From Food to Architecture: See the Real Columbus With the Best Tours of Ohio's Capital City

Sign up for a Columbus excursion, but keep in mind that each tour requires varying degrees of stamina. Some will set you on a path for adventure in the great outdoors, and others may determine your strength based solely on how much you can eat and drink.

The Ohio Statehouse

Explore the past and the present with a tour of the Ohio Statehouse, an 1861 structure that still functions as Ohio's Capitol building. Guided tours are free, and depending on availability, may include a visit to the House and Senate chambers, as well as portions of the surrounding 15-acre grounds. To feel like a VIP, book an after-hours tour for a fee. Or, grab your smartphone and download the free self-guided audio tour which provides a detailed history of the Statehouse.

Columbus Landmarks

Discover interesting tidbits about Ohio’s state capital through the Columbus Landmarks Foundation. The CityWalks Columbus Guided Tour is a 90-minute adventure held every Saturday morning from May through October. Stops along the way include short lectures about the history behind such landmarks as City Hall, the Palace Theatre and the Broad Street Bridge. At select times throughout the year, the company also hosts themed tours that highlight points of interest such as haunted sights, sacred spaces and historic taverns.

Columbus Food Adventures

Pack your stretchy pants and test your gastrointestinal limits with various food-based tours through Columbus Food Adventures. These delectable excursions include taco trucks, breakfast spots and coffee havens, giving you the chance to chow down on some of Columbus' best food offerings in each category. In addition to yummy tastings, your tour includes transportation to and from the participating eateries. Got a non-carnivore in your group? Give the company some advance notice and most restaurants will be able to accommodate vegetarian diets.

Columbus Brew Adventures

Beer lovers rejoice! Columbus Brew Adventures will quench your thirst for knowledge and beer. By foot or by van, these tours aim to introduce you to the fine art of craft brewing. Tours are broken down by region, like the downtown or Grandview neighborhoods; or by theme, addressing foodie-focused topics like proper pizza and beer pairings. Just a friendly reminder—leave the party animal mentality at home. These tours are more about the craft brewing process and less about extreme consumption.

Zipzone Canopy Tour

Escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Columbus to seize the opportunity to fly high with ZipZone Canopy Tours. Make the 25-minute drive north of Columbus toward the city's Far North region where you'll quickly find yourself immersed in a densely wooded area. Soar over 20 acres of lush and colorful forest as you traverse nine different elements, including zip lines and sky bridges. For safety purposes, inquire about ZipZone's age, weight and health restrictions.

SegAway Tours of Columbus

Why walk around downtown Columbus when you can glide on two wheels with the SegAway Tours of Columbus. Choose from two tours: pause to admire such cherished landmarks as the Ohio Statehouse, the Ohio Theatre and Bicentennial Park on the City Tour; or, you can crisscross the mighty Scioto River on the River and Bridges Tour. Your two-hour adventure includes lessons on driving these sometimes tricky self-balancing vehicles.

American Whistle Corporation

On your mark, get set, blow! If you're looking for a truly unique experience, it doesn't get better than a tour of the American Whistle Corporation, the nation's only manufacturer of metal whistles. A Columbus original since 1956, the factory offers 45-minute tours that provide an inside look at the little-known whistle-making process. You'll even get to take a metal noisemaker home with you. Tours are scheduled privately, so call ahead.

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