It is said that it’s not all about the destination, but also the journey. Well, when it comes to traveling from Canal Winchester, Ohio to Columbus, Ohio (or vice versa), this stands true. What does either place have to offer? Well, there are an abundance of things to do in both of these central Ohio cities, which we’ll get into. But, there are even more fun opportunities awaiting between the two locations as well! Check out this list of activities to discover between Canal Winchester, Ohio and Columbus, Ohio.

Starting in Canal Winchester, Ohio

Canal Winchester, a charming southeastern suburb of Columbus, Ohio, is a part of Fairfield and Franklin counties, and has a population of 9,148 in 2020. Things to do here include:

The National Barber Museum & Hall of Fame

135 Franklin St | Canal Winchester | nationalbarbermuseum.org

Working to promote and preserve the rich and fascinating history of the barbering profession, the National Barber Museum & Hall of Fame is home to thousands of maintained barbershop items from all over the country. Also listed in the Hall of Fame are barbers through the years that have made significant and lasting contributions to barbering and their communities.

Old Town Tavern

10985 Winchester Rd NW | Canal Winchester | restaurantguru.com

This Canal Winchester classic is a pub-style restaurant with all your American cuisine favorites, happy hour beers and drafts, and specialty drinks. Old Town Tavern is a beloved addition to the community as they have been serving delicious food with excellent service for many years now.

Fantasy Cupcake

3 S High St | Canal Winchester | fantasy-cupcake.square.site

Fresh cupcakes and coffee– how much more tempting could it get? This bakery and coffee shop located in the heart of old downtown Canal Winchester will activate your sweet tooth and get your energy levels high, either from the caffeine or the sugar! With a variety of delicious flavors to choose from, this detour to Fantasy Cupcake may be the best of them all.

Slate Run Living Historical Farm

1375 OH-674 | Canal Winchester | metroparks.net

The Slate Run Living Historical Farm offers a realistic glimpse into life on an Ohio farm in the 1880s! Featuring gardens, barns, a gothic revival farmhouse from 1856, equipment, and live animals, you can expect a historically informative and immersive experience at this unique location.

Somewhere in the Middle

When it comes to getting from point A to point B– in this case, from Canal Winchester, Ohio to Columbus, Ohio– there are a couple different potential routes to take, each about a 20-minute drive. The route you choose is mostly dependent on what part of Columbus you would like to enter from.

As you leave Canal Winchester, you will encounter:

• Groveport, Ohio
• Pickerington, Ohio
• Obetz, Ohio
• Bexley, Ohio

When Near Groveport, Ohio

Groveport, a historical central Ohio city and suburb of Columbus, is located in Franklin County with a population of 5,630 in 2020. Things to do here include:

Motts Military Museum

5075 S Hamilton Rd | Groveport | mottsmilitarymuseuminc.com

The Motts Military Museum is a respected and interesting location in Groveport. Their mission is “to educate the public on the importance of America’s military past through the documentation, collection, interpretation, and preservation of tangible artifacts and personal stories of the men and women who served and are serving in the United States Armed Forces.” Take a trip to visit exhibits for the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, World Wars I & II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Desert Storm, NASA, and more!

Groveport Aquatic Center

7370 Groveport Rd | Groveport | groveportrec.com

If your detour can include the time and ability to get a little wet and wild, the Groveport Aquatic Center may be the perfect stop for you! This family-friendly waterpark offers a kiddie area with an in-water playground, along with two water slides, a leisure pool, diving boards, a lazy river with inner tubes, and more!

Three Creeks Metro Park

3860 Bixby Rd | Groveport | metroparks.net

Three Creeks Metro Park, which is so named to mark the meeting of Alum, Big Walnut, and Blacklick creeks, is an 1,100-acre park located in Groveport, Ohio. With potential activities of hiking, biking, canoeing or kayaking, fishing, picnicking, and more, you will undoubtedly feel connected to nature.

When Near Pickerington, Ohio

Pickerington, a central Ohio city and suburb of Columbus, is located in Fairfield and Franklin counties and had a population of 21,257 in 2020. Things to do here include:

Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum

13515 Yarmouth Dr | Pickerington | americanmotorcyclist.com

Come bikers, adrenaline junkies, and onlookers of cool bikes! The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum features two floors of exhibits to enjoy; find exciting themed exhibits and historic motorcycles on the lower level, while the upper level honors the lives and careers of AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers and other significant individuals.

Pickerington Ponds Metro Park

7680 Wright Rd | Canal Winchester | metroparks.net

This 1,608-acre park is full of opportunity, with activities such as hiking, biking, and picnicking, along with nature preserves that bring about lots of wildlife. Walking among seasonal ponds, rich wetland vegetation, and woodlands, you are sure to have a naturally-immersive experience.

Paint And Escape

515 Hill Rd N | Pickerington | paintandescape.com

Paint And Escape is a niche location facilitating both painting AND an escape room! In terms of painting, there are a variety of events to choose from, including adult paint & sips, kids paint parties, free seniors painting, and more. Additionally, there is an escape room available for both individuals and groups between 5 and 15 to challenge and conquer!

When Near Obetz, Ohio

Obetz, a central Ohio village and suburb of Columbus, is located in Franklin County with a population of 5,205 in 2020. Things to do here include:

Lovell’s Tavern

4265 Alum Creek Dr | Columbus | facebook.com

Featuring a delicious array of burgers, subs, wings, pizza, and more, Lovell’s Tavern may be your choice to stop for a bite! Operating as a great place to sit, hang out, and watch whatever sport is in season, make yourself at home and consider this your own friendly neighborhood bar.

Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs

6000 S High St | Columbus | sciotodowns.com

Scioto Downs, known as a racino, is a dual horse racing track and casino just outside of this Columbus suburb. Also featuring restaurants, open air gaming, and more, you may take this detour and find yourself feeling lucky! May the best gamblers win!

The Obetz Splash Pad

4390 Lancaster Ave | Obetz | obetz.oh.us

The Splash Pad is free and open to residents and nonresidents alike, intended for individuals ages 12 and younger. Find fun miniature geysers and child-friendly splash zones to let your son or daughter roam and play in while getting some vitamin D!

When Near Bexley, Ohio

Bexley, Ohio is a historical city in Franklin County and a first-ring suburb of Columbus, and had a population of 13,805 in 2020. Things to do here include:

Bexley Historical Society & Museum

2080 Clifton Ave | Bexley | bexleyhistoricalsociety.org

Founded in 1974, the Bexley Historical Society aims to promote “interest and pride in the history of Bexley, Ohio, and the accomplishments of its citizens and institutions.” This is executed via their work of assembling, researching, publishing, preserving, and interpreting a collection of memorabilia, photographs, genealogical records, and more.

Jeffrey Park

165 N Parkview Ave | Bexley | bexley.org

Jeffrey Park, made up of nearly 40 acres, provides walking trails and recreational activities, including tennis courts, picnic areas with grills, and a community pool facility. This family-friendly (though not dog-friendly) park is a perfect place to pause and unwind.

Bexley Farmers’ Market

E Main Street and, S Dawson Ave | Bexley | commongreensohio.org

Every Thursday from 4-7PM (during May 19 through October 20, 2022) Bexley hosts its own Farmers’ Market with a variety of fresh-from-the-farm goods and live music. For an opportunity to connect with the community, acquire high quality fruits, veggies, flowers, baked goods, and more, and if the timing is right, check out the Farmers’ Market!

When in Columbus, Ohio

Columbus, Ohio is the largest city in Ohio and the 14th largest city in the United States with a population of 889,079 in 2020. Located in Franklin county and residing as the state capital, this beloved central Ohio city is truly a must-visit location when in the Buckeye State. Things to do here include:

Visit the Short North

Columbus’s Short North Arts District is a lively and spirited location full of activities and events, restaurants and bars, cool shops, and more! Saturated in Columbus’s progressive, inclusive, and fun-loving atmosphere, you are guaranteed a good time here! Or, at the very least, you can see entertaining things and meet some interesting people.

Columbus Museum of Art

480 E Broad St | Columbus | columbusmuseum.org

The Columbus Museum of Art, located in Downtown Columbus and formed in 1878, has a wide variety of art and exhibitions, containing some famous pieces, along with occasional events and programs. Spend a few hours browsing this curated gallery and you will not be disappointed!

Center of Science & Industry (COSI)

333 W Broad St | Columbus | cosi.org

COSI works to engage, inspire, and transform lives and communities via their promotion of science, technology, and industry learning. With a range of exhibits, including a Dinosaur Gallery, Planetarium, Big Science Park, and even a Marvel Universe Superhero exhibit, you are sure to experience intellectual stimulation and a whole lot of fun!

Columbus Zoo & Aquarium

4850 W Powell Rd | Powell | columbuszoo.org

The Columbus Zoo is a fan-favorite (or maybe just one of my favorites…) for any occasion! Whether it’s for a family outing, a date activity, or an afternoon spent with friends, the fun of seeing (or even touching some!) diverse and uncommon animals is unlike anything else!

Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

1777 E Broad St | Columbus | fpconservatory.org

We have seen a good number of parks on this list. Despite its vast urban areas, Columbus specifically is also home to many beautiful parks, gardens, and nature lands, including a collection of woods, lakes, and quarries. Taking a stroll through any of these places is one of the best ways to unplug from the overwhelming bustle of the city, get some fresh air, and feel reconnected with nature.

The Franklin Park Conservatory in particular, though, is a notable hotspot. With beautiful views and exhibitions, occasional fun events, and even classes available to partake in, consider it a necessity when in the area!

North Market Downtown

59 Spruce St | Columbus | northmarket.org

The North Market in Downtown Columbus is a dynamic public market made up of Ohio’s best independent merchants, farmers, and makers. Featuring a range of interesting and quality global dining options, along with the vending of produce, handicrafts, flowers, and more, this beloved Columbus location is curated to be enjoyed by all!

Central Ohio gems, are they not? When in/traveling around the area, know that you have plenty to be excited about! Feel free to share your own recommendations and experiences with us, too! The Greater Columbus region has quite a bit to offer– I’d say we scratched the surface. For even more locations and information, check out this page!