The biggest city in Ohio trails only Chicago in population in the Midwest region, and the state capital has plenty to offer in every season. Winters are cold and long in Ohio, but there are numerous areas in the area regardless of snow and cold.
Guests from abroad need ESTA travel authorization to enter the US. It’s a simplified procedure to get the visit permit, and it’s available for visitors from countries in Visa Waiver Program. How long is an esta valid for? After you successfully apply, the administration will take a look at your application. After a couple of days, the permit is granted if everything checks out. Once you have ESTA, you can visit the US in the next two years.
Winter fun in Columbus
One of the least appealing things for Americans living in warm-weather places like Florida and California is the cold and snow. Columbus has plenty of both most years in the winter months. But when life gives you a lemon, you know the rest. When it grants you snow, grab a sled and head to the best sledding hills in the Columbus area. All parts of the town have several such places, and you can check them out.
A short drive from downtown, you can find scenic natural phenomenons like Hayden Run Falls in the Dublin suburbs. A frozen waterfall is a popular location for visitors.
You can find a similar beautiful location at Indian Run Falls, some 20 minutes drive with a frozen waterfall and moderate family hike.
Ohio State is one of the most significant college football programs in the country, and its stadium is more significant than most NFL stadiums. Winter marks the end of the season for college football, and you can try to watch “the Game,” as people call Ohio State and Michigan football matches.
Winter park Columbus Ohio
As the home of NFL club Columbus Blue Jackets, ice-skating is extremely popular in town. The team is a sponsor of Columbus Blue Jackets Winter Park. This is a three-week festivity in McFersons Commons with an outdoor ice rink. Among the most popular outdoor skating location is Easton Ice Rink. Coffman Park and Blendon Woods in Dublin, Battelle Darb Creek in Georgesville, and Orange Township Glen Oak Park are other excellent ice skating rinks.
Chiller Ice Ring, The Ohio State University Ice Rink, and Lou & Gibb Reese Ice Arena are indoor facilities for ice-skating.
Fun dates in Columbus Ohio
Winter is a great time to visit popular indoor attractions in Columbus. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium have a unique winter program. You can explore Arctic fox, bears, and reindeer habitats. The aquarium is huge and hosts sea turtles, sharks, and manatees.
You can revisit the kids in yourself with the Legoland discovery center. In huge 36,000 square feet, you can go on a virtual factory tour, go to themed play zones or watch a movie in the 4D cinema.
A romantic walk in the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Garden offers cleverly named exhibitions. You can enjoy Tropical Paradise, Colorful Escapes, The Arts, and A New Passion. In winter conservatory has a huge light display and Chihuly glass to lights interactive light sculpture.
If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, you can grab a snack at Igloo at Vaso, a heated glass igloo on the rooftop bar in Dublin.
Funny Bone Comedy Club is a great way to spend a date night with a formidable lineup of stand-up comedians visiting the famous club. If you’re into art, go to the Columbus Museum of Art. Some of the permanent exhibitions include Tara Booth Columbus Comics Residency, Always CMA, or Raggin’ On. You can find Picaso or Gris from famous European authors, or Elijah Pierce and Fred Alten from American artists, among the artwork.
Hotels near Bicentennial Park Columbus Ohio
Bicentennial Park is a downtown 4.66-acre park with an incredible fountain, a beautiful performance pavilion, and the Promenade. This is a major hotspot in Columbus, and no wonder there are plenty of great accommodations in the area. Red Roof Inn is within walking distance from the park and has free WiFi, a fitness center, and has a modern design with comfortable rooms.
Courtyard Columbus Downtown has a great location and plenty of amenities, including a pool, fitness center, and spa. WiFi and parking are guaranteed, and you’ll be within walking distance from many of Columbus’s biggest attractions.
Other nearby hotels include Hilton Columbus, Hyatt Regency, and Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel.
If you use Columbus as a starting point for the Ohio round trip, you might want to avoid the most dangerous cities in ohio. Some of the towns you should probably leave out of the itinerary include Whitehall, Chilliochothe, Canton, and some parts of Cleveland, Dayton, and even Columbus. Overall, Ohio is considered a safe state.
Bottom line
Columbus, just like most big American cities, has plenty to offer in any season. Winter is no different, and you can go on sledding hills and ice-rinks, visit nearby frozen waterfalls or explore indoor attractions like Legoland and Aquarium.