Free things to do in Columbus

3 genuinely free places in and around Columbus, Ohio — each with an honest receipt for what the day really costs once parking and lunch are counted.

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Historic siteVerified

Ohio Statehouse

Columbus, Ohio

Explore Ohio's Greek Revival state capitol and its museum exhibits; free guided tours cover the building's architecture, history, and legislative chambers.

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EntryFREE

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Lunch for 4Downtown cafés and restaurants are within a few blocks.

Cost to get therevaries

Paid parking is available in the underground Statehouse garage and at other downtown facilities.

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MuseumVerified

Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum

Columbus, Ohio

Ohio State University's cartoon museum presents changing exhibitions drawn from a major collection of comics, editorial cartoons, and original cartoon art.

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Lunch for 4Food and drink are not permitted in the galleries; campus dining is nearby.

Cost to get therevaries

Campus garages and metered street spaces are available nearby; charges and restrictions vary.

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GalleryVerified

Wexner Center for the Arts

Columbus, Ohio

The Ohio State University contemporary-arts center offers free admission to its visual-art galleries, housed in Peter Eisenman's distinctive building.

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EntryFREE

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Lunch for 4A café operates inside the center; additional campus dining is close by.

Cost to get therevaries

Paid Ohio State campus garages and metered spaces are available nearby.

Parking price not checked yet — view parking nearby.

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