Ohio State University Tours

The second oldest building remaining on The Ohio State University campus, Orton Hall was opened in 1893. It is named after Dr Edward Orton, Sr. who served as Ohio State's first president, OSU Professor of Geology from 1873 to 1899, and Ohio's State Geologist from 1882 until his death in 1899. Orton Hall is built of 40 different Ohio building stones. In the outside walls, these stones are laid in stratigraphic order according to their relative positions in Ohio's bedrock. The only non-indigenous to Ohio stone used is Indiana Limestone to build the front steps. It was chosen because of its high concentration of embedded fossils. The bell tower was dedicated in 1915 and contains 25,000 pounds of bells that can be heard regularly tolling across campus. Encircling the top of the tower are 24 columns with gargoyle-like figures which are restorations of fossil animals.
The second oldest building remaining on The Ohio State University campus, Orton Hall was opened in 1893. It is named after Dr Edward Orton, Sr. who served as Ohio State's first president, OSU Professor of Geology from 1873 to 1899, and Ohio's State Geologist from 1882 until his death in 1899. Orton Hall is built of 40 different Ohio building stones. In the outside walls, these stones are laid in stratigraphic order according to their relative positions in Ohio's bedrock. The only non-indigenous to Ohio stone used is Indiana Limestone to build the front steps. It was chosen because of its high concentration of embedded fossils. The bell tower was dedicated in 1915 and contains 25,000 pounds of bells that can be heard regularly tolling across campus. Encircling the top of the tower are 24 columns with gargoyle-like figures which are restorations of fossil animals.
This pink and white marbled petunia is actually an unintended mutation of what was intended to be a completely pink bloom. The OSU cultivar trials, located at Ohio State University's Chadwick Arboretum and Learning Gardens, are conducted each year in order to evaluate ornamental bedding and container plants. The objective of these trials is to observe the performance of new and recently introduced cultivated plant varieties under environmental conditions typical of central Ohio. Despite their stated scientific and economic purposes, the gardens are beautiful to walk through and photograph. Best of all, they're FREE!
A closeup of the bloom of a Dahlia glistening in the aftermath of an afternoon shower The OSU cultivar trials, located at Ohio State University's Chadwick Arboretum and Learning Gardens, are conducted each year in order to evaluate ornamental bedding and container plants. The objective of these trials is to observe the performance of new and recently introduced cultivated plant varieties under environmental conditions typical of central Ohio. Despite their stated scientific and economic purposes, the gardens are beautiful to walk through and photograph. Best of all, they're FREE!
Ohio State University

Reviews of Ohio State University

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
739
5 - Excellent 64%
4 - Good
299
4 - Good 26%
3 - Okay
89
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
10
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
22
1 - Terrible 2%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Went to OSU hockey game

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Covelli Center

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Avoid going when there is a home football game. No place to park and not a pleasant experience. Frat house neighborhoods look like skid row.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Went to OSU football game

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

GO BUCKS!!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Bring a good coat (in the winter)

Popular places to visit

Ohio Stadium

Ohio Stadium

Catch an event at Ohio Stadium during your trip to Columbus. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.

Ohio Stadium
Wexner Center for the Arts featuring theater scenes and signage

Wexner Center for the Arts

Discover a world of new and exciting contemporary art, performance and film at this laboratory for the arts at Ohio State University.

Wexner Center for the Arts
This pink and white marbled petunia is actually an unintended mutation of what was intended to be a completely pink bloom. The OSU cultivar trials, located at Ohio State University's Chadwick Arboretum and Learning Gardens, are conducted each year in order to evaluate ornamental bedding and container plants. The objective of these trials is to observe the performance of new and recently introduced cultivated plant varieties under environmental conditions typical of central Ohio. Despite their stated scientific and economic purposes, the gardens are beautiful to walk through and photograph. Best of all, they're FREE!

Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens

Enjoy a stop at Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens, an entertaining place to visit in Columbus. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theater scene.

Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens
Historic Crew Stadium

Historic Crew Stadium

Catch an event at Historic Crew Stadium during your trip to Columbus. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event.

Historic Crew Stadium
Drone pic hovering near 11th street entry to the fairgrounds and facing south towards downtown columbus ohio

Ohio State Fairgrounds

Enjoy a stop at Ohio State Fairgrounds, an entertaining place to visit in Columbus. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene and lively festivals.

Ohio State Fairgrounds
Entry from 17th ave to the fairgrounds

Ohio Expo Center and State Fair

Enjoy a stop at Ohio Expo Center and State Fair, an entertaining place to visit in Columbus. Experience the area's lively festivals and acclaimed theater scene.

Ohio Expo Center and State Fair

Best Lodging Options Near Ohio State University

Hyatt House Columbus OSU / Short North

Hyatt House Columbus OSU / Short North

3 out of 5
633 WEST 5TH AVENUE Columbus OH
Hyatt House Columbus OSU / Short North
Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Columbus-Ohio State University OSU

Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Columbus-Ohio State University OSU

2.5 out of 5
441 Ackerman Road Columbus OH
Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Columbus-Ohio State University OSU
Hilton Columbus Downtown

Hilton Columbus Downtown

4 out of 5
402 North High Street Columbus OH
Hilton Columbus Downtown
Residence Inn by Marriott Columbus OSU

Residence Inn by Marriott Columbus OSU

3 out of 5
3100 Olentangy River Road Columbus OH
Residence Inn by Marriott Columbus OSU
Graduate by Hilton Columbus

Graduate by Hilton Columbus

4 out of 5
750 North High Street Columbus OH
Graduate by Hilton Columbus
See all 2,025 properties in Ohio State University
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.