1. It Will Take A Lot Of Braaaaains To Escape This Room With An Eww
Put on by Room Escape Adventures, “Trapped In A Room With A Zombie” is an hour-long game that you can sign up for in the Columbus Idea Foundry Building. Work with a team to solve riddles that will help you escape from a zombie’s wrath. If you don’t, you’ll be eaten.
2. Get The Scoop On This Literally Homemade Ice Cream Sensation
Columbus has a thing for ice cream. But the dairy best is Ollie’s Fine Ice Cream. Hidden away in what looks to be a family home, Ollie’s flavors change regularly, but the homemade flavors are always top notch. Call ahead when you want to come by—the hours tend to change, too.
3. This Grand Work Of Art Is Admittedly Pretty Corny
Outside Columbus in Dublin, there are more than 100 corncob statues erected as part of an art installation called “Field of Corn.” The installation is made of concrete, and is set on a field that was once used for, ironically, farming.
4. This Curiously Crafted Cow Is Udderly Fascinating
Here is something you didn’t know existed, but Columbus has proof. Born on a Tipp City farm and preserved at the Ohio History Center, a two-headed calf is on display for you to ponder. Cute or creepy?
5. Your Muscles May Be Impressive, But Then There’s Ah-Nold
See Where Ah-Nold Went From Pumping Iron To Posing In Bronze
Arnold Schwarzenegger may not be the first celebrity that comes to mind when you think of Columbus, but he won the “Mr. World” body builder title at the Veterans Memorial in 1970. So, a statue of him in his prime was unveiled here in 2012.
6. You Might Need To Send An S.O.S. If You Go Exploring Underneath OSU
Eight miles of tunnels snake under the Ohio State University campus, although they’re dark and confusing enough to feel much longer if you ever find yourself down there. There are no signs to point you in the right direction through these century-old passageways, and some paths lead to dead ends. All the more reason to find a way in, right?
7. If You Think Those Tunnels Are Tame, Try The Gates Of Hell
The Gates of Hell, a sinister name for a tunnel under North High Street that’s popular with skaters and graffiti artists, could be another place for a spooky underground tour in the city—and it’s much shorter than the maze at OSU.
Be careful not to jump out of your skin toward the end of your nearly pitch-black walk, since there’s a painting of a man that can really surprise you.
8. It's No Shirt, No Monocle, No Service In This Secret Garden Retreat
The Kelton House Museum and Garden has preserved 19th century life on its property. Everything from the parlor furniture to kitchen silverware is as it would’ve been to the Kelton family, and the home was also a part of the Underground Railroad.
Plus, the property’s Victorian garden is a secluded place to enjoy the outdoors. Stop by this property in the East Town Street Historic District to walk amongst the hedges, flowers, and manicured walkways.
9. Removing This Graffiti From Ohio's Statehouse Would Be A Capitol Offense
It may take some chutzpah to arrange, but the cupola of the Ohio Statehouse is worth a visit. Home to signatures of visitors since the late 19th century, this spot also features panoramic views from the graffiti-lined windows.
10. This Rare OSU Attraction Stinks, But People Can't Wait To See (And Smell) It
Corpse flowers, which are rainforest plants that emit a grotesque scent, are rare blooms, but the Biological Sciences Greenhouse at the Ohio State University is home to a few of them.
Four bloomed at the greenhouse in the span of two years, and when another blooms, it may only do so for a few hours. Keep an eye on visiting hours, and wish for good luck.
11. Columbusites Are Dying To Buy Space In A Haunted Hotel
Although this property is now a downtown hub of apartments and businesses, the Seneca was once an ornate hotel. Built in 1917, the Seneca hotel had grand ballrooms and a rooftop garden frequented by Columbus’ high society. It stood in ruins for years—with some believing the place was haunted—before plans to renovate it took shape.
12. There's No Mystery Or Science To It, Columbus Just Loves Bad Movies Here
Studio 35, a favorite local theater that serves up its snacks with booze, is also home to “Bad Movie Night.”
The event takes place on the first Friday of every month, and usually has a laughable theme to go along with the unintentionally hilarious screenings. It’s a great way to poke some fun at plotlines that were just a little too far removed from reality.
13. Speaking Of Art, This Place Brings It To Life (And Might Scare You To Death)
Known as the Topiary Garden in Old Deaf School Park, this green space is modeled after the post-impressionist painting, “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of LaGrande Jatte” by George Seurat—and it may be the only park of its kind on the globe. There are dozens of life-like topiaries, from humans to animals, to make you feel like you’re walking through the artwork.
Feature Image Source: Flickr user Elizabeth Welsh
Did we miss anything? Tell us your favorite secret spot in Columbus? Tell us in the comments below! 
