Confession time. Have you ever walked through a historic building and wanted to tuck inside one of the off-limit rooms? Now’s your chance. And, it gets better with Ohio Open Doors. The Ohio History Connection puts on the celebration, and you get to see plenty September 7 – 16.

So, Ohio Open doors is a statewide effort. First, building and landmark owners open their doors across the state for special public tours and programs. Then, you get to enjoy. Since Columbus is our state capital, you’re in for a treat.  Another big treat? It's all free.

Ohio History Connection: Open Doors

• Get a behind-the-scenes walking tour of the historic Lazarus building on September 8 from 3 - 5 p.m. at  50 W. Town Street.
  
  
• On September 11, from 2 - 4 p.m. take a tour of the James A. Rhodes State Office Tower.
  
  
• And, just outside of Downtown, on September 14, head over to Columbus Afrocentric Early College. The tour runs from 6 - 7:30 p.m.
  
  
• Finally, word has it LeVeque Tower and the Ohio Statehouse will offer special tours, too. So, check out Open Doors on the Ohio History Connection website.

Of course, we only highlighted Downtown venues. However, Ohio History Connection lined up Open Doors in other parts of the city as well. More than 200 partner organizations bring Open Doors to the Buckeye State. Tour sites focus on historic preservation while offering lots of fun facts along the way.

Since we know this excursion may get your history buff excited, peruse the Ohio History Connection site for more activities and events. Discover Ohio’s role in the Civil War or the air and space program. Maybe African-American or American-Indian history peak your interest. Ohio History Connection events and exhibits cover those, too.

Before you head out for Open Doors, ditch your keys. You’ll find lots of options from COTA’s CBUS to CoGo Bike Share. So, check out our Getting Around page to find the best way to navigate Downtown.