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Places (POIs) visited during this tour

Place #1
Distance: 0.00mi , Attraction : Park (Recommended selfie spot).
Map Pin
520 E Town St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
POI 1 Tour Image
Topiary Park
On your left, welcome to one of Columbus’s most whimsical treasures — Topiary Park. At first glance, it may look like just another peaceful green space, but take a closer look and you’ll realize you’re walking right into a painting brought to life.

This seven-acre park is famous for its topiary interpretation of Georges Seurat’s masterpiece A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. Dozens of carefully sculpted yew bushes recreate the painting’s figures — men, women, children, even pets — all frozen in leafy green form. You’ll see boats on the water, a man with a top hat, and of course the iconic lady holding her parasol. It’s the only park of its kind in the world, where you can literally step into a three-dimensional version of a world-famous artwork.

Topiary Park is built on the historic grounds of the old Deaf School, and it’s more than just a photo stop. Stroll the paths, enjoy the gardens, or relax by the reflecting pond and watch the figures take shape in the water’s reflection — just like in Seurat’s original painting.

It’s playful, it’s artistic, and it’s uniquely Columbus — a place where creativity quite literally grows out of the ground.

  https://www.topiarypark.org/
Place #2
Distance: 0.87mi , Attraction : Historic Landmark (Recommended selfie spot).
Map Pin
34 US-62, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
POI 2 Tour Image
Ohio Statehouse
Up ahead on your right, you’ll see the Ohio Statehouse, the seat of government for the Buckeye State and one of the most impressive buildings in downtown Columbus. Construction began way back in 1839, and it took more than 20 years to finish — partly because of funding issues, partly because the project was just that ambitious.

Unlike many state capitols with towering domes, the Ohio Statehouse features a distinctive Greek Revival design with a broad, low rotunda and stately columns that make it look more like a classical temple. Inside, it’s filled with history — from Civil War-era artifacts to grand legislative chambers where laws are still debated and passed today.

The grounds themselves are like an open-air museum. Scattered across the park are monuments honoring Abraham Lincoln, Civil War generals, and veterans from conflicts throughout American history. One of the most striking is the Ohio Veterans Plaza, where granite walls etched with letters from soldiers bring the stories of service and sacrifice to life.

Whether you admire it from the outside or step in for a tour, the Statehouse is more than just a government building — it’s a symbol of Ohio’s history, resilience, and pride. And right here in the middle of Columbus, it anchors the city both literally and figuratively.

Read More

  https://www.ohiostatehouse.org/
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour

Map Pin Place 1 Topiary Park
Map Pin Place 2 Ohio Statehouse
Map Pin Place 3 Columbus Commons
Map Pin Place 4 German Village
Map Pin Place 5 The Book Loft
Map Pin Place 6 Jaeger Street
Map Pin Place 7 Schiller Park
Map Pin Place 8 Scioto Mile
Map Pin Place 9 COSI
Map Pin Place 10 National Veterans Memorial and Museum
Map Pin Place 11 Nationwide Arena
Map Pin Place 12 North Market Downtown
Map Pin Place 13 Goodale Park
Map Pin Place 14 Short North Archways
Map Pin Place 15 The Oval (OSU) and the Wexner Center for the Arts
Map Pin Place 16 Ohio Stadium (The Horseshoe)
Map Pin Place 17 Franklin Park
Map Pin Place 18 Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens



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How to take a UCPlaces tour
Taking a UCPlaces tour is fun and easy.
Download the app (Android or iOS), purchase the tour (either here on the website, or from within the app).
That's it, you're ready to go!
When you want to start the tour, find the tour in the app (via a quick in-app search or by clicking the tour link received in your confirmation email) and click "Start Tour" (headphones recommended for best experience.)
* After purchasing a tour you will receive a purchase confirmation email including the tour link and instructions on how to take the tour, so you don't have to remember anything now.
How does the tour work?
UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms.
Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
  • No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
  • Walk at your own pace.
  • No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
  • Take the tour in your preferred language.
  • Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
  • Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
  • Enjoy preferred prices.

What's included?
  • A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
  • Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
  • Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
  • Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
  • Earphones (highly recommended).
  • Smartphone.
  • Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).
  • Tickets to the attractions on your tour.
  • Food and drinks
  • Physical tour guide.

Have any questions about this tour? Or a general travel / self-guided tours question? That's completely natural

+ How long does this tour take?
Most travelers complete this tour in approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on pace, time spent at each stop, and optional detours. Having said that, please remember that self-guided tours are extremly flexible (you can start, pause, continue anytime) and everyone has their own pace.
+ What does this tour include?
This self-guided driving tour includes 20 stops, covering top attractions such as Topiary Park, Ohio Statehouse, Columbus Commons, German Village, The Book Loft.
+ Where does the tour start?
The tour starts at Topiary Park (Address: 520 E Town St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA). You can begin the tour there or join from any stop along the route.
+ What type of tour is this?
This is a self-guided driving tour designed to be completed by car, covering scenic routes, city highlights and optional key stops.
+ Can I do this tour at my own pace?
Yes, this is a self-guided driving tour, so you can start anytime and explore at your own pace. You can pause, skip stops, or spend more time at places that interest you. You can even split it into multiple days. Explore however feels right for you. The only vaiables that might affect your pace are speed limits and traffic congestion.
+ Do I need a car for this tour?
Yes, this is a driving tour, designed to be completed by car, with stops spread across different locations connected by a driving route.
+ Do I need anything in order to take the tour?
There are two things that you need - <b>1.</b> A mobile phone (with the UCPlaces app installed and active location services, and a cellular data plan with a decent signal for downloading the tour). <b>2.</b> A car. Here are some recommendations for a great experience: 1. Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a charging cable for your car. 2. Connect your phone to the car speaker system via bluetooth or use our CarPlay/Android Auto option for the best experience.
+ How will I navigate from point to point during the tour?
The tour uses GPS-based navigation through the UCPlaces app, with automatic audio playback and step-by-step directions between stops. This works great either directly from your phone, or while connected to your car's multimedia system and using our CarPlay or Android Auto options. Just follow the route and listen to the audio guide. Use the resume feature to continue from where you recently stopped (or closed the app). Easily skip or go back to stops.
+ Is this tour suitable for families or groups?
Yes, self-guided tours are ideal for families and small groups, allowing everyone to explore comfortably without being tied to a fixed schedule.
+ What makes a self-guided tour better than a guided tour?
Self-guided tours are more flexible, affordable, and personalized. You can avoid crowds, choose your pace, and focus on the stops that interest you most.
+ I installed the app and it's now asking for GPS and media access permissions, why?
The app is your tour-guide, it needs to know where you are located on the map to be able to trigger the points of interest. It also needs access to audio and media files to provide you with this experience.
+ What happens if there are unexpected roadblocks or navigation issues?
We have been working hard to deliver a great experience. Though you may run into unexpected obstacles (the world is constantly changing), our app has multiple features and mechanisms in place to help you overcome them, including: AI assistance, force play an audio if you can't reach the stop, skip or return to stops, automatic rerouting and more.
+ Can I take the tour in my language?
Though all of our tours are primarily in English, many tours are muyltilingual (including: Spanish, German, Portuguese, French, Japanese, Hebrew, French, Arabic and more...). The tour language options depend on the specific tour - You can easily check which languages are available in the tour screen!