Beck, Mohawk, and Deshler streets were built by German settlers in the early-to-mid-19th century. Boutiques and art galleries, pubs, restaurants, and coffee shops look exactly as they did 150 years ago thanks to the meticulous preservation effort.

Among...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Columbus Introduction Walking Tour

Columbus Introduction Walking Tour

The state capital of Ohio is the beautiful and historic city of Columbus. Located in the middle of the Buckeye State, Columbus is known as both the governmental and cultural center of Ohio.

Columbus was first inhabited by the indigenous Adema, Hopewell and Fort Ancient people. Nearby mounds and a large number of artifacts kept at the Ohio Statehouse show evidence of these early cultures.

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


Things to Do in Columbus, Ohio USA

Things to Do in Columbus, Ohio USA

Columbus, Ohio is home to the NHL Hockey team The Columbus Bluejackets and the famous Ohio State Buckeyes. Columbus isn't just the Buckeyes, snow, and farmland, though! There are year-round and seasonal attractions for families that are worth visiting. Mix some fun and educational activities...