Itineraries

Sports & Recreation Itinerary

Columbus Sports & Recreation Itinerary

Columbus, the state’s capital and its largest city, contains some of the most respected horticultural institutions in the Midwest and is within an hour’s drive of many of Ohio’s outdoor recreation hotspots.

Day One

Stroll through forests of oak, hickory, beech and maple trees at Highbanks Metro Park, north of Columbus. Trails lead visitors along the Olentangy River and past prehistoric Native American earthworks.

Next, explore a scenic nature preserve, the 121-acre Inniswood Metro Gardens. Well-maintained walking paths meander by beautifully landscaped flowerbeds, streams and woodlands filled with wildflowers and wildlife.

Enjoy lunch at the Buckeye Hall of Fame Cafe, dedicated to Ohio State University sports. OSU’s storied athletic history includes the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner, running back Archie Griffin. One of his Heismans is on display—part of a huge collection of memorabilia.

Walk off lunch at OSU’s Chadwick Arboretum, adjacent to the Jack Nicklaus Museum and the Schottenstein Center where the Buckeyes play basketball and ice hockey. The 60-acre arboretum boasts one of the most varied horticulture collections in the state.

For another impressive collection, visit the respected Franklin Park Conservatory, home to plants from around the world and a collection of glass sculptures by acclaimed artist Dale Chihuly. Be sure to explore the surrounding 90-acre Franklin Park, where you’ll find a Japanese garden, waterfalls and formal gardens.

Spend the evening downtown at The Lofts, where each room is uniquely styled in modern decor. Dine at one of many restaurants in the surrounding Arena District, an entertainment area surrounding Nationwide Arena, home to the National Hockey League’s Columbus Blue Jackets.

For more Sports & Recreation happenings in Columbus visit www.experiencecolumbus.com

For a downloadable version of this itinerary in .pdf format, click here.