Skip to content

Historical Tours

Meet other local people interested in Historical Tours: share experiences, inspire and encourage each other! Join a Historical Tours group.
pin icon
207
members
people1 icon
2
groups

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Check out historical tours events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.

Discover all the historical tours events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.

Absolutely! Find historical tours events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.

Historical Tours Events Today

Join in-person Historical Tours events happening right now

Legends, Ghosts and Ghouls of Dublin | Walking Tour
Legends, Ghosts and Ghouls of Dublin | Walking Tour
Experience Dublin's mysterious legends and myths on this 90 minute walking tour. ### **Legends, Ghosts, and Ghouls!** ***[Get your Tickets](https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/legends-ghosts-and-ghouls-of-dublin-walking-tour-tickets-1970375385820)*** Ireland has a unique relationship with its legendary past. Kept alive in the histories of the Filí and the Seanchaidhe, Ireland’s gods were not destroyed but - in the words of Mark Williams - demoted to lesser beings. This is an important element of Ireland’s oral histories, which in turn have coloured its popular histories and left many legends for us to parse over today. On the other side of Irish history we have the ballrooms, the salons, and the private studies of Dublin’s litterati. The seances and unwrapping parties, the mysteries and the macabre, all combining into the secret esoteric orders that strove to unlock the secrets of existence. Come explore with us where these two elements fuse to create the wonderful world of Legends, Ghosts, and Ghouls that are just as much a part of Dublin’s history as any of its citizens and buildings… Our tour has over 100 excellent reviews online and is ranked in the top tours on Trip Advisor. **TOPICS** * Maud Gonne & WB Yeats * The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn * Huguenot Cemetery * The Ghost of the Shelbourne * St. Stephen’s Green’s Grizzly History * Bram Stoker * Graverobbers * Darkey Kelly * Dublin’s House of Horrors * Tenements * Justice in Dublin **PRIVATE TOURS** We are also now doing private tours for groups, if you want to host your own tour get in touch with us. We can do tours for friend groups, work parties, educational tours or community tours.👬🧑‍🤝‍🧑 **WHAT ELSE DO WE DO?** We host art nights, pottery, walking tours, workshops, rug tufting and lots of whacky events. Join us for Drink & Draw Ireland's art party or one of our many experiences.🎨 **SUPPORT LOCAL** After each tour we will send you a link to each artist featured and also bring you to a gallery where you can support artists by buying prints, paintings or commission them for work! ***FAQ?*** **What happens if I'm late?** We encourage anyone who is late to still join the tour, after you get a ticket you will get an email that will have instructions.📩 **What happens if it rains?** All tours proceed even if it's raining, please bring an umbrella or rain jacket just in case.☔ **Is this wheelchair accessible?** Unfortunately parts of the tour is not accessible, the first location is accessible to everyone. **Where does the tour start and end?** The tour starts at WB Yeats house and ends at Dublin Castle. **I can't attend? Can I get a refund?** We need 5 days notice to issue a refund so if you don't think you can attend please let us know as soon as possible. We are a small independent business and rely on small groups to make these tours possible. **Can I swap my ticket?** Again as a small business our guides rely on these tours to support their livelihood. We cannot swap tickets unless you give us 5 days notice. You can transfer your ticket to another person to attend in your place. **Should I Tip?** If you enjoy it you can tip your guide if you want! Our guides keep all tips from tours so it gives artists and creatives a chance to do something they love.
Dublin Free Tour - essentials & oddities
Dublin Free Tour - essentials & oddities
You'll meet your local guide at the meeting point a little before 11AM and show your booking. Then we'll commence a fascinating walking tour through the streets, sights, and sounds of Dublin old and new. You'll get an unrivalled insight to the history and culture that has shaped the capital you see today - warts and all, discover the lesser-known, intriguing oddities of our city, and get unique insider tips for the rest of your stay. Sites and topics covered include: Dublin Castle, Christchurch, Viking & Medieval Dublin, Temple Bar, fables, folklore and mythology, Trinity College, Stephen's Green, risings and rebellions, writers & rogues and so, so much more... please remember, places are limited and you must book your spot via: https://www.generationtours.com/dublin See you soon!
Castletown House Walk and Coffee.
Castletown House Walk and Coffee.
Date My Mate | Powerpoint Night | 21- 35 years
Date My Mate | Powerpoint Night | 21- 35 years
Pitch your mate and help them find true love or sit back and find the love of your life via the romantic medium of powerpoint! Have you got a mate who’s too shy to put themselves out there but definitely ready to meet the love of their life? Or maybe… that mate is *you*? ***[Get your Tickets](https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/date-my-mate-powerpoint-night-21-35-years-tickets-1988237863973)*** Welcome to **Date My Mate**, a two-hour event where confidence is optional and friendship is mandatory. Instead of awkward small talk, we’re handing you the clicker. Participants will have **three and a half minutes** to present a powerpoint pitching their friend to a room full of potential suiters. Think: green flags, red flags, fun facts, embarrassing photos (used lovingly), and why this person is an absolute catch. **How it works:** * Purchase a ticket to attend the event * You’ll receive a confirmation email with a google form to nominate yourself or a friend to present * We will let you know if you have been picked to present or not (sorry, we are limited on time, we can't give everybody the time!) * If choosen to present, you’ll get **three and a half glorious minutes** to sell the dream * There will be a prize for the best presentation No pressure. No swiping. Just slides, laughs, and maybe… love. Ready to pitch perfection? 💘📈 Come alone to meet somebody new, or bring a friend! **I have my presentatin ready!** Unfortunetly not everybody will be able to present. We have a time limit of 3 and a half minutes for each person so we will do our best to include everybody, but YOU NEED TO APPLY! Once you purchase your ticket there is an application form, you must apply to present! **What should my presentation include?** Show off your friend in the best light possible. Some pictures, their hobbies, what they think is the perfect date. Maybe even some of their unusal habits. Keep it fun and lighthearted and love will follow...! **Can I come alone?** Absolutely! Come alone and meet the love of your life or bring a friend to help them meet theirs. **Do I have to pitch?** Nope, not everybody needs to pitch somebody. We will be selecting a few people to pitch their friends and everybody else can enjoy the presentations! **My friend can't make it, can I still pitch them?** We want everybody that is being pitched to attend the event so that they can meet their potential suiters on the night, so yes they must be in attendance. **Does everybody need a ticket?** Yes, everybody that plans to come needs a ticket, whether presenting, being presented or just a spectator. **What is the age range?** This particular event is for those aged 21 to 35 years.
Cacao Ceremony & Harp infused Sound Bath in the heart of Dublin
Cacao Ceremony & Harp infused Sound Bath in the heart of Dublin
✨Live Harp infused Sound Journey and Cacao Ceremony in the Heart of Dublin 8✨ ✨After a massive response from you all to our winter events we bring you now on the 22th of May at 19:45 a really special event✨ Through a beautiful curated cacao shamanic journey and our signature harp Infused Sound Bath we'll restore your frequencies and help you reconnect with your Heart Center in this amazing location in Portobello Dublin 8 💜We begin the evening with @nellysiwarqenti , who will gently open the space with a beautifully curated cacao ceremony. Through her voice, shamanic drumming, and other sacred instruments, she’ll guide you into a deeper connection with your heart, supported by the warmth of this beautiful medicine. Followed by Pilar @fridamercurio my favorite harpist—and I will take you on an unforgettable Sound Journey. The delicate harp strings will begin to soften and melt away the noise of the mind, while the sounds of crystal bowls, Tibetan bowls, gongs, and other sacred instruments wash over you. This is an evening to truly let go… to be held in sound, cacao to unwind, and to leave feeling deeply relaxed, grounded, and gently ready to move into your weekend Bring your yoga mats a cushion and your favorite blanket please, I have some available but please text me if you need me to bring you one. Looking forward sharing this beautiful event with you. Isabel, Nelly & Pilar 💜💜💜 Follow the link to eventbrite to secure your space https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cacao-harp-infused-sound-journey-tickets-1988286310879
FRIDAY Lunch in the Terenure Inn
FRIDAY Lunch in the Terenure Inn

Historical Tours Events This Week

Discover what is happening in the next few days

Killiney Hill Walking Tour - Guided Historical Walk and Time to Chat!
Killiney Hill Walking Tour - Guided Historical Walk and Time to Chat!
Join us on a history-focused walking tour of Killiney Hill Park! My name is Marina Boyle and I'm a local tour guide excited to lead a tour of Killiney Hill Park! I’ll be taking you through everything from the obelisk to the quarry, and explaining why the stories of Killiney Castle and Daedalus and Icarus have enchanted visitors to the park for years. Whether you are local, new to the area, or wanting to learn and make friends at the same time, this tour is for you. We'll start at the car park in Killiney Hill, which is accessible via Dalkey DART station, car, or the 59 bus. Together we'll visit all the highlights of the park, where I'll explain the local history and leave time for guests to chat and make connections as well. This event will start at 15:30 sharp and last approximately 1.5 hours. Please note that this is a tip-based tour, and most guests choose to contribute around €5–€10 per person (or more if the tour was unforgettable 😄). Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions! I am looking forward to meeting you!
Walking Tour of the Liberties
Walking Tour of the Liberties
Have you ever walked down a street and wondered who lived there, what happened on the street, or behind closed doors? Walk along an ancient highway known in Irish as Slí Mhor, The Great Way. Listen to tales of Normans and Nobels, Rebellions and Weavers, Traders and local characters who once called this place home. Consider as you walk in the footsteps of the many people who went before you, how the area has evolved over the years and what the future may be. Our guide is Anita Ray, a proud local, born and raised in the Liberties. Be prepared to travel through the centuries, look through walls and buildings and imagine how life 'used to be'. Cost: €10.00 payable at time of booking. Please note: Bookings are not honoured without payment! [PayPal.Me/DLHGroup](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/DLHGroup?v=1&utm_source=unp&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=RT000269&utm_unptid=c5d142a8-2861-11ed-aa18-98039ba0714a&ppid=RT000269&cnac=IE&rsta=en_US%28en-IE%29&cust=ZTGE7US474996&unptid=c5d142a8-2861-11ed-aa18-98039ba0714a&calc=f793604dc7c12&unp_tpcid=ppme-social-user-profile-created&page=main%3Aemail%3ART000269&pgrp=main%3Aemail&e=cl&mchn=em&s=ci&mail=sys&appVersion=1.109.0&xt=104038) Meeting point: St. James's RC Church on James's Street.
Alternative Side to Dublin | FREE Walking Tour
Alternative Side to Dublin | FREE Walking Tour
A look into Dublin's lesser-known gems, including several great local spots. ***[Get your Tickets](https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/alternative-side-to-dublin-free-walking-tour-tickets-1970394299391)*** ## **Discover a different side to Dublin 🚶** Ever wonder what’s down there? For such a small city, Dublin certainly has its fair share of secret spots and dodgy stories. Starting from O’Connell street, our guides will share the story of one of the Rising’s lesser known heroes, how Dublin’s aging buildings have been utilised (for better or worse), and some of the crazy nights of Dublin’s past. Whether new or old to the city, come find a few new spots to socialize and discover and Alternative Side of Dublin. The Alternative Side of Dublin Tour is free to all and we are dedicated to keeping it that way, tipping if you can is greatly encouraged! Our tour has over 100 excellent reviews online and is ranked in the top tours on Trip Advisor. **TOPICS** * Easter Rising and the O’Rahilly Crusade * Historic Building Preservation in Dublin * Rise and Fall of Moore Street * The Chocolate Factory * Homelessness in Dublin * Capel Street Hotspots * The Hacienda * The Vegetable Market * The Complex * Nirvana & Drug Shenanigans * Panti Bliss’ Noble Call * Icon Walk **PRIVATE TOURS** We are also now doing private tours for groups, if you want to host your own tour get in touch with us. We can do tours for friend groups, work parties, educational tours or community tours.👬🧑‍🤝‍🧑 **WHAT ELSE DO WE DO?** We host art nights, pottery, walking tours, workshops, rug tufting and lots of whacky events. Join us for Drink & Draw Ireland's art party or one of our many experiences. 🎨 **SUPPORT LOCAL** After each tour we will send you a link to each artist featured and also bring you to a gallery where you can support artists by buying prints, paintings or commission them for work! ***FAQ?*** **What happens if I'm late?** We encourage anyone who is late to still join the tour, after you get a ticket you will get an email that will have instructions. 📩 **What happens if it rains?** All tours proceed even if it's raining, please bring an umbrella or rain jacket just in case.☔ **Is this wheelchair accessible?** Unfortunately parts of the tour is not accessible, the first location is accessible to everyone. **Where does the tour start and end?** The tour starts at O'Connell Street and ends at The Grand Social. **Should I Tip?** If you enjoy it you can tip your guide if you want! Our guides keep all tips from tours so it gives artists and creatives a chance to do something they love. **FREE TOUR? Really?** Yes this is free, if you enjoy it you can tip your guide if you want. Our guides keep all tips from tours so it gives artists and creatives a chance to do something they love.
Dublin Free Tour - essentials & oddities
Dublin Free Tour - essentials & oddities
You'll meet your local guide at the meeting point a little before 11AM and show your booking. Then we'll commence a fascinating walking tour through the streets, sights, and sounds of Dublin old and new. You'll get an unrivalled insight to the history and culture that has shaped the capital you see today - warts and all, discover the lesser-known, intriguing oddities of our city, and get unique insider tips for the rest of your stay. Sites and topics covered include: Dublin Castle, Christchurch, Viking & Medieval Dublin, Temple Bar, fables, folklore and mythology, Trinity College, Stephen's Green, risings and rebellions, writers & rogues and so, so much more... please remember, places are limited and you must book your spot via: https://www.generationtours.com/dublin See you soon!
Mystery Walk
Mystery Walk
Next Sunday (24th May) we'll be doing a mystery walk in South Dublin. **Meeting Location** Laughanstown Luas stop - this is two stops before the southern terminus of the Green Line (Bride's Glen) and is between Carrickmines and Cherrywood. It's not a great place to get to by bus, but Cabinteely is probably best to get off if you need to take the bus. **\*\*\* Important, please click on Attend if you wish to join this event \*\*\*** **Route Description** As it's a mystery walk, we won't go into details about the walk, other than to say we should get excellent views and see plenty of lovely scenery and places of historical interest. It's around 10km in length on a mixture of well-defined paths and some paths off the beaten track which may include obstacles to negotiate such as tree trunks to climb over. As it's a linear walk, we'll be finishing at a different place but one that is in easy reach of the DART, Dublin Buses and the Luas (a short walk away). There are no toilets or refreshments during the walk, but we will finish up near a pub, cafés and a Spar. We should be able to find a nice place to sit during the walk, so feel free to bring own snacks and drinks. Feel free to come on the walk even if you haven't been to a meet up before. This is a great way to meet new people and see new places. \*\*\* If you wish to wander off during a break then it's probably OK but please agree with the organisers a time you'll return so we're not waiting for you \*\*\* [Host(s)] Tim (085 718 5658) WhatsApp FAQs 1. Is there a charge for this event? No, this is a free event. Sometimes we have events that involve a visit to a museum or garden with an entrance fee - but this will be clearly marked in the details 2. Is it OK for people on a short visit to Ireland to join this walk? Yes both visitors and residents alike are welcome to join our walks. 3. How easy/difficult is this walk? Most walking groups would classify this as a medium walk, so having a reasonable level of fitness is recommended. Some parts of the walk are quite steep with narrow, uneven paths and some paths may be muddy. 4. Why are there only a limited number of places for this event? To ensure the best possible experience for the people attending it is necessary to limit the numbers, especially as the chosen route may not be straightforward and along narrow paths. 5. Why is it necessary to book on this event if you wish to attend? This is because there are only a limited number of spaces (see point above) and to ensure the fairest allocation of spaces, we kindly request everyone to book a place. It's OK to change your mind about coming but please change your RSVP as soon as you have for someone else to take the place if they wish to. PLEASE NOTE: Walking like many outdoor activities carries an element of risk. People who take part in our meet up activities do so at their own risk and are responsible for their own actions and involvement. If you register to join our meet up walks you agree that you wish to take part in the activities knowing these risks. Please wear boots, shoes or runners that you find comfortable, provide suitable support and have good grip as some of the paths may be uneven or steep. It is also recommended to bring water to avoid dehydration. Bring warm clothes and a waterproof jacket or umbrella in case of inclement weather. Feel free to bring walking poles if you wish. The Wild Travellers' Adventures Meetup Group supports the Leave No Trace Campaign
DMG Visit to Dublin's Botanic Gardens
DMG Visit to Dublin's Botanic Gardens

Historical Tours Events Near You

Connect with your local Historical Tours community

Let's Discover the Discovery District
Let's Discover the Discovery District
Join Biggest Community | Investors Founders | Columbus | Online
Join Biggest Community | Investors Founders | Columbus | Online
Please reserve your spot by registering on the below link : **Reserve** https://www.eventbrite.com/e/join-biggest-community-investors-founders-columbus-online-tickets-1988563717610?aff=meetup **QUESTIONS ?** Pls Reach out to; Ridhi - +971504724873 ( WhatsApp Only)
Trails & Ales! Blendon Woods Metro Park / Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery
Trails & Ales! Blendon Woods Metro Park / Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery
**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.
Tour - Lavender & Light: Provence, France 2026
Tour - Lavender & Light: Provence, France 2026
Join Bold Spirit Travel for an all-women’s journey through the [heart of Provence. ](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/south-of-france-provence-2026) From charming villages and bustling markets, to lavender fields and coastal cliffs, this adventure blends history, art, food, and stunning landscapes. Your base is a boutique hotel in Aix-en-Provence, the perfect hub for exploring southern France. *\*We can only take 10 women on this trip.* **Highlights** * **Aix-en-Provence** – stroll cobbled streets, browse colorful markets, and enjoy lively cafés. * **Marseilles** – tour its historic basilica and meet traditional soap makers. * **Arles & Wine Tasting** – explore Roman ruins and sip wines at Mas Valériole estate. * **Lavender Fields** – capture the beauty of Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque. * **Cassis & the Calanques** – enjoy seaside scenery and an optional boat ride. * **St. Rémy** – wander the vibrant market and visit Van Gogh’s former monastery. * **Les Baux-de-Provence** – experience the dazzling immersive light show. * **Cabrières-d’Avignon** – discover lavender’s artistry at the Lavender Museum. **What's Included:** * 6 nights in a boutique hotel (shared occupancy; private upgrades available). * Expert Bold Spirit tour leader plus bilingual local guides. * Meals as listed in the itinerary. * Private ground transportation. * Pre-trip support: Zoom call, WhatsApp group, and packing guidance. **Why Travel With Us?** This Provence adventure is designed for women who love travel, culture, and connection. You’ll share meals, explore iconic sites, and enjoy the slower pleasures of the French countryside—with expert guidance and community every step of the way. **Pricing:** * **Trip Cost:** USD 5,885 * **Deposit:** USD 700 non-refundable (secures hotels and guides) Get in touch with us to set up a call and learn [more](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/south-of-france-provence-2026). Contact:[ https://www.boldspirittravel.com/contact](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/contact)
Columbus Museum of Art, Free Admission Sundays
Columbus Museum of Art, Free Admission Sundays
Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.
Franklin Park Conservatory / Columbus Brewing Company
Franklin Park Conservatory / Columbus Brewing Company
**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.
French conversation at La Chatelaine in Worthington.
French conversation at La Chatelaine in Worthington.
SATURDAY: This event is 2:30 - 4 pm SATURDAY. Conversation tends toward intermediate/advanced, but everybody is welcome. If you come and don't see us right away, keep looking. We could be anywhere in the restaurant.