One of the New York Times’ 52 Places to Visit in 2019, Columbus is full of unforgettable experiences, distinct neighborhoods and one-of-a-kind tours. As a leader in experiential tourism, Columbus knows that getting groups in the middle of the action and behind the scenes is important.
The various military museums and collections located throughout the city along with the opening of the National Veterans Memorial and Museum make Columbus the perfect place to bring your group for a military-themed adventure. Did you know? During the Civil War, Ohio contributed more of its population to the Union Army than any other state. Many of the blue coats worn by the Union soldiers were manufactured in Columbus, which is how NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets got their team name. At each home game, a veteran or active duty member of the military is honored by the team and fans.
ASK
Experience Columbus
Roger Dudley, Director, Tourism Sales
614-222-6136
rdudley@experiencecolumbus.com
experiencecolumbus.com/tours
LEARN
Credit: Randall L. Schieber
Visit the National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM), the only place where the stories of our veterans, their families and the Fallen — across all branches of service and all eras of conflict — are told together. The museum features an outdoor memorial grove, a spiral processional that ascends to a rooftop sanctuary and dynamic exhibits, both rotating and permanent, to learn more about the experiences of the brave men and women who serve and have served.
TOUR
Credit: OSP Images
Motts Military Museum is dedicated to educating the public on the importance of America’s military past through documentation, collection, interpretation and preservation of tangible items. A trip involving visits to both NVMM and Motts offers a fascinating picture of America’s history of military involvement through the combination of hearing firsthand accounts and then seeing actual physical items.
EAT
Credit: Levi Ely
Established in 1876, the North Market is Columbus’ only remaining true public market. More than 30 merchants vend a wide variety of fresh, local, authentic food, along with several stands offering everything from cookware to flowers. Favorites include the funky Tibetan dumplings from Momo Ghar, the veggie-forward Little Eater or the original location of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams.
COMMEMORATE
Credit: Courtesy of Ohio History Center
To focus on Ohio’s military history specifically, the Ohio History Center features new displays of military artifacts from 20th and 21st-century service members. Here you can learn more about the stories of the objects and images of the individuals who used them. Experience the “Great War” in a new way, through a special display commemorating the centennial of the United States entering World War I at the Ohio History Center.
