The ultimate bucket list for things to do in Columbus šš¶š
Many Columbus residents will defend it as an overlooked city, a hidden gem of the Midwest. (And, in our opinion, they're right.) But have even locals gotten to everything there is to appreciate about the city and everything beyond?
Columbus' vibrant restaurant scene, offbeat sights, excellent museums, beloved sports teams and straight-up random experiences mean there's always plenty to do.
Like to eat local? Find a Columbus-area restaurant with Columbus Monthly's 2022 Restaurant Guide
In service of that, we put together a bucket list of the things you have to do in Columbus before you die.
Our readers back in 2019 helped us put together the list with their suggestions, and we want to hear from you, too. What else in Columbus do you think is a must-do? Tweet us @DispatchAlerts or head over to Instagram to tell us.
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56 things you should do in Columbus
1. Eat the Thurmanator ā all bun, mayo, lettuce, tomato, pickle, banana peppers, 12 ounce burger, bacon, cheddar, another 12 ounce burger, sautĆ©ed mushrooms & onions, ham, mozzarella & American cheese, bun, fries and a pickle spear of it ā at Thurman Cafe.
2. Complete the Columbus Coffee Trail. Stop at 4 spots and get a free t-shirt. Stop at all 18 and get a free travel mug.
3. Take a helicopter ride around the city and its skyline.
4. Namaste in a local park and complete an outdoor yoga class.
5. Eat an entire cream puff at Schmidtās.
6. Make a late-night trip to Buckeye Donuts near Ohio State's campus.
7. Hit up a Columbus Crew game at Lower.com Field and sit in the loudest section you can find.
8. Stop by Dirty Frank's Hot Dog Palace and chow down on a few dogs. You can choose how you want them cooked from three different options.
9. Take an Ohio Statehouse tour and learn some history in a way that isn't Google
Local history: Ohio Statehouse, other venues have long history of 'ghost' stories
10. Go axe throwing and let out some steam.
11. Enjoy the music at the Dublin Irish Festival with a beer and a kilt.
12. Hit up one of the city's many, many craft beer joints ā and bring your doggo if it's allowed.
13. Go to Club 185 and try its famous burger.
14. Rock climb at Scioto Audubon Metro Park.
Columbus Metro Parks: From bison to tree forts, Columbus Metro Parks boast more than just hiking trails
15. Find your freak at the Doo Dah Parade.
16. Chow down on a Katzinger's Deli Corned Beef Sandwich.
17. Support local artists and visit the Columbus Arts Festival.
18. Live out your British dream at Franklin Park Conservatoryās 18th annual Hat Day luncheon.
19. Take a selfie with all of the deer on the Scioto Mile.
20. Ride the High Wire Unicycle at COSI.
21. Try all the seasonal flavors at Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams.
22. Kayak along the Scioto River
23. Witness one of the country's biggest pride events and go to the Columbus Pride Parade.
24. Celebrate International Mud Day at Blendon Woods Metro Park, where the mud is provided and the fun comes free.
25. Eat the holy chicken at Hot Chicken Takeover ā with no water to help guide it down.
26. Go to the top of LeVeque Tower.
27. Try to find the best view of Ohio State in Thompson Library.
28. Visit The Oval at Ohio State University (and maybe throw some Frisbee with the students).
29. Bring some friends to the Short North Gallery Hop.
30. Appreciate some true beauty in this world and visit the Dublin field of corn. Donāt try to eat the corn.
31. Rack it up at Smoked on High
32. Who says Ohio isnāt a fishing state? Head to the many Central Ohio rivers ā Scioto, Olentangy ā and get some grub.
How to fish in Ohio: Looking to spend your fall fishing in Ohio? Don't forget your license from ODNR
33. Beat the heat at Zoombezi Bay
34. Find your favorite floral at Bicentennial Park in downtown Columbus.
35. Go the Columbus Museum of Art (free on Sunday).
36. Treat yourself at the Jazz & Rib Fest in downtown Columbus.
37. Go to The Ohio State University Marching Band performance with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra at the Picnic with the Pops at the Columbus Commons.
38. Go to the Book Loft in German Village and find the cheapest book you can.
39. Eat as many hot dogs as possible at the Columbus Clippersā Dime-A-Dog Night.
40. Join the 5th line at a Columbus Blue Jackets game.
41. Go to a free concert at Columbus Commons.
42. Rush the field at Ohio Stadium.
43. Try the wildest food you can find (like Dragon Breath) at the Ohio State Fair.
44. Cheer on Pelotonia riders. Or ride yourself and raise money for cancer research.
45. Get wild at the Columbus Zoo and Aquariumās annual Wildlights. (Though the zoo is well-loved all year long.)
46. Keep it chill and mellow while also giving out good vibes at Comfest. And while you are there, enjoy the scenery at Goodale Park.
47. Visit the Topiary Park in Downtown Columbus.
48. Definitely donāt miss the Columbus Italian Festival.
49. Check out the annual Asian Festival in Franklin Park.
Columbus Asian Festival: Asian Americans address need for awareness, advocacy
50. Shop the North Market for your favorite foods, spices and all kinds of good things.
51. Check out the bison at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
52. Take a stroll through history at the Ohio Village. And while you are there you can stop in the Ohio History Center.
53. Stop by the Columbus Metropolitan Libraryās main branch to pick up a book and check out the historic building.
54. Or maybe hop over to the Palace Theatre.
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55. Subscribe to the Columbus Dispatch for the best coverage of local news and stories that inform and entertain. Head to dispatch.com/subscribenow ĀÆ/_(ć)_/ĀÆ
56. See a show at the Ohio Theatre.
Theater in Columbus: The Ohio Theatre is getting some much-needed updates
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus bucket list: 56 things to do before you die
