Columbus, Ohio is renowned for its vibrant and modern atmosphere, thanks to its flourishing art scene and booming technology industry. The capital of the state of Ohio is a hub of energy and creativity all year round, boasting one of the largest university campuses in the country. The city is most well-known for being the home of the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Buckeye Nation
is passionate about soccer and basketball, but other sports such as ice hockey, baseball and soccer also draw a crowd.Columbus is also renowned for its historic sites, such as the Ohio House of Representatives. The state capital has a rich collection of museums, including the Museum of Art, the Science and Industry Center and the prestigious Scioto Mile, a collection of trails and parks along the Scioto River. Columbus is a diverse city with fashion festivals, die-hard sports fans and beautiful parks. Alternative arts, culture or politics-oriented newspapers include ALIVE (formerly the independent Columbus Alive newspaper and now owned by Columbus Dispatch), Columbus Free Press and Columbus Underground (digitally only). The city is also home to the world-renowned Ohio State University (OSU), which is considered one of the largest in the country in terms of student enrollment.
OSU has played a huge role in Columbus' growth and diversity. The city is also known for its annual festivities, such as the Ohio State Fair, one of the largest state fairs in the country; the Columbus Arts Festival; and the Jazz & Rib Fest, which are held on the riverfront in the center of the city. Otherworld has become increasingly popular with locals and tourists, helping to establish Columbus as a legitimate technology hub in the state. Popular museums in Columbus include the Columbus Museum of Art, which specializes in historical and contemporary art; the Central Ohio Fire Museum; the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum; and the Ohio Museum of Crafts. In addition to serving as the governor's office, the Ohio House of Representatives also functions as a museum and is among the most visited places in Columbus County. One of its most iconic attractions is Scioto Mile, located in downtown Columbus.
On the first weekend of June, bars in Columbus' North Market District host Park Street Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors to a massive party in bars and on the street. Columbus also has strong ties to Christopher Columbus; it was gifted with a bronze statue from Genoa to commemorate this relationship. Every year on Hispanic Heritage Day (the day before Jubilee), a protest is held during the dedication of a replica of Santa María. Another popular event is Juneteenth Ohio, started by Mustafaa Shabaz; it's one of the largest African-American festivals in America with three full days of music, food, dance and entertainment by local and national recording artists.
