Field of Corn
I have passed the ‘Field of Corn’ hundreds of times, never really knowing the meaning behind it until recently. If you haven’t passed it, it is located in Dublin on Rings Rd. It is a field of 109 concrete corn sculptures, standing at 6ft 3in and weighing 1500 lbs.
Malcolm Cochran was the artist who created the field and completed it in 1994. Each of the corn statues stand to symbolize the history of the community farming legacy. The field that they sit on was once farmed by Sam Frantz, who was a leader in the use of hybridized corn. Frantz farmed this site from 1935 to 1963, using it as as a study field for tasty mutant strains. Once his farming days were done, he donated the land.
Address: 4995 Rings Road, Dublin, OH
Deer on the Bridge
Around the Scioto, you’ll find 3 “humanized” deer, created by Sculptor Terry Allen. He was inspired to make this series after learning that “Scioto” comes for the Shawnee word for “deer hair.” Fascinated by the idea of deer reclaiming this lounge and behaving like people, he borrowed styrofoam taxidermist’s forms and used them as armatures to “humanize” three deer. Very cool!
Watlao Buddhamamakaram
Founded in 2009 by members of the local Laotian community, the Watlao Buddhamamakaram Buddhist temple is located on the east side and is GORGEOUS! I love the dragons and ornate gold trim. Such a random, yet beautiful find!
Address: 3624 Bexvie Ave, Columbus, OH 43227
World’s Largest Ping Pong Paddle
You can find the world’s LARGEST ping pong paddle at Pins at the downtown location. The paddle is 11.5 feet long, and hangs on the wall next to the ping pong tables.
Address: 141 N. 4th St., Columbus, OH
World’s Largest Gavel
Funded with a grant from the Ohio State Bar Foundation, this large stainless steel sculpture was installed in the south reflecting pool in 2008. Crafted by Andrew F. Scott, the gavel depicts the decision-making authority of the judiciary.
Address: 145 S. Front St., Columbus, OH
King Gambrinus
King Gambrinus, the legendary king of Flanders reputed for his mythical brewing abilities, stands at 12 feet downtown on Front Street. Read more about King Gambrinus here.
Address: 605 S. Front St., Columbus, OH
The Topiary Park
A free public park that has a living sculptural interpretation of Georges Seurat’s Post-Impressionist Painting “A Sunday Afternoon on the aisle of La Grand Jatte.” There are over 50 human figures, boats, and animals – with the tallest being 12 feet tall. Besides this incredible topiary representation of his painting – there are gorgeous flowerbeds and over 220 trees.
Address: 480 E Town St, Columbus, OH 43215
Chief Leatherlips
Located Dublin, The Leatherlips Monument is a twelve-foot high portrait of the chief’s hair blown back and receding into the hillside – made out of native limestone stacked and mortared. The sculpture is open on the top and has stacked stones extending back along its sides, which lets you get a beautiful view of the river – great for sunsets!
Learn more abut Chief Leatherlips here.
Address: 7377 Riverside Dr. Dublin, OH
What other cool, random attractions are there in Columbus??
