Step Into the Past with a Self-Guided Downtown Tour
Collaboration Provides Glimpse Into Downtown Columbus' History
History is all around us in Columbus and now it's easier than ever to discover it. Thanks to the partnership between the Columbus Morning Rotary Club, the Platte County Historical Society and the Columbus Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, residents and visitors can enjoy the Self-Guided Historical Downtown Tour of Columbus, a project that officially kicked off in August 2022.
This experience combines local history with modern technology, giving anyone walking downtown the chance to instantly connect with the stories of the city's most significant landmarks.
How It Works
As you stroll through the Trackside District and around Frankfort Square, you'll notice 11 bright blue metal signs mounted on streetlight poles. Each one is labeled "Historic Tour." These signs feature QR codes that can be scanned with a smartphone. Once scanned, you'll be directed to a web-based narrative about the building around you.
The tour currently highlights about 20 downtown structures, many of which date back more than a century. In some locations, you'll even see photos and stories of buildings that are no longer standing, giving you a glimpse into the ever-changing face of Columbus.
It's like carrying a pocket-sized historian with you wherever you go.
Ready to Tour?
If you're ready to dive into Columbus history, simply head downtown and look for the blue tour signs. You'll find eleven of them mounted on light poles around Frankfort Square and nearby streets.
Each sign is your gateway to a story, sometimes about the building beside you, sometimes about what once stood in its place. With just a quick scan, you can see old photographs, learn about architectural details, and step into the lives of those who shaped Columbus.
The self-guided Historical Downtown Tour is more than a walk through town, it's a walk through time. Whether you're a lifelong resident, a newcomer, or a visitor, it's an experience that connects you to the heart of Columbus and the people who built it.
So grab your smartphone, take a stroll, and discover the history waiting just around the corner.
