Capitol Square

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Capitol Square is a public park located in the heart of Columbus, Ohio.


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Summary

It is home to some of the most iconic landmarks, buildings, and monuments in the state. There are many good reasons to visit Capitol Square, including its historical significance, architectural beauty, and cultural importance.

One of the main attractions on Capitol Square is the Ohio Statehouse, a stunning neoclassical building that has been the seat of Ohio's government since 1857. Visitors can take guided tours of the Statehouse, which include the Rotunda, Governor's Office, Senate and House of Representative Chambers, and the Museum Gallery.

Another must-see point of interest is the Ohio Holocaust and Liberators Memorial, which honors the victims and survivors of the Holocaust and pays tribute to the soldiers who liberated the concentration camps. The monument is made up of two sculptures, the Memorial Flame and the Eternal Flame, and a granite memorial wall inscribed with the names of Ohio's Holocaust survivors and liberators.

Other notable landmarks on Capitol Square include the William McKinley Monument, a bronze statue of the 25th President of the United States; the Christopher Columbus Monument, a tribute to the explorer who first landed in the Americas; and the War of 1812 Monument, which honors Ohio's soldiers who fought in the War of 1812.

In addition to its historical and cultural significance, Capitol Square is also a great place to enjoy outdoor activities. The park features beautifully landscaped gardens, fountains, and walking paths that are perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.

The best time of year to visit Capitol Square is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its peak. However, the park is open year-round and offers something for visitors to enjoy in every season. Admission to the Statehouse and Capitol Square is free, and guided tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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