Walking Tour

To download a pocket map of the Short North, click here.

To download a Short North Art Walk Tour created by the Columbus Public Health Department, click here.

High Street Arches:

Begin your tour at Buttles and High. Look north and south to the seventeen signature arches spanning the district's mile-long core. Installed in 2002, the arches echo their 1888 predecessors and a time when Columbus was heralded as the "City of Arches." The 21st century twist is LED technology, which adds the excitement of evening light shows, running on the hour.

American Gothic Mural:

Stroll south on the east-side of High Street for about a half block until you reach Lincoln St. on your left. Here you will find the Short North's whimsical take on Grant Wood's classic, American Gothic (714 N. High. St.).

Mona Lisa Mural:

Continue east on Lincoln. Go left on Pearl. One block up you'll find a surprising play on da Vinci's Mona Lisa (742 N. Pearl St.). In the Short North, sacred is passé, and art gets turned on its ear.

Italian Village:

From the Mona Lisa, wind your way east through the tree-lined streets and cobblestone alleys of Italian Village. This historic neighborhood dates back to the 1800s. Its collection of restored homes and greenspaces is featured in the National Registry of Historic Places. Notable architecture: St. John the Baptist's Italian Catholic Church (at the corner of Hamlet and Lincoln).

Victorian Village Loop back down High St. to 3rd Ave. Turn right and stroll west as far as Neil Ave. and south as far as Buttles Ave. You will find yourself in the heart of Victorian Village, an acclaimed residential enclave with scores of renowned architectural highlights. Notable architecture: Sells Circus House (755 Dennison Ave.).

Goodale Park:

Head east on Buttles Ave. toward High St. You will encounter Goodale Park, one of the Midwest's most beautiful urban green spaces. Donated to the city by Columbus' first physician, Dr. Lincoln Goodale, this park has been a public gathering place and event site since 1851.

Greek Orthodox Cathedral: Walk southeast through the park until you reach Goodale St. Turn left toward High St. The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral (555 N. High. St.) stands to your right. Noted for its architecture, stained glass and artistic amenities, the Cathedral is the hub of Columbus' Greek community.

The Cap/The Convention Center:

Back on High St. you have your choice between two architectural masterpieces. To your right, Peter Eisenman's striking design graces the Greater Columbus Convention Center. To your left, is the architectural mastery of the nationally acclaimed "Cap," a uniquely built structure of restaurants and shops floating above Interstate 670.

Poplar Park:

Immediately north of the Cap you will find Poplar Park, one of the Short North's famous "pocket parks." This micro-park features the exquisite Andrew Lidgus totem entitled "In Dreams Again."

The Train and Bellows Mural:

Walk another block north and you've nearly completed the loop. To the east take note of Train Mural/Basic Training and the Union Station Mural. (630 & 612 N. High St.). These sister murals reflect Columbus' early days, when the city was defined by the Union Station and its trains that brought new settlers to the city. To the west, the Cliff Dwellers Mural (641 N High. St.) salutes the art of Columbus-native, George Bellows.

Chase Park and The Guardian:

Chase Park is another pocket park located just north of Chase Bank. You've almost completed the tour but before you do, take a seat in one of the wrought iron chairs and soak in the urban ambience of High Street. If you feel someone is looking over your shoulder, you're right. Recessed between two columns, is the playful sculpture, "The Guardian," by Russ Vogt. It proudly symbolizes the organic creativity and brilliance of the Short North.