Sports, History and Culture: Exploring the Ohio State University Campus

The Columbus-based university offers plenty of educational attractions including renowned libraries and museums, as well as exciting college sports! If the big crowds of Ohio Stadium aren’t your thing, enjoy the opportunity to slip away into the peace and quiet of a garden or escape to another galaxy with a visit to the planetarium.

Ohio Stadium

You might enter Ohio Stadium as a football novice, but you'll leave a Buckeyes fanatic. It's nearly impossible to avoid getting caught up in the frenzied atmosphere of this historic 105,000-seat stadium. Whether they're playing heated rivals like University of Michigan or Bowling Green, this 1922 stadium rocks and shakes with the cheers and battle cries of OSU's loyal fan base.

Chadwick Arboretum and Learning Gardens

If you're seeking a break from the bustling campus with its 28,000-plus students, the Chadwick Arboretum and Learning Gardens, made up of three separate garden areas, provides a 60-acre retreat. Take a leisurely stroll under the protective canopy of buckeye trees, stop to smell the roses or enjoy an afternoon of fishing at the catch-and-release lake. The garden hosts special events throughout the year, including outdoor yoga classes, plant sales and art shows.

Wexner Center for the Arts

Culture vultures will find themselves right at home at the Wexner Center for the Arts. Set inside a bold and stunning three-story building, the center presents a variety of arts programming throughout the year, including dance performances, gallery showcases and film screenings. In addition to highlighting artworks and performances by OSU students, the center stages feature works by visiting and professional artists.

William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library

You're sure to find something that tickles your fancy at the William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library, home to a collection of more than one million items. Housed in an enormous structure outfitted with sleek glass interior walls, the library is home to rare manuscripts, including works pertaining to Ohio's early history. Curl up with a good book in the Grand Reading Room and soak up the views of the Oval, the iconic green open space on campus. The sweeping vista of Columbus and the entire OSU campus from atop the 11th-story reading room isn't bad either.

Arne Slettebak Planetarium

Become one with the universe at the Arne Slettebak Planetarium. Journey through the galaxy visiting far away stars, planets and solar systems when you visit the planetarium's 63-seat theater. Equipped with an advanced digital projector and a 30-foot-high domed ceiling, the theater typically hosts shows on Friday nights during regular school sessions.

The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum

The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum is heaven on earth for cartoon lovers. This OSU institution houses more than 2.5 million works, making it the largest collection of cartoons and comics in the world. Whether your interests lie with traditional comic books, political cartoons or graphic novels, this museum offers something for everyone. If you're lucky, your visit might include a lecture featuring one of the prominent voices from today's world of comics and cartoons.

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