The Ohio State University Campus Map
The Ohio State University (OSU) is one of the largest universities in the United States, with a sprawling campus that covers over 1,700 acres. Located in Columbus, Ohio, the university is home to a diverse community of students, faculty, and staff from all over the world. Whether you are a student, a visitor, or a local resident, there is always something new to discover on the OSU campus. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will take you on a tour of the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports.
Top Attractions
The OSU campus is home to many iconic landmarks and attractions that are worth visiting. Some of the top attractions include:
- The Ohio Stadium: This is the home of the Ohio State Buckeyes football team. It is one of the largest stadiums in the country, with a seating capacity of over 100,000.
- The Oval: This is the heart of the OSU campus, and it is a beautiful green space that is surrounded by historic buildings.
- The Wexner Center for the Arts: This is a world-renowned contemporary art museum that is located on the OSU campus.
- The Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens: This is a beautiful botanical garden that is home to over 60 acres of plants, trees, and flowers.
Hidden Gems
While the top attractions are definitely worth visiting, there are also many hidden gems on the OSU campus that are often overlooked. Here are a few of our favorites:
- The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum: This is a unique museum that is dedicated to the art of cartoons and comics. It has a vast collection of original artwork, manuscripts, and other memorabilia.
- The Orton Geological Museum: This is a small museum that is home to a fascinating collection of rocks, minerals, and fossils. It is a great place to learn about the history of the earth.
- The Thompson Library: This is the main library on the OSU campus, and it is one of the most beautiful buildings on campus. It has a vast collection of books, journals, and other resources.
Food Scene
The OSU campus is home to a vibrant food scene that offers something for everyone. Whether you are in the mood for pizza, sushi, burgers, or vegan food, you will find it on campus. Some of the top restaurants and cafes include:
- Northstar Cafe: This is a popular cafe that serves healthy and delicious food. They are known for their salads, burgers, and smoothies.
- Blaze Pizza: This is a fast-casual pizza chain that allows you to create your own pizza with fresh ingredients.
- Sushiko: This is a sushi restaurant that offers a wide variety of sushi rolls, sashimi, and other Japanese dishes.
- Hang Over Easy: This is a breakfast and brunch restaurant that serves classic American dishes like pancakes, waffles, and omelets.
Budget-Friendly Tips
While the food scene on the OSU campus is great, it can also be expensive. Here are a few tips to help you save money on food:
- Bring your own snacks and drinks: There are many vending machines and water fountains on campus, so you can easily bring your own food and drinks.
- Take advantage of meal plans: If you are a student, you can purchase a meal plan that will allow you to eat at the campus dining halls for a discounted price.
- Visit food trucks: There are often food trucks parked on the OSU campus, and they offer a variety of affordable and delicious meals.
Outdoor Adventures
The OSU campus is surrounded by beautiful parks and natural areas that are perfect for outdoor adventures. Here are a few of our favorite outdoor activities:
- Hiking: The Olentangy River Trail is a popular hiking trail that runs through the OSU campus and offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding nature.
- Biking: The OSU campus is bike-friendly, with many bike lanes and trails. You can rent a bike from one of the many bike rental shops on campus.
- Kayaking: The nearby Alum Creek State Park offers kayaking and canoeing opportunities on the lake.
Historical Landmarks
The OSU campus is rich in history, with many historic landmarks and buildings that are worth exploring. Here are a few of our favorites:
- The Ohio Union: This is a historic building that was built in 1910 and is now the hub of student life on the OSU campus.
- The William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library: This is a beautiful library that was built in 1912 and is named after the university’s fifth president.
- The Orton Hall: This is a historic building that was built in 1893 and is home to the Orton Geological Museum.
Family-Friendly Activities
The OSU campus is a great place to visit with your family, with many fun and educational activities for kids of all ages. Here are a few family-friendly activities:
- The Ohio State University Museum of Biological Diversity: This is a natural history museum that is home to over 3 million specimens of plants, animals, and fossils.
- The Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens: This is a beautiful botanical garden that offers educational programs for kids.
- The Ohio State University Planetarium: This is a state-of-the-art planetarium that offers shows and educational programs for kids and adults.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you are looking for something a little more unique, there are also many off-the-beaten-path experiences on the OSU campus. Here are a few ideas:
- The OSU Urban Arts Space: This is a contemporary art gallery that showcases the work of emerging artists.
- The OSU Ice Rink: This is a great place to go ice skating, whether you are a beginner or an experienced skater.
- The OSU Golf Course: This is a beautiful golf course that is open to the public. It offers stunning views of the campus and the city.
Natural Wonders
The OSU campus is surrounded by beautiful natural areas that offer breathtaking views and opportunities for outdoor adventures. Here are a few natural wonders to explore:
- The Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens: This is a beautiful botanical garden that is home to over 60 acres of plants, trees, and flowers.
- The Olentangy River Trail: This is a popular hiking and biking trail that runs through the OSU campus and offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding nature.
- The Alum Creek State Park: This is a beautiful park that offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, kayaking, and other outdoor activities.
Vibrant Nightlife
The OSU campus is known for its vibrant nightlife, with many bars, clubs, and music venues that offer something for everyone. Here are a few of our favorite nightlife spots:
- The Ugly Tuna Saloona: This is a popular bar that offers great drink specials and a fun atmosphere.
- The Newport Music Hall: This is a historic music venue that has hosted many famous musicians over the years.
- The Big Bar & Grill: This is a sports bar that offers great food and drinks, as well as a fun atmosphere for watching games.
Local Markets
If you are looking for fresh produce, artisanal goods, or unique souvenirs, there are many local markets on the OSU campus that are worth visiting. Here are a few of our favorites:
- The Clintonville Farmers’ Market: This is a weekly farmers’ market that offers fresh produce, baked goods, and other local products.
- The Short North Arts District: This is a vibrant neighborhood that is home to many art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.
- The North Market: This is a historic market that offers a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and other specialty foods.
Beaches and Mountains
If you are looking to explore beyond the OSU campus, there are many beaches and mountains within driving distance. Here are a few ideas:
- The Hocking Hills State Park: This is a beautiful park that is home to many hiking trails, waterfalls,