When you think of The Ohio State University’s campus, you picture The Shoe. And while the iconic landmark is the epicenter of Buckeye football activity during the fall season, The Ohio State University offers tons of free and low-cost activities, shopping, diverse dining, and entertainment options to enjoy anytime of year.
Make the most of your next game day by staying for the weekend, and explore all the experiences that The Ohio State University’s campus and surrounding neighborhoods have to offer – from a family-friendly excursion to a Buckeye-themed trip with your buddies. We have a three day itinerary of must-see campus spots, hidden gems, and plenty of restaurants to keep you fueled.
Book your stay in a walkable district near campus like The Blackwell or The Graduate, and let’s get started.
Source: Buckeye Donuts
DAY ONE
Early Afternoon Activity | Visit a Campus Museum
The Wexner Center for the Arts
1871 N High St, Columbus, OH
After you arrive, visit The Wexner Center for the Arts to kick off your weekend. This artistic lab and public gallery is complete with exhibits for exploring contemporary art. The space is also a venue for arts and community focused events, film screenings, and performances. The Wex is currently open to the public to purchase tickets and enjoy the art center, cafe, and gift shop each day of the week except Mondays. Contact The Wex directly to confirm available hours before planning your visit, and take advantage of free arts, culture, and community programming available on the first Thursday of each month!
The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum (FREE)
1813 N High St, Columbus, OH
The beloved Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum is home to the world’s largest collection of cartoons and comics. Stroll through exhibits at this free museum to discover your favorites, from Disney illustrations to Calvin and Hobbes, or ask to flip through the museum’s extensive archives of all things cartoons. Enjoy over 2.5 million newspaper comic strip clippings, 107,000 comics, and more.
The museum is open every day of the week except Mondays, from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Contact the museum or verify online before visiting.
The Orton Geological Museum (FREE)
155 S Oval Mall, Columbus, OH
Check out The Orton Geological Museum, a free attraction located within The Ohio State University College of Arts and Sciences. Inside, you’re greeted by a dinosaur bone cast (giant theropod dinosaur Cryolophosaurus) perfect for family photos. The museum has an intimate display of rocks, gems, and even materials from outer space. Learn about creatures and mineral formations in early Ohio, and stop by the gift shop before you leave.
The museum is currently open from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and closed on weekends during the fall and spring semesters. The Orton Geological is open throughout other times of the year as well, during varying days and hours. Contact the museum directly to confirm before your visit.
Late Lunch/Early Dinner | Buckeye Donuts
1998 N High St, Columbus, OH
Open 24-hours a day, and serving up hot eats and delicious donuts, the OSU Buckeye Donuts location is the perfect place to grab a classic “buckeye” flavored donut and a hot cup of coffee while you walk around campus.
Late Afternoon | Gear Shopping & Thrifting
OSU Campus Barnes & Noble, The Ohio State University Bookstore
1598 N High St, Columbus, OH
Grab your gear, books, and magazines at The Ohio State University Bookstore, located at The Ohio State University’s campus Barnes & Noble.
Campus is connected to the top thrifting spots in Columbus, where you’re bound to find vintage clothing, home decor, records and more! Read our ultimate thrifting guide for vintage shopping and antiquing in Columbus.
Evening Activity | Gateway Film Center
1550 N High St, Columbus, OH
The Gateway Film Center is a local nonprofit independent film and visual arts exhibition, located at the heart of The Ohio State University’s campus. Catch small indie film releases, re-plays of cult classics and childhood favorites, documentaries, blockbusters, and seasonal screenings alike.
Late Night Activity | Kafe Kerouac
2250 N High St, Columbus, OH
Embrace your inner English major at Kafe Kerouac. The local spot is the perfect place to cozy up with a good book and coffee, or enjoy adult beverages late into the night. Forgot your book at home? No problem. Guests can browse used books and records at the cafe.
Ohio Stadium on Game Day. Source: The Ohio State University
DAY TWO
Breakfast | HangOverEasy
1646 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
Get ready for the day with some breakfast eats from HangOverEasy, a campus staple and Columbus-based restaurant known for diner food and boozy brunch options. Tip: Join their online waitlist to shorten your wait time!
Game Day Morning | Ohio Stadium (The Shoe)
411 Woody Hayes Dr, Columbus, OH
Built in the early 1920s, The Horseshoe is one of the oldest college stadiums still standing today. On game days, many fans will arrive early to tail gate with a sea of Buckeye fans.
The Shoe also offers behind the scenes and educational tours to the public all year long. Ticket prices and experiences vary, and group tours for bachelor/bachelorette parties or work outings are encouraged. While football season is the ultimate tour time with their Game Day Tours, The Shoe offers special tours, like the Hot Chocolate Tour in December.
Ohio State game day and tailgating tips:
On game days, parking garages and lots around The Ohio State University campus will open at 5:00 a.m. for those who want to get an early start and set up their tail gate spot. If you’re planning on arriving closer to game time, it’s recommended to be on campus three to four hours before kick-off to find a parking spot (or coordinate with ride-share), and enjoy or navigate through pre-game activities. The Shoe will open two hours prior to kick-off, giving you plenty of time to grab food and beverages, snap some photos, and get settled in your seats.
Post Game Bites | Adriatico’s New York Style Pizza
1618 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH
Celebrate after the game with some pizza at Adriatico’s, an iconic campus pizza joint.
The Ohio State University campus and surrounding neighborhoods are known for a wealth of diverse dining options, including highly-rated and acclaimed eateries for any type of craving. Get our recommendations for the best places to eat near campus.
Late Night | Old North Arcade Bar
2591 N High St, Columbus, OH
Close out your night with some drinks out on the town but make it old school at the Old North Arcade Bar, a stone’s throw from The Ohio State University’s campus. Order at the bar and enjoy classic arcade games, including pinball.
Ohio State University Campus. Source: 6-Drone-4.
DAY THREE
Morning Activity | Campus Outdoor Garden Walks
Stretch your legs and breathe in some fresh morning air by wandering through acres of cultivated gardens on campus, taking in local art and plenty of peaceful places to sip a morning coffee.
Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens (FREE)
Main Office located at 152 Howlett Hall, 2001 Fyffe Court, Columbus, OH
Enjoy over 30 acres of landscaped gardens and plant collections at the Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens, open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year. This outdoor attraction is completely free, including free guided tours. The gardens span The Ohio State University campus, including places for picnics, over 1,000 trees, walking trails, and public art and sculptures.
Labyrinth Garden (FREE)
451-557 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH
The serene Lois B. Small and Gladys B. Hamilton Labyrinth Garden located within The Ohio State University’s campus is a quiet place to escape, meditate, and walk the labyrinth surrounded by greenery. This labyrinth is an intimate, spiritual circular walking path that takes about 20 minutes or less to complete, calming the mind.
Mirror Lake
South Oval Dr & W. 12th Ave, Columbus, OH
The iconic Mirror Lake is now a part of the Mirror Lake District on campus, neighboring the Orton Geological Museum. Campus lore claims that The Ohio State University was founded based on Mirror Lake, making it a part of Ohio history forever. Take a quick lap around the lake, grab a bite, and have a picnic overlooking the historic landmark.
Brutus the Buckeyes Statues
Throughout campus
Join in the fun and ask “Where IS Brutus?” With over 30-themed Brutus the Buckeye statues around The Ohio State Campus, walk or drive to locate them all! These iconic depictions of Brutus make the perfect photo opp, and is a no-cost activity for your Buckeye fan kiddos.
The statues originate from a 2009 project called “Brutus on Parade,” where artists and businesses came together to decorate the 150 pound, 6 ft 2 inch tall mascots.
Afternoon Activity | Choose your Own Adventure
Ohio State Ice Rink
390 Woody Hayes Dr, Columbus, OH
Not only is The Ohio State University Ice Rink home to the women’s ice hockey team, but it is also open for skating to the public on select weekend dates throughout the year. Visit the ice rink website or call ahead to confirm availability.
Ohio State Theatre & Film
Box Office: 100 Theatre, Film, and Media Arts Building, 1932 College Road, Columbus, OH
Catch a play or film screening from The Ohio State University’s Department of Theatre, Film, and Media Arts. View their academic year show season, and get tickets to experience live theater at the campus Proscenium Theatre or intimate Blackbox Theatre.
Whether you’re in Columbus for one night with your game day gear, or planning a long weekend to really take in the Buckeye vibes, the shops, cafes, and vibrant communities surrounding campus are sure to make your next trip a touchdown.
