Local History & Culture

**[⚠️ >>Ticket needed (click here)<<](https://eventfrog.ch/de/p/freizeit-ausfluege/wanderung/walk-connect-daytrip-to-seealpsee-appenzell-7459334125192795157.html)**[ ](https://eventfrog.ch/de/p/freizeit-ausfluege/wanderung/walk-connect-daytrip-to-seealpsee-appenzell-7459334125192795157.html)or **[www.social-circle.ch](https://social-circle.ch/)** Cliffside hut, hermit caves, alpine lake — all in one Sunday 🥾 We take the train and cable car to that mountain restaurant from every Switzerland postcard, then hike down past Seealpsee back to the train 🌊🏔️ Make new friends on this daytrip, in a setting National Geographic once called the most beautiful place in the world. **Coming alone? That's totally fine!** We'll match you with people who share your vibe using the Social Circle app — we'll introduce you to it during the event **Stay in the loop:** Join our WhatsApp group for updates and the live meeting location on the day: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/CkFmnu2NL5BDJCUYXv53VG](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CkFmnu2NL5BDJCUYXv53VG) *If the link doesn't open on your phone, try using WhatsApp Web on your computer.* **Timeline** * **09:30**⏰ – Meet under the big clock at Zürich Main Station (HB) * **10:08**🚆 – Take the IR 13 toward Sargans from Gleis 6 * **11:14** – Arrive at Gossau SG (Gleis 3) * **11:21** – Change to the S23 toward Wasserauen from Gleis 11 * **12:13** – Arrive at Wasserauen (Gleis 1), cross the road to the Ebenalpbahn * **12:20**🚠 – Cable car up to Ebenalp (departures every 15 min, ride is \~6 min) * **12:30**🥾 – Walk through the Wildkirchli caves down to Aescher * **12:50**🍽️ – Lunch at Berggasthaus Aescher on the cliff terrace (first come first served, no reservations) * **13:30**⛰️ – Hike down the steep mountain path to Seealpsee (\~1h) * **14:30**🌊 – Time at Seealpsee (photos, snacks, feet in the lake if you're brave) * **16:00** – Walk down the valley path to Wasserauen (\~1h) * **17:00** – Arrive at Wasserauen * **17:18**🚆 – S23 back to Gossau SG, then IR 13 toward Zürich HB * **19:20** – Back at Zürich HB **✅ Included** * Snacks for the trail * Moderated Speed Friending rounds along the way * A guided tour through the Wildkirchli caves, Aescher, and down to Seealpsee **❌ Not included** * Train tickets to and from Wasserauen * Cable car up to Ebenalp * Lunch at Aescher **What to Bring** * Sturdy hiking shoes (the descent from Aescher is steep and uneven) * Water and a small extra snack * Cash can be useful for the cable car and lunch * Sunscreen and a light jacket, mountain weather shifts fast * Your smartphone for the friend-matching **Disclaimer** Participation in this event requires a valid ticket, which must be purchased in advance via the link provided in the event description. Please note that tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. We do not accept cash payments on the day of the event. To ensure a smooth and safe experience, we kindly ask all participants to follow the instructions and announcements from the event organizers. While our team works hard to create an enjoyable and welcoming atmosphere, attendance is at your own risk. We want everyone to feel comfortable and respected. If you encounter any issues or uncomfortable situations during the event, please speak directly to a member of our team — we're here to help. We reserve the right to exclude participants from the event if they do not adhere to basic standards of respectful interpersonal behavior. This decision is at the discretion of the responsible organizers. By signing up, you agree that any content captured during the event (including photos and videos) may be used on Social Circle's social media channels and those of our partners. Please be aware that we cannot wait for late participants, as this disrupts the planned group flow and connections. If you're delayed or choose a different route, it's your responsibility to catch up with the group. A live location will be shared in the event's WhatsApp chat to help you reconnect. Want more events like this, join our newsletter: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/KWSK2jINyuG9uHHjtxfnmP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KWSK2jINyuG9uHHjtxfnmP)

**Step away from the pace of everyday life and spend a day immersed in the quiet rhythm of batik.** Batik is a traditional wax-resist textile art where patterns emerge slowly through the interaction of hot wax and dye. The process invites patience, attention, and a different sense of time — one where the act of making becomes as important as the final piece. In this studio workshop we will explore the traditional batik tulis process using canting (the wax drawing tool) and dye. The day unfolds gradually: observing how wax flows, how colour layers develop, and how patterns begin to reveal themselves on cloth. Working with batik often becomes a quiet conversation between intention and discovery — balancing moments of control with moments of letting go as the wax and dye take their course. Many participants find that the process creates a natural space for focus, reflection, and an inner dialogue that unfolds through making. During the workshop you will: • learn the fundamentals of traditional batik wax-resist techniques • create two small batik textiles (one guided, one your own design) • experience the slow, meditative rhythm of working with wax, colour, and pattern 📍 Location Artiloft – Craft Factory Albulastrasse 24, 8048 Zurich 📅 Dates • May 17, 2026 • June 28, 2026 • August 30, 2026 🕙 Time 10:00–16:30 (with lunch break) 💰 Price CHF 240/ session (materials included) Registration and payment are handled directly by Artiloft: [https://en.artiloft.ch/service-page/batik-cire-teinture](https://en.artiloft.ch/service-page/batik-cire-teinture) Languages: English / German For those who feel drawn to explore batik more deeply, Hazura also hosts small immersive batik retreats in Yogyakarta where participants learn directly with local artisans. The **Subagya Art Retreat** offers a slower cultural immersion into the craft and its living traditions. **Learn more:** [HazuraStudio | Subagya-art-retreat](https://www.hazurastudio.com/subagya-art-retreat)

[Ticket](https://eventfrog.ch/Summer-Padel-Events-2026) https://eventfrog.ch/Summer-Padel-Events-2026 Hey everyone 👋 Join us for a fun evening of padel, a mini tournament vibe, and a relaxed tryout for everyone who wants to play, and meet new people. 🎾✨ The game format will be decided on the spot depending on the number of attendees, so it stays fair, and fun for all levels (beginner friendly). **Date & Time: 17.05.2026, 17:40 at Padeleros - Sportanlagen Wallisellen** The venue has lockers (bring a 2.- coin) and showers available. **Cost:** 40 CHF per person. It includes court rental, rackets & balls! If you are a good former tennis player and have not tried padel yet, get the ticket of "Tournament Ticket", as long as you learn the rules beforehand through [videos](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NX-68fxhL_4&t=27s). Newbies (50 CHF) will guided with an instructor (Abraham), a community volunteer, or the event host separately. **Schedule:** 17:40-17:50: Gather 17:50: Quick rule briefing & team division (first timers together, will not join the tournament) 18:00 - 20:00: Play padel with the possible rotating matches 20:00 onwards: Socialize, chat, enjoy the sunset, and maybe find a training partner! **Location**:[ Padeleros - Sportanlagen Wallisellen](https://maps.app.goo.gl/9qpn2E44TBw4CBTV8) **Parking info**: it has some parking spots outside the courts The event is posted in several places and **limited to 17 people**. Therefore, make sure to: **1\. Buy the [ticket](https://eventfrog.ch/Summer-Padel-Events-2026) &** **2\. Join the [Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FQsob8EaIPfGJLs7zqia6V) group to confirm your spot.** **3\. Be ready to play the full duration\!** Looking forward to seeing you there! **[Zürich Together Linktree](https://linktr.ee/zurichtogether)** **Cancellation & Reselling Policy:** 1\. You may cancel the ticket up to 48 hrs\. before the event and receive full refund for the initial ticket \(FLEX tickets only\)\. 2\. You may cancel your ticket between 48\-24 hrs\. before the event and receive no refund \(by informing the organizer\)\. 3\. You may resell the ticket up to 48 hrs\. before the event to someone in the CORRECT category\, it is your task to check and inform the organizer from the group chat once it is completed\. 4\. In the last 24 hrs\. No reselling is allowed\. If for some reason you can not attend anymore\, please contact the organizer\. If you do not show up without writing any message\, you may be suspended from the future padel events\. **Disclaimer**: Participation at your own risk. We are not responsible for any injuries.

Muchas veces coincidimos en algo: queremos mas conexión, más sentido, mas vida.... Pero en el camino, a veces nos desconectamos de eso que nos enciende. De los sueños que encienden nuestro corazón. Y sin darnos cuenta.... los vamos dejando en pausa. Por eso nace este espacio. No para pensar en los sueños, si no para volver a ponerlos en el cuerpo.... y empezar a moverlos. El poder de los sueños es Un Taller de Biodanza para atreverte a soñar, reconectar con esos sueños olvidados y sentirte capaz de volverlos realidad. Un espacio donde no hay que hacerlo bien, solo dejarse sentir, moverse y permitir que algo vuelva a encenderse. Este 17 de mayo si sientes que necesitas reconectar con tus sueños, y volver a escucharte y recordar que es lo que hace a tu corazón cantar este espacio es para ti. Reserva tu lugar y ven a danzar tus sueños en comunidad. Domingo 17 de mayo 10 am a 12 pm GZ Riesbach- Seefeldstrasse 93, 8008 Zürich Valor: 35 Fr. biodanzaconadri@gmail.com instagram biodanza_suiza_adriana Ropa cómoda y agua, danzamos sin zapatos.

Hi everyone :) Stein am Rhein is still on my list of places I would like to see around here, so feel free to join me on a trip there on Sunday, 17th May! The idea is to meet up, stroll around a bit, enjoy the town and maybe stop somewhere for a tea/coffee or ice cream along the way. Depending on the weather and how people feel, we could also walk up towards the sandstone caves. I'd suggest meeting at Stein am Rhein station at 1:45 pm; I’ll take the bus from Singen station arriving at Stein am Rhein station 1:37pm, and trains from Kreuzlingen and Schaffhausen arrive around 1.45 in Stein am Rhein. As always, you can just show up, theres no participant limit! Of course the event may have to be postponed if the weather is bad, but let's hope for the best!😊✊🏻

Join us for an amazing day trip to the beautiful Swiss Alps and explore some of Switzerland's most stunning valley. Info: 📅 Date: Sunday, 17. May 2026 🚌 Bus departure: 9:00am sharp (Meeting at 8:50) 📍Meeting Point: Zurich HB Bus station/Sihlquai 🏠 Return: Arrive back in Zurich 19:30 💸Cost: 34.50 return (Zurich- Lauterbrunnen-Zurich) 💺 To book your seat on the rented bus please follow this link (limited space) [Link](https://buytickets.at/zurichtogether/2128774) 📲 Join the WhatsApp Chat once you have purchased your ticket for all further information! [Link](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KafZv9vCEJXHRaGrdvkQ71/) Joining for the first time? Then watch this Zurich Together Day Trips explanation video: [Link](https://youtube.com/shorts/lzlcK-I9rjY) What to bring: * Hiking shoes * Suncream * Appropriate clothing based on the weather forecast What is not included in the day trip? \- Gondola price not included this is transport ticket only\. \- Food and Drinks +Additional info: Once we arrive, you are free to choose from a variety of hiking routes based on your fitness level. However, you are also welcome to follow the route suggested by the Admin Team. ⚠️Please Note⚠️ Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. They will be voided if not used. Please remember that each participant is responsible for their own safety during the hike/trip. The organizer / Zurich Together will not be held liable for any injuries or inconveniences that may occur during the event.

Have you ever been curious about nature on a microscopic level? Maybe you have explored galaxies, birds, flowers, plants, insects...but what about on a smaller scale, like the things living inside a drop of pond water? We organize small hands-on sessions where we collect simple samples from nature and observe them with the prototypes of a portable digital microscope developed by Eureka Microscope ([eurekamicroscope.com](http://eurekamicroscope.com/)), a startup from ETH Zurich. We are looking for people who enjoy nature, photography, hiking, biodiversity, or simply discovering things that are usually invisible. Some sessions will also be part of our early prototype testing. That means you can try the microscope, tell us what feels exciting or frustrating, and help shape a new tool that extends nature exploration to a new scale. No relevant background is needed. Just bring your curiosity :) *** Come by anytime during the event and try two portable digital microscope prototypes (one with 100X magnification, another with 150X) in the park. We’ll set up at the meeting point with microscopes, basic sample tools, and a few example samples. When you arrive, we’ll show you how use the microscope and what kinds of things nearby might be interesting to look at. After the short introduction, you can walk around the park, collect your own samples, and observe them under the microscope. The microscope can connect to your own phone or iPad through wifi, so you can take and save photos or videos directly on your device. This is a casual drop-in event, so you don’t need to arrive exactly at the starting time or stay for the whole session. You can use the microscope as long as you want, if this doesn't prevent another attendee from using it. Parents are welcome to bring children. No science background or microscope experience is needed. ### What to expect * A quick demo of how the microscope works * Suggestions for simple samples to collect in the park * Time to collect and observe your own samples * The option to save photos or videos of what you find * A short feedback conversation if you’d like to help us improve the product ### What to bring Please bring your phone or iPad if you would like to connect it to the microscope and save your own images or videos. We’ll bring the microscope and basic tools for sample collection. P.S. Unfortunately we don't speak German :(

Join us for a relaxed Sunday morning photography outing at **Wildnispark Zürich Langenberg**, a great spot for wildlife photography in soft early light and with fewer visitors around. We’ll meet at the main entrance and spend a few hours exploring the park, observing animals, and practicing photography. Duration: Approximately 3–4 hours This is an event for PICZ Members only. Meeting point: Main entrance of Wildnispark Zürich Langenberg, Albisstrasse 4, 8135 Langnau am Albis

The weather on Ascention Day is forecast to be very rainy. So we move this to Sunday. This is a fairly flat hike along the Limmat from Neuenhof towards Zürich. Towards the end, we stop over (or finish) at a place where they operate live steam outdoor model trains on 5 inch and 7 inch tracks. This weekend is when they have their annual open days. See link and the photos linked below! ############################## MEETING: * 08:05h: Meet at Zürich HB under the «Blue Angel» * 08:07h: Leave for platform 41/42 TRAVEL OUTBOUND: * 08:14h: S12 Zürich HB (dir. «Brugg AG») to Neuenhof * 08:36h: Arrival at Neuenhof and start of the hike HIKE DATA: * Duration: 5¾ hrs (plus breaks) * Distance: 24 km * Ascent/Descent: 160m/140m * SAC classification: T1 * Map: [https://schweizmobil.ch/en/tour/341738489](https://schweizmobil.ch/en/tour/341738489) HIGHLIGHT & STOPOVER: * At ca. 14:00h, stop over at the outdoor steam engine club at Zürich-Tüffenwies. Let's take a ride … * I have foreseen a stopover of about 1 hour for this (look around, ride, food, drinks) * [https://www.dmc-ch.ch/](https://www.dmc-ch.ch/) * [https://www.dmc-ch.ch/veranstaltungen](https://www.dmc-ch.ch/veranstaltungen) * Photos from 2023: [https://www.meetup.com/zurich-hike-outdoor/photos/33534062/](https://www.meetup.com/zurich-hike-outdoor/photos/33534062/) * Photos from 2025: [https://www.meetup.com/zurich-hike-outdoor/photos/35368898/](https://www.meetup.com/zurich-hike-outdoor/photos/35368898/) LUNCH: * Picnic EARLY DROP-OUT: * If you are not sure if the distance and time is for you: There are many S-Bahn stations, bus stops and then tram stops along the way RETURN TRAVEL: * The hike finishes at Zürich HB COST / TICKET PRICE: Total ticket cost: * Outbound: CHF 7.10 (w/HT) * Return: n/a (or ticket from how far you've got) ############################## DISCLAIMER: This is NOT a guided tour. Instead, this is a get-together of individuals who themselves are responsible for their judgement, choices and actions. It is your own responsibility to prepare appropriately before the event: You need to understand what activity is foreseen, assess the difficulty, risks and dangers and the expected weather conditions. Furthermore, you need to assess the requirements regarding experience, capabilities and fitness condition, and judge if you personally have the necessary experience, capabilities and fitness level. You yourself also need to assure adequate preparation, equipment (boots, clothes, gear...) and insurance cover and do everything as if you were going by yourself. During the event it is also your own responsibility to apply your own judgement and to take considerate responsible decisions yourself, fully within your own responsibility and judgement. The event is entirely at your own risk. The organiser also does not warrant on the accuracy or completeness of the description above. The organiser just offers you to join one another and to go together, but holds no responsibility for anything, including injuries or death that might result directly or indirectly from this event.

The hares are **Jolly Roger**, **KGBounty**, **Keys To The Toblerone**. **Where**: Meet at Oerlikon Train Station, the north side by the Puzzles restaurant. **When:** We'll meet at 13:50 to start at 14:00. **The Zürich Hash House Horrors** is a fun, outdoor and social group for parents, carers, and kids in Zürich. We meet once a month to explore different parts of the city and surroundings, with a focus on fun and meeting new people. Each Meetup features a themed trail around 2–3 km long, laid out by a volunteer (we call a Hare) using chalk or flour—like a mini treasure hunt for the kids to follow! Along the way, we stop at playgrounds so kids can play and adults can chat. We finish with drinks and snacks for everyone big and small. What to expect: * Pushchair-friendly routes * Kids aged 0–12 welcome * English is the common language (many kids also speak German) * A relaxed, friendly atmosphere Cost: Fr. 3 per adult Fr. 2 per child (over 5) (to cover drinks and snacks) Just bring along a sense of fun and adventure! Got questions? Send us a message—or just turn up and join in.

Herzlich willkommen zu unserem wöchentlichen Deutsch-Konversations. Der Fokus liegt auf freiem Sprechen in einer lockeren, freundlichen Atmosphäre, ohne Druck und ohne Unterricht. Das Meetup ist ideal für Lernende ab Niveau B2 bis C2, die ihr Deutsch aktiv anwenden möchten. Die Themen entstehen spontan aus dem Alltag, aus aktuellen Ereignissen oder aus Vorschlägen der Teilnehmenden. Komm vorbei, auch wenn du nur zuhören oder langsam anfangen möchtest! 📢 Hier ist die WhatsApp-Nummer, um in Kontakt zu bleiben: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JoQufaeFR2GBXKdt3nSE2I 🤳 Bitte teile es und folge uns auf Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deutsch.sprechen.zurich 📅 Hier ist der Veranstaltungskalender: https://fasthub.wixsite.com/deutsch/treffen 💬 Hier ist der temporäre WhatsApp-Link, falls du kommst und chatten möchtest: https://chat.whatsapp.com/HmHEWIJ16or1qRqXVyvipe

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

Let's check out the Maker's Market in German Village, a large outdoor Artisan Market, featuring over 65 Makers, Goods, Art and Delicious Food Trucks! Admission is FREE! [GVMM](https://www.gv-mm.com/) Let's get outside and enjoy the New Spring Season and Warm Weather! We will meet at Stauf's Coffee Roasters in German Village on South 3rd Street at Noon, 12 PM and then take a brisk walk to the Maker's Market, just south of Schiller Park. We can initially get coffee at Stauf's Coffee Roasters, if anyone may want to do so. Parking is widely available at Schiller Park and surrounding side streets. Thanks and hope to see you come out!

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

**History** The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood. In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio. A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization. In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden. Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community. **Maps of the Conservatory** Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below). **Summary** For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year. Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now. **Tickets and pricing** On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20. Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4. Parking is always free. If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000. **Where we'll meet** We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather. **Your GPS is stupid!** Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you. The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road. If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West. You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive. \* Don't really do this. **After the event** After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu). The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event. We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.

Wild Ones Columbus Annual Native Plant Sale Saturday, May 23th, 2026 9:00 am to 1:00 pm (Eastern Time) Overbrook Presbyterian Church Parking Lot, 4131 N High St, Columbus, OH, 43214 Public Welcome, Family-Friendly Free Event A wide variety of native flowering plants, grasses, shrubs, and trees will be available from Wild Ones Columbus and local vendors Natives in Harmony, Leaves for Wildlife, and Scioto Gardens. Wild Ones will publish a list of plants that will be available at this year's sale closer to the event date. Be sure to stop by! Show up anytime!