The Ohio State University Oval
The vibrant heart of Ohio State University, The Oval offers natural walkways, green spaces, and a central hub for campus life.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Crisp air, fewer crowds
The Ohio State University Oval
Best Time
Crisp air, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
The vibrant heart of Ohio State University, The Oval offers natural walkways, green spaces, and a central hub for campus life.
"A great green space at the heart of campus, perfect for relaxing and experiencing student life."
🚶♀️ Embrace the Natural Paths
Walkways follow student routes . Wear comfy shoes for exploring this central campus area.
📅 Check Event Schedules
The Oval hosts fairs and gatherings . Plan your visit around campus events for a lively experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Oval's Natural Walkways
Discover paths designed from student foot traffic, blending nature and campus life seamlessly.

The 'Five Brothers' Trees
Central Oval
A unique cluster of five trees with a historical plaque, offering a quiet spot for reflection.

Campus Gathering Hub
Experience the heart of OSU life, from student meetups to major campus events.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Oval's Paths
Timing Your Visit for Events
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Embrace the Natural Paths
Walkways follow student routes.
Wear comfy shoes for exploring this central campus area.📅 Check Event Schedules
The Oval hosts fairs and gatherings.
Plan your visit around campus events for a lively experience.🌳 Find the 'Five Brothers'
Discover this unique historical tree cluster for a moment of quiet reflection.
🤖 Spot the Grubhub Robots
Watch these delivery robots navigate campus paths – a modern campus sight!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Embrace the Natural Paths
Walkways follow student routes.
Wear comfy shoes for exploring this central campus area.📅 Check Event Schedules
The Oval hosts fairs and gatherings.
Plan your visit around campus events for a lively experience.🌳 Find the 'Five Brothers'
Discover this unique historical tree cluster for a moment of quiet reflection.
🤖 Spot the Grubhub Robots
Watch these delivery robots navigate campus paths – a modern campus sight!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise The Oval as a beautiful, well-maintained green space at the heart of Ohio State University's campus. It's lauded as a perfect spot for relaxation, meeting friends, and experiencing campus life, with its unique walkways and historical trees adding to its charm. Some note it's a central crossing point with ongoing activity.
"Great Green space at The Ohio State University. In middle of campus and a good crossing point. Lots of walking paths with lots of activity including the little grubhub robots."
The K Green Show
"Love hanging out on the Oval. Great place to meet friends. Lots of area for activities. Love the Involvement Fair this Sunday before classes start in the fall."
Phil Foell
"remarkable campus. beautiful gardening. Great for peaceful walks."
Andreas Ramos
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Oval is centrally located on the Ohio State University campus in Columbus, Ohio. It's easily accessible by public transportation, with numerous bus routes stopping nearby. If driving, parking garages are available around the campus perimeter, though they can be busy during peak times.
Yes, several parking garages are available near The Oval, such as the Ohio Union South Garage and the 12th Ave Garage. Be aware that parking fees apply, and it's advisable to check the university's parking services for the most up-to-date information and availability.
Absolutely! The Oval is a popular pedestrian and cycling area. Many campus paths lead directly to it, making it a convenient destination for students and visitors arriving on foot or by bike.
The Oval's walkways are designed based on natural student foot traffic.
Simply follow the paved paths, which are intuitive and lead you through the heart of campus.Yes, the paved pathways throughout The Oval are generally accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, making it easy for everyone to explore the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, The Oval is a public outdoor space and does not require a ticket for entry. It's a free and open area for everyone to enjoy.
As an outdoor public space, The Oval is accessible 24/7. However, campus buildings surrounding it have specific operating hours.
There are no fees to enter or walk around The Oval itself. Any costs would be associated with parking if you are driving to campus.
For larger organized events, you would need to contact Ohio State University's event services. Smaller informal gatherings are generally permitted, but it's always good practice to be mindful of others.
Yes, The Ohio State University provides Wi-Fi access across campus, including The Oval, allowing you to stay connected while you visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Oval is a central gathering place for students and visitors. You can relax on the lawn, walk the paths, study outdoors, or attend campus events like the Involvement Fair.
It's also a great spot for people-watching and enjoying the campus atmosphere.Don't miss the 'Five Brothers' trees, a unique historical feature. The surrounding buildings, like Orton Hall and Thompson Library, also offer impressive architecture. Many students enjoy studying near Mirror Lake.
Yes, The Oval offers a pleasant outdoor study environment. Many students find spots on the lawn or benches conducive to studying, especially during warmer months. The nearby Orton Hall library is also a popular study spot.
The most unique feature is how the walkways were designed based on natural student paths.
You'll also see the 'Five Brothers' trees and the modern sight of Grubhub delivery robots navigating the paths.The Oval hosts a variety of events, including the annual Involvement Fair before fall classes,
concerts, student organization activities, and other university-sponsored gatherings. Check the OSU events calendar for specifics.📸 📸 Photography
Capture the iconic walkways, the 'Five Brothers' trees, and the grand architecture of surrounding buildings like Orton Hall. The open green space also provides great opportunities for candid shots of campus life.
Absolutely! The Oval, with its beautiful landscaping and iconic campus buildings, is a very popular and picturesque location for graduation photos.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful soft light. Midday can be bright but offers good opportunities to capture the vibrant campus energy.
Drone usage on university property is typically restricted. It's best to check Ohio State University's official policies regarding drone operation before attempting to fly one.
The Oval itself is a tradition, representing the heart of campus. Capturing students interacting, studying, or attending events here embodies the OSU experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While The Oval itself is a great place to explore, consider visiting the nearby geology museum in the geology building for a quick, educational stop that kids might enjoy. The open environment of The Oval allows for a relaxed visit, making it easy to manage younger children while still experiencing the beauty of the OSU campus.
🎓 Students & Alumni
Alumni returning to campus will find The Oval a nostalgic and familiar landmark. It remains a well-kept green space that evokes memories of their time at OSU. Whether you're revisiting for a game day or a campus tour, The Oval is a must-see to reconnect with the heart of the university.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
It's a perfect place for a leisurely walk or a picnic lunch, offering a genuine slice of local life without any admission fees. The accessibility and open nature of The Oval make it a valuable free experience for anyone exploring Columbus.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Design Philosophy of The Oval's Walkways
This philosophy extends beyond mere convenience; it reflects a deep understanding of how people interact with their environment. The resulting network of paths encourages movement and connection, making The Oval a dynamic and central hub for campus life. It’s a subtle yet powerful design choice that has shaped the daily experience of generations of Ohio State students and visitors alike. The natural curves and intersections invite exploration and serendipitous encounters, embodying the spirit of a living, breathing university campus.
Experiencing The Oval: Beyond a Green Space
Beyond its role as an event space and transit hub, The Oval offers a welcome respite. During warmer months, students can be found picnicking, studying outdoors, or simply enjoying the sunshine on its expansive lawns. The presence of the 'Five Brothers' trees provides a unique historical landmark and a quiet spot for contemplation. Even the modern sight of Grubhub delivery robots navigating the paths adds a contemporary layer to the campus experience. It’s a place where academic life, social interaction, and moments of personal reflection converge.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit