Discovery District

The Discovery District was created in 1989 when Downtown Columbus property owners collaborated to propose a development plan designed to improve the eastern half of downtown. The Discovery Special Improvement District (SID) was formed in 2007 and is funded by property owners east of the downtown core with the primary purpose of making sure the neighborhood remains clean and safe.

The Discovery District is the arts, education, and cultural hub of downtown, housing Franklin University, Columbus State Community College, the Columbus College of Art & Design, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Columbus Metropolitan Library. You can perk up with a drink at Roosevelt Coffee House or Koko Tea Salon before enjoying outdoor life at the Topiary Gardens and Thurber Park. And every December, make time to catch a (free) ride on the family-friendly Holiday Trolley Hop through the Discovery District with stops at the Kelton House, Fort Hayes Metro Education Center, State Auto’s Nativity Display, Blockfort, and more.