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All United States Ohio Columbus

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Columbus

16 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Columbus, Ohio

Updated January 18, 2024

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Unusual Attractions in Columbus

The entrance to the Gates of Hell.

Columbus, Ohio

Gates of Hell

The entrance to this sinisterly named tunnel hides behind a Tim Hortons.
The Topiary Park

Columbus, Ohio

The Topiary Park

Georges Seurat’s pointillist masterpiece has been recreated in Ohio in topiary form.

Columbus, Ohio

Columbus Park of Roses

An unassuming 13-acre park is home to over 12,000 roses.
The statue stands tall at 8 feet.

Columbus, Ohio

Arnold Schwarzenegger Statue

A bronze of the man in all his sinewy glory celebrates his longtime connection to the Ohio city.
"As We Are"

Columbus, Ohio

'As We Are'

Known locally as "the giant head," this 14-foot LED sculpture has a photo booth in the neck where you can have a 3D picture taken and displayed.
Larger than life numbers outside the math and engineering buildings at The Ohio State University.

Columbus, Ohio

Garden of Constants

This whimsical campus lawn is dotted with large sculpted numbers and hidden mathematical formulas.

Columbus, Ohio

The Handprint

A single handprint, which, according to Ohio State University legend, cannot be scrubbed off.
Gavel Sculpture

Columbus, Ohio

Gavel Sculpture

Just outside the Ohio Supreme Court sits a testament to justice.
See All 16 Things To Do in Columbus
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Atlas Obscura Itineraries

Take to the Skies With These 9 Gravity-Defying Sites in Ohio

Sure, Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, got headlines, but the Wright Brothers were Ohioans through and through. That's where they had their print and cycle shop, and established the world's first airplane factory. From Dayton's Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, to NASA's Glenn Research Center, to Congress officially declaring Ohio the “birthplace of aviation,” and much more, no other state takes to the skies and beyond like the home of the Buckeyes. Here are some of our favorite places to feel the wind beneath your wings.

View Itinerary
The Avrocar hovered, but never really lifted off in a big way.

Explore Columbus, Ohio

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Sculptures 3
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History & Culture 2

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