CENTRAL OHIO
NATURE & RECREATION | GROVEPORT OH
Three Creeks Metro Park offers 1,100 acres of natural beauty where Alum Creek, Big Walnut Creek, and Blacklick Creek converge. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, fishing, picnicking, and wildlife observation. The park features diverse habitats including wetlands, forests, and prairies, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.
FOREST & GOLF | REYNOLDSBURG OH
Blacklick Woods Metro Park is renowned for its 643 acres of preserved beech-maple forest. The park offers four miles of hiking trails, a 4-mile multi-use trail, and a nature center. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the 18-hole Blacklick Woods Golf Courses, while nature lovers can explore the Walter A. Tucker State Nature Preserve within the park.
WETLANDS & WILDLIFE | CANAL WINCHESTER OH
Pickerington Ponds Metro Park is a premier spot for bird watching, featuring 486 acres of wetlands and ponds. Over 260 species of birds have been observed here, making it a paradise for birders. The park offers hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and scenic overlooks, providing visitors with a unique wetland ecosystem experience.
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT | COLUMBUS OH
Magic Mountain Fun Center is a family-friendly entertainment complex offering a variety of attractions. Visitors can enjoy go-karts, miniature golf, laser tag, arcade games, and batting cages. The center also features a rock climbing wall and bumper boats, providing endless fun for all ages in a lively, energetic atmosphere.
IMMERSIVE ART EXPERIENCE | COLUMBUS OH
Otherworld is a groundbreaking immersive art installation spanning 32,000 square feet. This unique attraction features over 40 scenes filled with large-scale interactive art, mixed reality playgrounds, and secret passageways. Visitors can explore a surreal, sci-fi inspired world that blends technology, art, and imagination into an unforgettable sensory journey.
FLORA & ART | COLUMBUS OH
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a horticultural and educational institution showcasing exotic plant collections, special exhibitions, and Dale Chihuly artworks. The conservatory features themed gardens, a butterfly garden, and seasonal displays. Visitors can enjoy classes, workshops, and events that celebrate the beauty of nature and botanical diversity.
HISTORIC FACTORY TOUR | LOGAN OH
Columbus Washboard Company, founded in 1895, is the only remaining washboard manufacturer in the United States. Visitors can tour the factory to see how these classic cleaning tools are made using both vintage and modern equipment. The company offers a unique glimpse into American industrial history and the enduring appeal of traditional household items.
HISTORIC TRAIN RIDES | NELSONVILLE OH
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway offers nostalgic train rides through the picturesque Hocking River Valley. Passengers can enjoy scenic views of the Hocking Hills region from vintage train cars. The railway hosts various themed excursions throughout the year, including holiday specials, providing a charming journey through Ohio's natural beauty and railroad history.
UNDERGROUND EXPLORATION | DELAWARE OH
Olentangy Indian Caverns features natural underground caves formed millions of years ago by the action of water on limestone. Visitors can explore three levels of caverns, learning about their geological formation and Native American history. The attraction also offers gem mining, mini-golf, and a museum, providing a mix of natural wonder and family-friendly activities.
UNIQUE FACTORY TOUR | COLUMBUS OH
American Whistle Corporation is the only metal whistle manufacturer in the United States. Visitors can take a fascinating tour of the factory to see how these iconic instruments are made. The tour showcases the entire production process, from metal stamping to assembly, and each participant receives a free American-made whistle as a souvenir.
Brice, Ohio, a small village in Franklin County, is known for its quaint charm and rich rural heritage. Despite its small size, with a population of just 93 as of the 2020 census, Brice offers visitors a glimpse into early American village life. The village, founded in 1880 along the railroad tracks, played a significant role in facilitating transportation and trade in the region during its early years.
One of Brice's most notable features is its historical significance. The village is home to several well-preserved early 20th-century buildings, including farmhouses and Foursquare homes dating back to 1900. These architectural gems provide a window into the area's past and attract history enthusiasts and architecture lovers alike. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour to admire these historic structures and imagine life in Brice during its formative years.
For nature lovers, Brice's proximity to several parks and natural areas is a major draw. The nearby Three Creeks Metro Park, named for the confluence of Alum, Big Walnut, and Blacklick creeks, offers extensive hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and picnic areas. Additionally, the Blacklick Woods Metro Park, just a short drive away, boasts one of Ohio's best-preserved beech-maple forests and provides a haven for local wildlife and bird watching enthusiasts.
While Brice itself may be small, its location near Columbus offers easy access to a wealth of attractions. The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, COSI (Center of Science and Industry), and the Columbus Museum of Art are all within a short drive. For those interested in shopping and dining, the nearby Gender Road Towne Centre provides a variety of options. Despite its size, Brice's charm, historical significance, and proximity to both natural and urban attractions make it a unique destination for those looking to experience a slice of early American village life while enjoying modern amenities.