Columbus, OH Hotels

In the middle of one of the most rapid growth periods of any big city in the country, Columbus, perhaps for the first time in history, has left Cleveland and Cincinnati behind. Although both have metropolitan populations that surpass the state capital, the actual city population and sheer size of Columbus makes it the top dog in Ohio.

Attractions

Far from ordinary, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has a reputation in international circles as an exemplary institution. Much of the credit belongs to director Jack Hanna, under whose stewardship the facility now provides a refuge for over 6,000 animals, seen by over 1.5 million annual visitors.

The nature preserve and botanical garden complex is perhaps the finest free attraction in Columbus.

On the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, LaVeque Tower was the tallest point on the Columbus skyline for almost half a century until the completion of the State Office Tower in 1974. For fans of Art Deco architecture, there are few better examples in North America.

With enrollment that hovers above 60,000 and a staff and workforce in excess of 20,000, Ohio State University is the public institution of record in the United States. The main Columbus campus is a behemoth at over 7 km² and has many wonderful points of interest.

With future expansion plans underway, the Columbus Museum of Art is already one of the premier cultural foundations in Ohio, with a superb collection of early modern and contemporary art.

Events

Although Columbus has one major professional franchise in the Blue Jackets of the NHL, the only sport the city cares about is Ohio State Buckeyes football. Ohio Stadium, known as "The Horseshoe", has been the colossal home of the college team since 1922 and with a capacity of over 106,000, ranks sixth in size in the world. If you can procure a ticket to a Buckeyes game in the fall, do not hesitate. Better yet if the opponent is the University of Michigan Wolverines. The rivalry between the two schools is the best in sports, period.

The city's preeminent cultural festival, held every June, draws hundreds of artists and features outdoor exhibits and a plethora of events.

The enormous Ohio State Fair permeates Columbus with a festive and carnival-like atmosphere in early August.

Climate

With a humid continental climate, Columbus is no different from any other Midwest city in America. Four seasons, humid summers and cold, snowy winters characterize conditions throughout the year.

• Winter (December to March) -8-8°C

• Spring (April to May) 3-20°C

• Summer (June to September) 12-28°C

• Fall (October to November) 2-17°C