Ohio State University Tours and Activities

Ohio State House aerial at sunrise with Huntington Center and Vern Riffe State Office Tower

The second oldest building remaining on The Ohio State University campus, Orton Hall was opened in 1893. It is named after Dr Edward Orton, Sr. who served as Ohio State's first president, OSU Professor of Geology from 1873 to 1899, and Ohio's State Geologist from 1882 until his death in 1899.

Orton Hall is built of 40 different Ohio building stones. In the outside walls, these stones are laid in stratigraphic order according to their relative positions in Ohio's bedrock. The only non-indigenous to Ohio stone used is Indiana Limestone to build the front steps. It was chosen because of its high concentration of embedded fossils.

The bell tower was dedicated in 1915 and contains 25,000 pounds of bells that can be heard regularly tolling across campus. Encircling the top of the tower are 24 columns with gargoyle-like figures which are restorations of fossil animals.

A closeup of the bloom of a Dahlia glistening in the aftermath of an afternoon shower

The OSU cultivar trials, located at Ohio State University's Chadwick Arboretum and Learning Gardens, are conducted each year in order to evaluate ornamental bedding and container plants.

The objective of these trials is to observe the performance of new and recently introduced cultivated plant varieties under environmental conditions typical of central Ohio.

Despite their stated scientific and economic purposes, the gardens are beautiful to walk through and photograph. Best of all, they're FREE!

Visit Ohio State University

Activities

Plan a trip to see Ohio State University

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

Jungle House Historic Lofts – German Village

German Village

CA $1,045

per person

Apr 24 - Apr 26

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Calgary (YYC) to Columbus (CMH)

9.2/10 Wonderful! (5 reviews)

Clean room and warm vibe. Especially jungle house has well equiped kitchen and bathroom. Me and my partner stimulate future marital life and spent 3days2nights happily. Plus the service stuff is very patient

Reviewed on Jan 25, 2026

Jungle House Urban Lofts – Arena District & Short North

Downtown Columbus

CA $1,250

per person

Apr 24 - Apr 26

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Calgary (YYC) to Columbus (CMH)

10/10 Exceptional! (11 reviews)

The property met my needs. It was clean and nicely decorated. The snacks and coffee maker were appreciated. The rental is lacking clothes hanging space. It had one shallow depth closet. I rented to attend a wedding, so lack of hanging space was inconvenient for my formal attire. The rental has one bathroom, downstairs, not ideal for a 68-year old who needs to go at night. Additionally the storm door was partially off the hinges. The property manager said they would send someone to repair it, but it did not get repaired during my 3-night stay. Overall, the property was conveniently located and the bed was comfortable.

Reviewed on Dec 22, 2025

Jungle House Luxury Lofts – Short North High Street

Downtown Columbus

CA $1,346

per person

Apr 24 - Apr 26

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Calgary (YYC) to Columbus (CMH)

10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)

Highly recommend. Very clean an put together

Reviewed on Dec 25, 2025

Popular places to visit

Ohio Stadium

Catch an event at Ohio Stadium during your trip to Columbus. Experience the area's great live music or attend a sporting event.

Wexner Center for the Arts

Discover a world of new and exciting contemporary art, performance and film at this laboratory for the arts at Ohio State University.

This pink and white marbled petunia is actually an unintended mutation of what was intended to be a completely pink bloom.

The OSU cultivar trials, located at Ohio State University's Chadwick Arboretum and Learning Gardens, are conducted each year in order to evaluate ornamental bedding and container plants.

The objective of these trials is to observe the performance of new and recently introduced cultivated plant varieties under environmental conditions typical of central Ohio.

Despite their stated scientific and economic purposes, the gardens are beautiful to walk through and photograph. Best of all, they're FREE!

Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens

Enjoy a stop at Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens, an entertaining place to visit in Columbus. Experience the area's lively festivals and acclaimed theater scene.

Historic Crew Stadium

Catch an event at Historic Crew Stadium during your trip to Columbus. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event.

Drone pic hovering near 11th street entry to the fairgrounds and facing south towards downtown columbus ohio

Ohio State Fairgrounds

Enjoy a stop at Ohio State Fairgrounds, an entertaining place to visit in Columbus. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene and lively festivals.

Ohio Expo Center and State Fair

Enjoy a stop at Ohio Expo Center and State Fair, an entertaining place to visit in Columbus. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene and great live music.

Best Lodging Options Near Ohio State University

Check availability on hotels close to Ohio State University

The Blackwell Inn and Pfahl Conference Center

2110 Tuttle Park Pl Columbus OH

Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Columbus-Ohio State University OSU

441 Ackerman Road Columbus OH

Sonesta Columbus Downtown

33 E Nationwide Blvd Columbus OH

Hyatt House Columbus OSU / Short North

633 WEST 5TH AVENUE Columbus OH

SpringHill Suites Columbus OSU

1421 Olentangy River Rd Columbus OH

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Columbus OSU

3031 Olentangy River Rd Columbus OH

Cheerful 4-Bedroom- Walking Distance to The Shoe

Columbus OH

Olentangy Motor Inn

1445 Olentangy River Rd Columbus OH

Marriott Columbus OSU

3100 Olentangy River Road Columbus OH

See all 2,031 properties in Ohio State University

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.