City walk · Ohio

Columbus: German Village to the Short North day trip

Columbus: German Village to the Short North

A walking day through Columbus from south to north: the brick streets and Schiller Park in German Village, the 32-room Book Loft, a German lunch at Schmidt's, the riverfront parks of the Scioto Mile, a snack stop at North Market and an evening on High Street in the Short North, with a $2 COTA bus back to your car.

Time
9–11 hour day
Driving
Walking, with one bus ride back
Best time
All year; best May to October
Updated
$4 USD

One-time purchase. You own your guide forever and can return for the latest update any time.

A red brick Italianate house with tall windows and stone lintels on a brick-paved street in German Village, with a cottage and green trees beside it
w_lemay · CC0 1.0. May 2018 photograph of Mohawk Street; resized and displayed with crop.
Suggested times, not bookings

Your day at a glance

  • 8:45 amGerman Village Meeting Haus
  • 9:30 amSchiller Park
  • 10:30 amThe Book Loft
  • 11:45 amLunch at Schmidt's Sausage Haus
  • 1:15 pmBicentennial Park and the Scioto Mile
  • 3:00 pmNorth Market Downtown
  • 4:15 pmThe Short North Arts District
  • EveningCOTA Line 2 back downtown
Highlights

Worth the trip

  • Tree-lined brick streets and Schiller Park in German Village
  • Getting lost in the 32 rooms of the Book Loft
  • The Scioto Mile riverfront and the Short North's lighted arches

What’s in the guide

Detailed stop guidance, rules, practical pitfalls, a route map, Google Maps, Waze and Apple Maps links and weather alternatives. Read it online any time, or keep it offline in the Greg’s Guides app for iPhone and iPad. See an example guide →

Plan for the conditions

Expected seasonal weather

From May to October, Columbus is usually pleasant for walking: mild in May and October, with highs mostly in the 60s and 70s, and warm to hot and humid in June, July and August, when highs often reach the mid-80s or higher and pop-up afternoon thunderstorms are common. The riverfront has little shade at midday, while German Village's big trees keep the morning cooler. Fall color on the river and in Schiller Park usually peaks in mid to late October. From November to March, expect cold, gray days, wind along the river and occasional snow. These are seasonal expectations, not a forecast for your travel date; check the NWS forecast.

Admission and parking are separate. Check current conditions before departure.

A good day, in the bag.

Your guides

One-time purchase · USD · Digital delivery after payment
By continuing, you agree to our terms and refund policy.