Ohio Statehouse
Ohio Statehouse
4.5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tours & experiences
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Top ways to experience Ohio Statehouse and nearby attractions
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Restaurants
876 within 5 kms
Attractions
251 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Halle HBenson, Arizona470 contributionsInteresting historical stopA trip through history, and even prehistoric history! Check out the fossil limestone steps! It's a little unknown. It has wall sized historical painting and all sorts of points of interest. If visiting downtown Columbus, stop in and check out a free docent tour.Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten July 26, 2024
- Jennifer M74 contributionsInteresting tour!My friend and I enjoyed leaning a lot about the Capitol. The underground parking is convenient and easy. Our tour guide was very helpful, informative, and was even willing to show us extra. I especially liked how he was willing to answer any questions. There is an abundance of things to read about; however, the best part was the gift shop. They had lots of neat gift ideas for others!Visited August 2024Travelled with friendsWritten August 15, 2024
- ARTJPLLondon, United Kingdom363 contributionsStunning Interior Post-Massive RefurbishmentJoin one of the free tours that start on the hour to gain access to areas only accessible with a guide (only available when not in session). Our guided tour was an excellent introduction, followed by self-guided tour through the rest of the areas open to the public. The museum closed one hour earlier than the rest of the building so visiting earlier in the day may be wise. The restoration uncovered multiple architectural gems and the building has been beautifully restored. The gift shop had lots of interesting souvenirs.Visited August 2024Travelled on businessWritten September 3, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
470 reviews
Excellent
290
Very good
145
Average
30
Poor
5
Terrible
0
Cynthia F
Fair Lawn, NJ3,364 contributions
Oct 2022
We accidentally visited one hour before the tours begin and kept getting lost in the building. So we probably missed a lot of good exhibits.
Pretty architecture, but not as pretty as the nearby Supreme Court building.
Pretty architecture, but not as pretty as the nearby Supreme Court building.
Written October 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MemoryMaker5
Ohio1,316 contributions
Aug 2022
Having lived in Ohio my whole life, this was my first visit to the statehouse. My husband and I visited with our two sons. It was an excellent tour. We did the self-guided option, my favorite way to see things. The architecture was beautiful and everything was very interesting. There are three floors to explore. We started on the ground level at the educational center/museum. The orginial Ohio constitution is there and very nice exhibits. Parking was easy and convinent in their garage. It cost us $5 on the way out and the machine takes cards.
Written August 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Taylor B
Chicago, IL8,478 contributions
Jan 2023
The prominent architecture of the Ohio Statehouse, which was constructed from 1839 to 1861, has earned the state capitol building several landmark designations, including the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and National Historic Landmark in 1977. Located on Capitol Square in downtown Columbus, it is one of the oldest working statehouses in the United States and has been described as a supreme example of Greek Revival style. Unlike many state capitol buildings, the Ohio Statehouse owes little to the architecture of the U.S. Capitol and is patterned on a combination of stylistic elements from Greek sources. For example, the two-story cupola, measuring 70 feet tall and 64 feet wide, which acts as an observation deck for viewing the surrounding city, shows direct influence by the Tholos of Delphi, a circular temple built in 360 BC. The Parthenon of Athens also is an influence. The Statehouse features a central recessed porch with a colonnade of a forthright and primitive Greek Doric mode, built of Columbus limestone that was quarried on the west banks of the Scioto River. The Atrium, which connects the Statehouse with the Senate Building, is a large open space which hosts government functions and ceremonies as well as various meetings and events. The chambers of the Ohio General Assembly are on the second floor. Look for a sign on a pillar showing the exact spot where Abraham Lincoln, prior to his run for president, stood to give a speech on the building's steps.
Written February 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cenzt
Ohio21,401 contributions
Jun 2024 • Solo
Great trip. We arrived at approximately 3 pm and made our way towards the entrance of the capitol. Admission into the capitol was free, which is always a plus. We opted to partake in the guided tour of the capitol, which was being held on the hour, throughout the day. The tour started in the lobby, and took us to various rooms in the building. The tour guide was quite informative and told us a lot of interesting information about the building itself, and some of the important artifacts inside. The tour lasted roughly an hour. After the guided portion of the tour was finished, we went to the museum which was located in the back of the building. The museum had several informational plaques and hands on exhibits that went into detail about Ohio legislature and their state symbol.
Tip: I recommend spending 1.5 hours here if you truly want to see everything.
Tip: I recommend spending 1.5 hours here if you truly want to see everything.
Written October 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ken j
Manalapan, NJ929 contributions
Aug 2023 • Business
I came here at the start of a tour and joined the tour. It was fascinating. I learned a lot about the history of Ohio and famous people from the state (Ohio has 8 Presidents). I took a booklet also on the fossils of the stone of the building, and spent an extra hour walking around and seeing the many fossils in the stone Really interesting. The building also has beautiful grounds and nice sculptures out remembering various war and other heroes.
Written August 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AndreaUbok
Florida4,116 contributions
Sept 2021 • Couples
Sunday on the hour we enjoyed a complimentary tour of the Ohio Capital. Jeff began by telling 4 of us about the history of Ohio & the building. He then led us to the rotunda, atrium, Senate & House Quarters. We visited the small state museum on our own. During the week the cafe and gift shop are open.
Written September 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Halle H
Benson, AZ470 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
A trip through history, and even prehistoric history! Check out the fossil limestone steps! It's a little unknown. It has wall sized historical painting and all sorts of points of interest. If visiting downtown Columbus, stop in and check out a free docent tour.
Written July 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BigMerk
Glasgow, UK2,709 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
The Statehouse is easily located and well signposted. We managed to park right across the road - it’s metered parking but not too expensive for a short visit. Entry to the Capital building is free as always and the security staff were friendly. We did the self tour so only managed to see the Senate and House from the Gallery. Impressive marble throughout and much better looking inside than out. Well worth a visit.
Written September 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer M
74 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
My friend and I enjoyed leaning a lot about the Capitol. The underground parking is convenient and easy. Our tour guide was very helpful, informative, and was even willing to show us extra. I especially liked how he was willing to answer any questions. There is an abundance of things to read about; however, the best part was the gift shop. They had lots
of neat gift ideas for others!
of neat gift ideas for others!
Written August 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
99cooks111
Hershey, PA718 contributions
Feb 2020
Be certain to take a tour. The guides are so good. The place is absolutely beautiful. I moved away from Columbus in 1986 and the change since I last visited is amazing. This is a humbling experience for sure. We have visited many state capitals- yes even Pierre SD and it is really fun to see as many as you can.
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
julijermann
Columbus, Ohio
My boys are doing a Boy Scout merit badge. I had heard that you offer a program that can get them this badge. Do you and how do I find out about this program?
Written June 4, 2018
Michael R
Columbus, Ohio
At the Ohio Statehouse, the program for Boy Scouts is June 21, 2019. The program for Girl Scouts has been in February.
Written April 16, 2019
I wasn't sure so I checked the website:
Free Guided Tours Daily
Guided tours are offered Monday through Friday every hour on the hour with the first tour beginning at 10 a.m. and the last tour beginning at 3 p.m. Guided tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 12, 1, 2 , and 3 p.m. Please note that while the Ohio Statehouse is open to the public on the weekends, the House and Senate Chambers are kept locked, and are only available to be viewed during guided tours
Written April 22, 2018
Lili
Loveland, Ohio
Are you open on Saturday? till what time? Do we need to book for reservation? We are just 3 people. Thanks!
Written October 3, 2016
We went on a Sunday - it was very nice.
Free guided tours of the Capitol Square complex are offered Monday through Friday on the hour from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from noon until 3pm.
Written October 4, 2016
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