Tours of the Ohio Governor's Residence and Heritage Garden
Thank you for your interest in the Ohio Governor’s Residence and Heritage Garden. We are delighted you are exploring this unique part of Ohio’s history. The Heritage Garden is a wonderful demonstration of Ohio’s varied ecosystems and the Residence has been home to eight Governors’ and their families. Please note the following tour guidelines:
Tour guidelines
- Tuesday is the day tours are scheduled, and tours must be scheduled at least a week in advance. Scheduling is on a first come, first serve basis.
- Each touring group must select one individual who is responsible as the main contact and must accompany the touring group. This person will also be held responsible for damage to, or loss of Residence property.
- The member responsible for the tour must check in with the Ohio Highway Patrol in the Carriage House upon arrival. The Event Gate will open 10 minutes before your tour for check-in.
- If you arrive late, your tour may be shortened to maintain the established schedule. Every effort will be made to ensure a full tour.
- An alphabetized list of tour guests must be submitted for security purposes at least a week before your scheduled tour, to the residence tour coordinator at residence@governor.ohio.gov or faxed to 614-644-7482 or mailed to the this address: Ohio Governor’s Residence and Heritage Garden 358 North Parkview Ave., Columbus, OH 43209, ATTN: Tour Coordinator.
- Each guest must provide photo identification and be on the alphabetized guest list for admittance. (Exceptions for young students must be prearranged). Purses, backpacks and bags must be left in the vehicles.
- The tour is one hour and 15 minutes of standing and walking. (For those who have difficulty standing or walking for long periods of time we strongly encourage guests to bring wheelchairs, walkers or canes to make the tour enjoyable). For security reasons, all tour guests must stay with their group at all times. Visitors who are unable to remain standing will be asked to return to their bus or car, as visitors cannot be unescorted on Residence grounds. Advance notice of special requirements for guest are encouraged to help us provide the best experience for each of our guests.
- Tour leaders please be aware that restroom facilities are very limited. Please make arrangements for your group before arriving at the Residence. There are no available restroom facilities for groups who arrive early and are waiting for their tour time.
- Cameras are welcome; however, flash pictures of the works of art are prohibited.
- Guests who disregard these guidelines or instructions from the Residence staff will be escorted from the Residence.
- Although your tour is free, donations to the Friends of the the Ohio Governor's Residence and Heritage Garden are welcome.
To schedule a tour:
To schedule a tour or ask questions, contact the tour line at 614-644-7644, extension 1 or e-mail residence@governor.ohio.gov. Please let us know if your group has special interests so your tour can be tailored to your group.
Directions to the Residence:
From the North:
Take I-71 South to exit 109A - merge onto I-670 East - toward Airport
Take Exit 7 for 5th Avenue toward US-62
Turn right at N Cassidy Avenue
Turn right at the light on to Maryland Avenue
The Residence is on the left where Maryland runs into Parkview.
Please park on the street.
From the South:
Take I-71 North to exit 101A on the left to merge onto I-71 N toward Cleveland
Take exit 108B for Broad St/US-40
Turn right at Broad St/US40
Turn left at N Parkview Avenue.
The residence is at the corner of Parkview and Maryland Ave.
The residence event entrance is the first drive on the right
From the West:
US/33 E to I-71 North
Take exit 101A on the left to merge onto I-71 N toward Cleveland
Take exit 108B to Broad St/US-40
Turn right at E Broad Street
Turn left at N Parkview Avenue
The residence is at the corner of Parkview and Maryland Ave.
The residence event entrance is the first drive on the right
From SE: (Athens)
Take OH 682 to US-33 W
Continue on College Avenue
Turn left at E. Main Street
Turn right on to N. Parkview Avenue
The residence is at the corner of Parkview and Maryland Ave.
The residence event entrance is the first drive on the right