Central Ohio Fire Museum, llc image

Central Ohio Fire Museum, llc

Tourist attraction Non profit organization Historical place museum

One of the Top rated Non profit organizations in Columbus


Address

260 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43215

Website

www.centralohiofiremuseum.com

Contact

(614) 464-4099

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (230 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM to 4 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: fire (41) history (26) great (23) kids (22) museum (21) tour (20) knowledgeable (14) visit (13) guide (13) good (12)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Zachary H. 1 year ago on Google • 341 reviews
    This place was awesome. They weren't even open and still invited me in because I was only there for one day. Their tour was amazing and their collection wonderful. The guy even took me into the behind the scenes area. I loved it and learned so much. Definitly visit the museum when in the area.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pauline I. 10 months ago on Google • 55 reviews
    Fun educational place to visit especially for kids. We spent about 1.5 hours here. The tour/ education they gave was good and interesting for all ages. The kids spent some time in their little indoor play area. Everybody had a good time. This place is worth checking out if you're in the area!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Caden L. 2 years ago on Google • 111 reviews
    Amazing experience! The people volunteering are retired fire fighters and provide great educational experience. They had a lot of insight on recent history do Columbus fire fighting. We thought this would be a quick walk through but ended up spending nearly two hours.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Zach B. 1 year ago on Google
    Very nice small museum! I was in town for a convention and had some time to kill and I was staying just down the road so I thought I'd stop in and check them out and I am very glad that I did. This is a great place to go if you are just interested in a little fire history and Columbus history, and would be a very good place to bring your kids or a school group, because not only do you learn about the history but they teach a little fire safety as well. The displays were great and the staff was even better, I'm so glad that I decided to swing by!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pam M. 1 year ago on Google • 163 reviews
    I was concerned that as a history based museum there wouldn't be enough to engage my 2 year old grandson. Goodness! We could have stayed all day putting out fires in the play area. My grandson LOVES firetrucks, firefighting books, and everything related. We will go back! The staff was knowledgeable and very kind and kid-friendly. I was happy to learn some interesting history about the station and firefighting in Central Ohio.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Justin H. 2 years ago on Google
    Went with my sister, her husband and their son. This place is great, for learning about the history of early Columbus and the history of early firefighting and how far we've come technologically. They have a display to warn kids about hazards and what a burnt out room really looks like after a fire, it's pretty cool, if not a little Ohio Historical Center similar. Anyway, the staff are really passionate and willing to chat, we went and only a few people were there. They really know their stuff and want to educate folks. It was a really great trip, I will definitely go again. I don't think most people really know about this place, or that it is a museum. Parking is kinda wonky, be careful as it's downtown and sometimes parking can be tricky, you don't want your car towed. Trust me. Anyway well worth the parking hassle, definitely take your kids. There's even a little gift shop there. Who knew? Worth it. Solid five stars.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Matt P. 1 year ago on Google
    Great little fire house history museum. Staff was amazing and so knowledgeable. We had a great visit and even learned a thing or two.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jackie W. 2 months ago on Google • 645 reviews New
    Interesting information on the fire department and history of Columbus fire departments. Plan on spending an hour and a half or more. They also have a play area for the kids and they do birthday parties. Small gift shop.

  • 5/5 India K. 2 years ago on Google • 12 reviews
    We go to the Central Ohio Fire Museum every year as a homeschool field trip. The fire fighters are very knowledgeable and friendly. Each time we go through the guided tour, I learn a new tidbit of history. Today the children enjoyed the Safe Bedroom exercise, the Safe Kitchen, ringing the firehouse bell and playing fire fighter with costumes to match! We did miss the fire fighter presentation with the fire fighter putting on all the gear worn in a real fire. Overall, another great field trip!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 jess b. 2 years ago on Google
    We had an awesome time, even got a personal tour from the guys working. they had so much knowledge to share it was a great experience.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Meredith N. 6 years ago on Google • 83 reviews
    We have been to a lot of Fire museums both nationally and internationally and this was the a very nice little museum. A firefighter will take you through to your the few tricks they have and let the kids ring the bells for fun. There is also a nice interactive exhibit of a burned room, which is educational and teaches kids the importance of fire safety. The play area is clean and well maintained, with a fire pole and two different tricks to pretend to drive. I also liked the interactive fire hydrant, the first we have seen. Plenty of free parking in the driveway but also paid street parking is available. All in all it is a good activity and I would say good for anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours. They also offer group discounts and birthday party options.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Charles S. 1 year ago on Google
    Worth the price of admission. Me, my mom and sister learned alot
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kimberlee A. S. 4 years ago on Google
    Lots of artifacts inside a beautiful old firehouse.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Theresa K. 4 years ago on Google
    We not only had one but three guides, each telling us different parts of history. Very nice tour
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Julie W. 5 months ago on Google • 130 reviews
    My grandson’s 5th birthday party was here, and the kids had a blast. They enjoyed seeing the old time equipment, compared to what they see today. They did a very nice job for a party—we had our own room, we brought food and drinks, and they provided some party favors. We had a guide who facilitated, and he had my son dress up in firefighter gear, to show the kids how much and how heavy their gear is. And to also show the kids that there really is a human under all that garb, and they shouldn’t be afraid of firefighters.

  • 5/5 Tom 2 months ago on Google • 99 reviews New
    This was a great tour, very educational. The young lady was very knowledgeable and glad to answer questions. A very good selection of historical items. Fire fighting technology has come a long way.

  • 5/5 Tom M. 2 months ago on Google • 44 reviews New
    Super cool fire museum. Plenty of things to look at as well as a small fire safety class for folks. It’s only on the first floor for now, but they plan on fixing up the second floor when they have the funds (if you go, consider donating a few extra bucks). Probably need an hour to take it all in.

  • 5/5 Kelli K. 6 months ago on Google • 27 reviews
    A great place to see antique apparatus and teach kids about fire safety.

  • 5/5 Natalie J. 5 months ago on Google • 21 reviews
    We stopped in here on a whim and I'm glad we did. I forget the name of the person who gave us a tour, but she was awesome, friendly, and super-informative! We learned a ton about the history of firefighting both in general and in the city of Columbus, as well as modern firefighting and fire prevention. The exhibits are fascinating and you can really get up close, which is so cool. Highly recommend!

  • 5/5 Sean C. 2 years ago on Google
    Awesome place and very knowledgeable staff. Would definitely recommend making a visit!

  • 2/5 Insightful E. 4 years ago on Google
    Didn't enjoy

  • 4/5 Jessica M. 4 years ago on Google
    This small museum is a good afternoon activity for the family. Historic fire trucks and equipment are on display and retired firefighters provide tours and local lore. The children's play area will be the highlight for little ones.

  • 5/5 Lon L. 4 years ago on Google
    Worker was passionate about the museum and the museum itself is an old firehouse so a lot of the old systems are in place. They are currently trying to restore the 2nd floor too

  • 5/5 renessa g. 4 years ago on Google
    The tour guides are really knowledgeable about the fire trucks and equipment!

  • 5/5 Scott J. 2 years ago on Google
    We had such a great time for a rainy Thursday morning activity with our little one. Clement was a perfect tour guide to bring us around the fire house and explain so much of the history there. We'll definitely be back when Jacob is older so he can experience everything again.

  • 5/5 will h. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely loved it the guy running it today was very informant and even showed us an old ambulance would recommend to family and friends

  • 5/5 Victoria C. 10 months ago on Google
    Great location for families to bring their children to learn about fire safety, play in the children play area, or host a birthday party. Kids love ringing the bell in the bell tower. Good for field trips for a variety of ages. They offer tours up until 30 minutes before close to learn about the history of firefighting in general over the last 100 years and, more specifically, about the fire station that used to be housed in the building now occupied by this museum. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, most of them being retired (and one or two still active duty) firefighters. Highly recommend planning an outing for an hour or two and supporting a local non-profit museum that raises awareness of fire safety.

  • 5/5 Taylor T. 8 months ago on Google
    Absolutely amazing place. So much history, so much to learn. All staff are active or retired firefighters, and all very knowledgeable. The adult entrance fee is only $8 per person, but after visiting, I would have gladly paid $20.

  • 5/5 Lynn H. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a really unique and interesting museum. They have several historical engines, and give a good idea of how things were like to fight fires when the building was a working fire station. The firefighters who were there to guide us did a great job explaining things and making them informative, yet on a level that even my nephew could grasp (he's on the autism spectrum) there is an exhibit about what really happens when a building is on fire. It was very impactful, but might be a little scary for younger children. They also teach about potentially dangerous areas in the kitchen. We found it worth the admission price and learned a lot.

  • 5/5 Aria D. 2 years ago on Google
    Wonderful place full of Central Ohio FF history! All of the staff is friendly and very informative. The museum it’s self has a different vibe right when you walk in. It’s interactive, fun, and has an educational safety portion too! I really hope the museum gets the opportunity to expand and develop.

  • 5/5 Dean G. 8 months ago on Google
    Sue and Clem provided our Lewis Center United Methodist Church, Day Trip Ministry attendees an outstanding tour! It included excellent historical information, fire apparatus and especially important, instruction for our children and adult attendees on how to prevent and protect ourselves in the event of a fire. Thank you both for an exceptional tour!

  • 5/5 Dakota F. 2 years ago on Google
    Visited the museum with my girlfriend while in town on 3/5/22 and had the pleasure of having Clement as our guide. Clement was a very informative and knowledgeable guide along with comical too. The museum has a lot of artifacts and history of the Columbus Fire and firefighting in general along with a fire safety portion and some interactive things for children as well. Clement made our visit to the museum very enjoyable and was relatable as a retired firefighter from Columbus. We both had a blast visiting and would highly recommend it!

  • 1/5 Cheri D. 8 months ago on Google
    We went as a field trip. The tour guide only allowed half the class to do the smoke (lights pretending to be either smoke or light) bedroom. The smaller kids did the actually smoke house earlier that year which I advised him. He just kept going on. As if the more he talked and threw initials at me I would believe him. I refused to argue with the gentlemen. He seemed determined to ruin a field trip for the kids that were in K-1st grade. I just know we won't do this as a field trip again.

  • 5/5 Angel M. 4 years ago on Google
    Our tour guide was amazing!!!

  • 5/5 Abigail M C. 1 year ago on Google
    My husband and I went in the afternoon after there was a birthday party. We had such a good time chatting with Larry and his wife. We learned a lot about the original fire fighters and got to observe some older equipment and memorabilia. Definitely ask questions! These guys know their stuff and were a blast to chat with. There was so much detail throughout the station that we easily spent 2 hours there. The fire safety demonstration area for kids is a great tool to help educate about fire safety. I specifically enjoyed learning about the horses used to pull the different tools!

  • 5/5 Karly J. 1 year ago on Google
    We went to this museum with my two children (4.5 and 2) Everyone working was friendly, made us laugh, and gave us a wonderful experience to remember! They made us all feel so comfortable and were great with our kids. We went for our 4 year old but we even enjoyed the tour and watching our children explore the play area with dress up clothes. Definitely a must see if you have kids who are interested in fire fighters or even just something to do indoors. Thanks for a great visit!

  • 5/5 Melia D. 1 year ago on Google
    Clement gave us an excellent, informative, and friendly tour! I have learned something each time we have come over the years! I love how much history is here, but I also love how they teach applicable information!

  • 5/5 Ashley I. 3 years ago on Google
    We had a great time! Learned a lot of history!

  • 5/5 Brit S. 3 years ago on Google
    Awesome place with some not frequently known facts!

  • 5/5 OrionActual 3 years ago on Google
    A perfectly restored history trip.

  • 5/5 Veronica M. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent guided tour! Kids love it!

  • 5/5 Jason C. 3 years ago on Google
    A lot of great pieces, amazing historical building, guide Clement was amazing, friendly, and knowledgeable

  • 5/5 Beth B. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to visit. Very informative.

  • 4/5 نت �. 3 years ago on Google
    Walking inside this museum has a special feeling.

  • 5/5 Greg R. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place

  • 5/5 Jason D. 3 years ago on Google
    Fun and informative!

  • 5/5 Gayle M. 4 years ago on Google
    Very fun experience

  • 5/5 Mike E. 3 years ago on Google
    Really awesome history of firefighters and equipment. Need to make it a stop when nearby!

  • 5/5 Theresa F. 3 years ago on Google
    Love the historical aspects of the building and the fire service in Central Ohio.

  • 5/5 Christian R. 3 years ago on Google
    My boys learned a lot of new and interesting things on our visit. Definitely glad I took them.

  • 5/5 David F. 3 years ago on Google
    We found this gem on Google Maps.... Staff was friendly. Our tour guide was amazing, knowledgeable, and humorous. She was very interactive with the kids. I would definitely recommend this Museum.

  • 5/5 Alexandre B. 3 years ago on Google
    This was a great little museum to go to. I am visiting Columbus and this popped up as a site worth checking out. I spent a good 3 hours in there because the owner and his son gave me a good rundown of the history of the building and answered my many questions I had. The entire tour however shouldn’t take more than 1 hour to visit. They have several firefighting vehicles through the years along with boards explaining the different aspects of firefighting and its history. I would recommend making a stop here if you have time.

  • 5/5 Ryan C. 3 years ago on Google
    I was taken aback at how good this collection was. I went thinking the kids would enjoy it, but it turns out I was just as mesmerized. Good job to all the staff!

  • 5/5 D N. 3 years ago on Google
    Super grateful for the on duty staff that showed us around today!! Really went out of their way and were Extremely knowledgeable about everything in the Museum!! Thanks again from your Dallas friends!!!

  • 5/5 Kimberlie 3 years ago on Google
    These are the kinds of places I save 5 stars for! It's small, but it's packed with history, authentic artifacts, and information. Even the horses' hoof marks are still on the stable doors!!! The staff is beyond helpful and accommodating, especially to my special needs guy who wanted to stay for a couple hours rotating between staring at the lights, mannequins, and the trucks. They're also so informative and knowledgeable. Our guide was Sue and she was amazing. But I could hear the other guide with his guests and he was excellent too. There's stuff around every corner and just when your eyes think they've absorbed it all, you find you missed something...again. Get past the physical size and the limitations you THINK that's going to present, and you'll get immersed in so much more than you imagined! Can't believe we've never been and will definitely be back!!! Oh, they do fire safety and education, so there's that element, too.

  • 5/5 Jason K. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place to visit with guided tour. If you have kids then they work great with them as well. Highly recommend this for a visit!

  • 1/5 Monty P. 4 years ago on Google
    Bord out of my mind it sucks

  • 5/5 Bob R. 4 years ago on Google
    I visited the Central Ohio Fire Museum recently [10-24-2019] during a leisurely afternoon stroll between Italian Village and Franklinton. I had arrived at the Central Ohio Fire Museum about twenty minutes before they would be closing so the guy at the entrance let me in for free. Actually, I probably would have spent only about twenty minutes there anyway. I had been able to see, during my brief visit, several things that I clearly remember from my childhood [for example, a former black-and-white embossed City-of-Columbus "street sign" design that is no longer used and a former yellow "telephone call box," to be mounted on a telephone pole, that is no longer used]. The Central Ohio Fire Museum building is historic because it had served for many years as a Columbus Fire Department fire house. The "No. 16 ENGINE HOUSE" words are clearly visible on the front wall of the building above the large doors. The "OSU-Michigan football rivalry" had been clearly evident at the Central Ohio Fire Museum. The horse for a horse-drawn fire truck in the center of the room had been wearing both a "University of Michigan" cap [on the right side of its head] and a "The Ohio State University" cap [with only the word "THE" visible on the front] [on the left side of its head].

  • 5/5 D 4 years ago on Google
    Really cool!

  • 4/5 Karin P. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Small but nice. Exciting guide, very nice staff (Original) Klein, aber fein. Spannende Führung, sehr nettes Personal

  • 5/5 Andrew P. 4 years ago on Google
    Really cool place. Attended a birthday party here and it worked out really well. A lot of neat historical fire fighting equipment and the goddess were very knowledgeable and friendly. Would definitely recommend it.

  • 5/5 Ryan Y. 4 years ago on Google
    Great people great tour!

  • 5/5 irma B. 4 years ago on Google
    This place is very informative. Everyone is very friendly. Took my little boy there, and he loved it.

  • 5/5 jay r. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place for kids and adults

  • 5/5 Spyke S. 4 years ago on Google
    Very Nice food, bit too crispy fries apart from that I enjoyed the meal

  • 5/5 Debra jean J. 4 years ago on Google
    Honor to be there

  • 5/5 Laura H. 4 years ago on Google
    small town but interesting things to see from horse drawn fire trucks

  • 2/5 Kyle C. 4 years ago on Google
    Costs too much for as little as the facility is, $30 for 2 adults and 2 kids under 10, for a ten minute walkthrough

  • 5/5 Cat L. 4 years ago on Google
    Great for the family!

  • 5/5 Sharon T. 4 years ago on Google
    This place was great also great history. Our guide was great we enjoyed our visit.


Call (614) 464-4099 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


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

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