Ohio History Center image

Ohio History Center

Tourist attraction History museum Historical place museum Library

Exhibits cover the state's history plus Ohio Village, an interactive re-creation of an 1860s town. People often mention Ohio, history, museum, exhibits, great, time, learn, Great, village, experience,


Address

800 E 17th Ave, Columbus, OH 43211

Website

www.ohiohistory.org

Contact

(614) 297-2300

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (370 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Ohio (48) history (43) museum (27) exhibits (20) great (19) time (18) learn (13) Great (12) village (11) experience (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Adena G. 2 years ago on Google • 445 reviews
    I've always loved visiting here and I find something new every time I visit. This time I found out diamonds can be found in Ohio. My little guy loved it and smiled at all the stuffed animals. They got a pizza place opening up on the second floor soon and it looks awesome. Don't forget to visit the outside village. The actors stay true to their character and have a overwhelming passion for what they do.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Wes G. 10 months ago on Google • 145 reviews
    So I'm a native Ohioan and a definite history buff. We're failing with our flagstaff musuem. Nothing dedicated to the seven presidents from Ohio? The Wright Brothers? The generals, Sherman, Grant, Custer? There is no biographical hall of greats. The inventions and industry of ohio isn't represented at all. I was floored with the poor setup of everything. This state is amazing and we do so much so well, and we're failing with our musuem. There are good museums in Ohio, so don't leave before you try them, COSI, USAF Musuem, among others.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sheri R. 1 year ago on Google • 270 reviews
    I took the Grandkids for spring break. I had no idea how much was here and how fun it would be for the kids! They had so much fun and I enjoyed it too. They have lots of taxidermy items of animals and birds and more. Somehow those pics got deleted from my phone. Both the kids agreed that their favorite part was the Lustron steel house from the 1950's. I will go back with my husband as I am sure he will like it too. The outside village wasn't open yet. I knew that, but wanted to take the kids while they were off. It opens April 1st.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Mr. B. 3 months ago on Google • 462 reviews New
    It's okay. The best time to come is when they have free tickets. If you search the website you can find the days that they have it. It's really stripped down from where it used to be. There is other Ohio museums that are a lot better. However, they do have some things here during Christmas time only. You can go into the Ohio village and see more but it is kind of stripped down and if you had to pay you might be a little upset
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tina H. 1 year ago on Google • 49 reviews
    Visited the center with family on a Sunday, arrived at 11am. Took us about 2 1/2 hrs to walk around and see all the exhibits. Not crowded at all, we were able to stop and talk, not feel rushed or feel like we were in the way of other visitors. Great rainy day museum (if visiting indoor museum only). We will definitely go back to revisit when the the sun is around so we can walk through the outdoor ‘old timey’ village. They have offered several special events like All Hallows Eve, Dickens of a Christmas, Night at the Museum, and Crime and Corruption.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 T H. 1 year ago on Google
    We visit for both Halloween and Christmas. The activities are interesting and appropriate for all ages. There are lots of food choices, educational opportunities, history, art, dancing, costumes, and stories. Highly recommend!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ying-Ting C. 2 years ago on Google • 46 reviews
    Very clean and spacious! The staff were polite and friendly. There were so much to look around. We spent 1-2 hours there! You can definitely stay longer if you would like to read more introductions on their exhibits. The gift shop was a gem! There were many items with reasonable prices! The only downside is there was no coffee shop or any food for purchase. This would be a problem for visitors who would like to stay longer. Overall, recommended!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 T R. 2 years ago on Google • 164 reviews
    For anyone interested in the history and in specific to the history of Ohio Country, this history center (museum) is an apt stop to check in ! This center has almost all the exhibits featuring in and around Ohio, which is very unique. The exhibits range from fossils, wild life and native Americans from the era prior to the pioneers settlement and to the industrial era after the settlement. Also, elaborate displays of Ohio’s significant involvement in various wars. The exhibits are arranged in various zones in a chronological time period. They’re nicely and spaciously arranged. The center is located in a spacious lot with enough car parking and easily approachable by road.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Tod B. 5 years ago on Google
    Great spot to check out Ohio's history.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tyler J. 5 years ago on Google
    A favorite field trip destination from when I was younger that matches the likes of COSI to me. Serves as a great place to learn interactively.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cody R. 2 years ago on Google
    Went for the Sleepy Hollow event! Such an awesome event! Definitely recommend everyone go! The town was awesome. Seemed like the staff was having a great time. I definitely recommend Cuddi's Cider if she is there. Amazing!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 KP G. 3 years ago on Google
    Love the grounds and the external views (shape of building). Plenty of space to sit and relax outdoors. Location was closed when I went so I just walked around outside.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Lielanthris 2 years ago on Google
    I came here yesterday (Nov, 13, 2021). The museum was pretty good size but there really wasn't a lot of history being displayed here. While I did enjoy what exhibits they did have, I honestly expected way more than what they had. Ohio has such a rich history and I would say about 99% of it was missing from this place. I am a bit disappointed because I was hoping to learn more about Ohio history. But I guess I will have to stick to local town museums and books for that. How they can call themselves a history center is beyond me. Some of the exhibits had no relation to Ohio history at all, such as the rooms full of german World War One artifacts. And I know I am being petty with this remark.... But the brutalist architecture of the building is atrocious as well. It looks like someone plucked it out of a former Soviet town.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Nichole Di D. 10 months ago on Google
    Several, but not all exhibits, perpetuate the myth of Native American extinction. Most exhibits are simple and not very provacative. They could probably make adjustments to course correct though. Cool collection of artifacts. I'd love for the Hopewell exhibit to be as large as the "modern" American home exhibit. Feels like at this museum Ohio didn't exist until an immigrant purchased it.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nikki B. 9 months ago on Google • 112 reviews
    Enjoyable visit to the Ohio History Center. Favourite part was the 1950s Building the American Dream. The home was pretty interesting. The whole center was nice.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chris and Courtney D. 2 years ago on Google
    Ohio Village is a great place to visit- we go several times a summer. The actors are great and engaging for both adults and children. Well worth becoming a member by itself, not to mention the perks Statewide!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joe W. 4 years ago on Google
    Ohio Sports Exhibit was pretty cool, I thought that they could have done a little more, but what they had, was well done.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jennifer B. 10 months ago on Google • 121 reviews
    Very interesting museum . A lot of history, as well as older model style homes and artifacts of animals plants engineering and sports . Recommended if you are interested in Ohio history.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 unsatisfied99 3 years ago on Google
    This is actually quite a good place to spend a day. You can probably cover it in half a day, but there is a lot to see. They have a great selection of all glass works which is actually kind of interesting to see. Several different displays with many different kinds of historic artifacts. There’s nothing here that’s gonna blow your mind away, but it does provide an interesting insight into life and lifestyle in the 1800s and early 1900s.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mike A. 5 years ago on Google
    First time here and so many interesting galleries and a great event.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anthony D. 5 years ago on Google
    You don't need to be a history buff to enjoy and enjoy museums, libraries and villages in Ohio's historic connections. The Ohio State Center has several layers of interactive and educational exhibits, from the roots of American Indians in Ohio to civil war relics, changing communities, and the various stages of Ohio history. If you are a bloody fanatic, stop on the third floor of the historic center, where you will find a historical archive where researchers can help you discover detailed information about your genealogy. The Ohio Village outside the center is a special treat, where you can ship it back in time. Experience the life of the 19th century when you experience the actors and buildings of the ages in the 19th century architecture.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Regina R. 3 months ago on Google • 42 reviews New
    Only went for my graduation ceremony, but I was able to look around while waiting to walk out and visit with others. It's interesting to look around and see items from over the years in Ohio. Great photo opportunities and learning experience for all ages. I will definitely go back!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Thicc D. 3 years ago on Google
    This is a nice museum. I went here while I was in Columbus and was satisfied with my experience. I walked into this museum and paid the admission fee at the admissions desk. I walked through the museum and all of its exhibits, which were pretty good. There was a life size replica of a manufactured house, a temporary exhibit about famous athletes from Ohio, an exhibit about Native Americans in Ohio, the history of Ohio from its founding to today, an auditorium which I didn’t go inside, some historic cars, a gift shop selling books about Ohio, and an exhibit about the geology and nature of Ohio on the first floor of the museum. From the first floor of the museum is a large staircase that goes up tot he second floor of the museum. The second floor has some chairs and tables in addition to a large entrance to the outside. There’s a large, wide staircase that leads up from the parking lot to this entrance, but I used the first floor entrance instead because it was raining. The third floor do the museum is an archive filled with historic documents that you have to take an elevator from the first floor to get to. I didn’t go in there, so I can’t comment on what it’s like. After I went through every exhibit in this museum, I left, satisfied with my experience. I gave this museum five stars because it has nice exhibits about the history of Ohio.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Steve H. 4 years ago on Google
    There are some nice displays here, but this was just average in comparison to other museums like this. The Ohio village was disappointing. Some buildings were closed and overall not as large as other living history villages. On an event day, I am sure that this is more interesting.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Debra B. 4 years ago on Google
    A great way to spend a couple hours learning about regional and state of Ohio history.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Eric K. 4 years ago on Google
    A great way to spend a couple hours learning about regional and state of Ohio history. I particularly enjoyed the walk-through experience of the Lustron manufactured home, as well as the exhibit about Ohio soldiers' participation in the Civil War. Great for all ages! (Visited in Oct. 2018)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sophia M. 5 years ago on Google
    A great place to visit while in Columbus!!! Great place for children to learn about Ohio History👍 The staff were so friendly!! I homeschool my son and we truly enjoyed learning here. We will definitely be back.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ed & Sherry P. 4 years ago on Google
    Wonderful insight to Ohio's past and what life was like in the late 1800s . Plenty of history and cultural galleries to wander through at your own pace. The village is interesting also. It takes you back in time to a progressing era in our world. A great place for young or old to enjoy. The onsite cafe has plenty to choose from for eats. I would give yourself at least 4 to 5 hours to enjoy.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Michael S. 2 years ago on Google
    The local Indigenous community should be asked for input regarding Ohio history from their perspective.

  • 5/5 Ethan V. 2 years ago on Google
    I visit here often and their deal for a year membership is definitely worth it. They always have a rotation in some exhibits so you'll get to experience something new nearly every visit. Their exhibits are all interactive so everyone has a different way to learn.

  • 5/5 Phone T. 3 years ago on Google
    Had a very nice time! Great place for families

  • 5/5 Joseph A. 3 years ago on Google
    Very beautiful place to visit a lot to learn

  • 4/5 Vance A. 4 years ago on Google
    We used to have field trips here in grade school.Still a great family visitation place,especially for out of town guest.

  • 5/5 David H. 3 years ago on Google
    Gathering of food trucks

  • 5/5 trevor c. 4 years ago on Google
    Cool

  • 5/5 stills g. 4 years ago on Google
    Loved it here. My wife and I were married here. Excellent selection for a wedding. I love you and you are my world, my breath, my everything.

  • 5/5 Kerry H. 3 years ago on Google
    The Clintonville Farmers Market there was great.

  • 3/5 Darcee F. 3 years ago on Google
    Great memories and history.

  • 3/5 Daren V. 3 years ago on Google
    Best experience and friendly staff

  • 5/5 Kelly A. 2 years ago on Google
    We enjoyed it so much we got a membership! So many genres of history we were engaged the entire time and will return soon! Also, save time for the village if it is open. The people in character are the best!

  • 1/5 Bryan S. 3 years ago on Google
    Disappointed at Ohio History Connections handling of the serpent mound issue recently. SAD.

  • 5/5 Tim H. 4 years ago on Google
    Had a blast at the Historical center and Village this weekend. Our family loves history and the re-en-actors where great to talk with and learn from.

  • 5/5 Stephanie M. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing place, it's been a favorite since I was young, and now I take my grandchildren.

  • 5/5 Ali The e. 10 months ago on Google
    The Ohio History Center in Columbus, Ohio is a fascinating museum that offers a captivating journey through the state's rich history. With engaging exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays, visitors can explore Ohio's past, from its Native American heritage to its industrial and cultural developments. The museum provides an informative and immersive experience for history enthusiasts and families alike. A must-visit destination to gain a deeper understanding of Ohio's captivating history. ✨✨✨🪄

  • 3/5 Eula A. 3 years ago on Google
    This place has some amazing facts...check it out

  • 3/5 julie p. 8 months ago on Google
    So it is nice and clean and appears to be well kept. So many of the things and the people in Ohio's history that I expected to see here, weren't here. It's become more modern with one whole gallery dedicated to athletes,.car racing, etc...The lady staff that was working the front desk was nice. The man was not personable but wasn't rude either. We passed a couple staff members throughout the museum and they didn't speak at all. We didn't ask them anything, but we did find it unusual that they did not greet us. We went upstairs for nothing. There was a very small area with a couple items in it, and then the rest of it was just little tiny cafe and empty space. It would be nice to see them fill up some of that space with additional exhibits. I will say that we noticed a few things throughout the museum that were not stated correctly. We actually thought maybe there was gonna be a quiz at the end to see if anybody paid attention as they went along...lol. For example: When you first walk in there is a giant mastadon skeleton. There is a notation on the sign about it that no fossils or bones of dinosaurs have ever been found in Ohio. Once you get farther back in the museum, there is a section that has different items in it, for instance:a violin, an old Hoover vacuum, and a giant mastodon bone. When you flip through the book to learn about the bone.... It states it was found in Champagne County Ohio. Yet, we just read a sign when we came in that said there were no bones of dinosaurs ever found in Ohio. There were two other instances of this as well that were "backwards". It is a nice museum for a reasonable rate. Just not nearly enough exhibits for a true history museum.

  • 5/5 Jennifer A. 3 years ago on Google
    For someone in love with history(like me), this is a must. Great place to stop by and experience a part of history. You can also learn new things with the museum staff which is perfect.

  • 2/5 Cristel M. 5 years ago on Google
    Would have gave more stars if it wasnt for the rudeness of the staff and the unorganized way this place was. My child was very upset at how the staff for the village tour talked to her i had to explain that to a 7 year old that some adults dont have any respect for anyone. We still had more then half of the museum to go but we just decided to leave. Very disappointed and wont be back. The only upside was my kids did have alot of fun learning till the end.

  • 5/5 Drew C. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place for an educational trip works good for not only natural history but also history of the civilization great to vist during their special events such as the civil war re enactments or Dickens of Christmas or Sleepy Hollow. And if you are into baseball don't fail to miss the Muffins play the 1800s baseball team

  • 1/5 brian c. 4 years ago on Google
    The volunteers here are mean and have made my 3-year old daughter cry on three separate occasions.

  • 5/5 Aaron N. 4 years ago on Google
    This museum has several fun interactive areas for children to learn and play. It has several really fascinating artifacts on display.

  • 5/5 John J. 5 years ago on Google
    Attended night at the museum with the kids. They had a blast!

  • 5/5 edward l. 4 years ago on Google
    Great for kids. Priced right especially with membership. Great learning experience.

  • 5/5 Olivia T. 5 years ago on Google
    I learn something new every time I go here. I love this place.

  • 5/5 Jerry S. 5 years ago on Google
    Very educational place to learn about the roots of Ohio

  • 5/5 Deanna D. 5 years ago on Google
    This place is pretty cool and great for kids to learn about all the main ways to preserve Ohio’s history over the years. Adult prices are $12 and college student pay $10(must show School ID though) I will be back because I want to explore their outdoors exhibit!

  • 5/5 Tim S. 5 years ago on Google
    Great family fun while learning about history!!!

  • 5/5 Eric W. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing immersive experience cover the all history in borders of the state of Ohio. Very kid friendly, but equally enjoyable for adults as well. The exhibits cover fossils to last year artifacts of interest and often great importance. Reaching from everyday life to walking on the moon. Professional athletics to high school and special Olympics, coving both men's and women's. Yes from 1880 steal leaders to Sarah Rahal(second generation Indy car racer). Daily life of all people's in Ohio from the ice age through near current time. Highly recommend spending a day here at some point in your stay in Ohio!

  • 5/5 Alisher R. 2 years ago on Google
    If you are here for Oath of Allegiance, your group number is a third from the end. For example 123-456-789, your group is 7.

  • 5/5 Kevin P. 5 years ago on Google
    So awesome!!! The Halloween celebration was great!

  • 5/5 Brian M. 5 years ago on Google
    The museum does a good job of providing you a good overview of what is Ohio. There are lots of interactive displays for both adults and kids. We can’t comment on the village as it was closed for the season. It took is 2 1/2 hours to go through. Worth the time.

  • 4/5 Ellen S. 5 years ago on Google
    Nice selection of exhibits.

  • 5/5 Michael S. 5 years ago on Google
    Had a great time exploring Ohio's history. Plenty of things to entertain and teach kids of all ages. My five year old had a great time. The Ohio Village was also a fun way to step back in time.

  • 5/5 Mayda Sanchez S. 4 years ago on Google
    Lots of Ohio history exhibits from mastadons and log cabins to sports history.

  • 5/5 D 4 years ago on Google
    Came years ago for school and missed it so I visited again and enjoyed it!

  • 2/5 Andrew W. 4 years ago on Google
    A good place to learn more about the local history but the staffs were not approachable and I can see some trash scaterring on the floor

  • 5/5 Danette L. 2 years ago on Google
    Going to All Hallows Eve event at the Ohio history connection village is a yearly tradition for the past 11 years. We love hearing the reciting of Legend of Sleepy Hollow and the headless horseman riding across the bridge.

  • 5/5 moonie 4 years ago on Google
    My school had a field trip there, it was very fun. All my group wanted to do was go in the basketball part but other than that it was fun.

  • 5/5 John W. 2 years ago on Google
    A must see for all Columbus residents. The village is a living history lesson.


Call (614) 297-2300 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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