From one of the largest zoos in the United States to an historic German village, Columbus, Ohio, offers the gamut in group attractions and activities, including a new veterans museum.
The National Veterans Memorial & Museum is under construction and set to be completed by the end of the year. It will be the only place in the U.S. where the stories of veterans, their families and the fallen across all branches of service and eras of conflict will be told together under one roof, according to Roger Dudley, director of tourism sales at Experience Columbus.
“At more than 50,000 square feet, the facility offers space for gatherings, ceremonies, celebrations and public events. It also has opportunities for reflection in the Memorial Grove and Memorial Room, and exhibition galleries, both rotating and permanent, to explain more about the experiences of the brave men and women who are serving and have served,” he said.
Just next door is COSI, Columbus’ hands-on science center, which just began a partnership with the American Museum of Natural History, an NTA member, to open a permanent Dinosaur Gallery that features a life-sized Tyrannosaurus rex and more.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium recently launched the Wasafiri Adventure, an exclusive group tour offering. Visitors can have breakfast in the Mapori Restaurant with a view of the zoo’s Heart of Africa exhibit, interact with giraffes and get reserved spots for the Cheetah Run.
South of downtown is the city’s German Village, where groups can take walking or coach tours and hear the stories of German immigrants who built the community more than 175 years ago. Groups have brick streets and sidewalks to stroll and beautiful gardens and public parks to see in this 233-acre historical district, and they can also request custom tours for events. Special tours include learning the village’s ghost stories or seeing the Village Lights display in early December. Dudley said stopping at Schmidt’s restaurant is a must-do.
For more information, reach out to Dudley or visit experiencecolumbus.com/tours.
Top photo by Laura Watilo Blake
