The Ohio State University Oval - black and green
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The Ohio State University Oval

4.7
·621 reviews·Columbus, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Fall mornings

Crisp air, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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The Ohio State University Oval - black and green

The Ohio State University Oval

Best Time

Fall mornings

Crisp air, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.7
(621 reviews)

"A great green space at the heart of campus, perfect for relaxing and experiencing student life."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Oval's Natural Walkways

The Oval's Natural Walkways

Discover paths designed from student foot traffic, blending nature and campus life seamlessly.

The 'Five Brothers' Trees

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

Campus Gathering Hub

Experience the heart of OSU life, from student meetups to major campus events.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Oval's Paths

The Oval's walkways weren't randomly placed; they follow natural student paths.Instagram+1 Embrace this organic design for efficient campus navigation. Consider comfortable shoes for exploring this central hub.

Timing Your Visit for Events

The Oval is a hub for campus activities, especially during the fall Involvement Fair.Reddit Check the university's event calendar to catch concerts, fairs, or student gatherings for a vibrant experience.

Best Times

When
Fall mornings
Why
Crisp air, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Spring afternoons
Why
Blooming trees, vibrant energy
Crowd
Medium
When
During campus events
Why
Lively atmosphere, student life
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I have so many tips for moving in and storing things #CODAduets #ohiostate #osu #fyp #foryou #ohio #StyleSnap
@sadie.carducci
30.3K likes • 369.2K views

🚶‍♀️ Embrace the Natural Paths

Walkways follow student routes.Instagram+1 Wear comfy shoes for exploring this central campus area.

📅 Check Event Schedules

The Oval hosts fairs and gatherings.Reddit Plan your visit around campus events for a lively experience.

confusing day at graduation but here’s some tips/thoughts #fy #fyp #ohiostate #osu #ohio #college #graduation #masters
@quinnkuntz
20.9K likes • 419.9K views
The Oval walkways at Ohio State University were designed to follow the natural paths students created through campus. Often referred to as a desired path—a route or direction that people naturally prefer to take, often based on convenience or efficiency, rather than following designated paths or structures. - #ohiostate #university #pavement
discover_our_planet
35.5K likes • 597.2K views

🌳 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!

The walkways on The Oval at Ohio State University weren’t placed at random. They were designed by observing the natural paths students took while walking across campus. Over time, those worn trails were paved into permanent walkways, showing that the best design often follows where people already choose to go. Follow (us) @visualspirits for all things interesting 🌎 📷
visualspirits
7.1K likes • 393.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Embrace the Natural Paths

Walkways follow student routes.Instagram+1 Wear comfy shoes for exploring this central campus area.

📅 Check Event Schedules

The Oval hosts fairs and gatherings.Reddit 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

4.7
(621 reviews)

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

Beautiful green space
Central campus location
Natural walkways

What People Dislike

Can be crowded during events

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.TikTok

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.TikTok

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.Instagram+2 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.TikTok

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.Reddit 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.Reddit

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.Reddit

The most unique feature is how the walkways were designed based on natural student paths.Instagram+2 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,Reddit 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

The Oval is a fantastic, open space for families visiting Ohio State. Its wide, paved paths are perfect for strollers and little ones learning to walk or ride bikes.TikTok The expansive lawn provides ample room for kids to run around and burn off energy. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the grass, and keep an eye out for the fun Grubhub delivery robots that often zip across the paths – a guaranteed hit with children!

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

For current students, The Oval is your campus living room. It's the go-to spot for meeting friends, studying outdoors, and attending major campus events like the Involvement Fair.Reddit The natural walkways are perfect for quick commutes between classes.Instagram+1 Don't forget to check out the 'Five Brothers' trees for a moment of peace or a unique photo op.

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

The Oval is a completely free attraction, making it ideal for budget-conscious travelers. You can spend hours here enjoying the scenery, people-watching, and soaking in the campus atmosphere without spending a dime. Pack your own snacks and drinks to save on food costs, and utilize public transportation to reach the campus.TikTok

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

The iconic walkways of The Ohio State University Oval are a testament to thoughtful, user-centered design. Instead of imposing a rigid grid, landscape architects observed how students naturally traversed the campus. Over time, the most frequently used paths, worn into the grass, were identified and paved, creating the organic, flowing routes that define The Oval today.Instagram+2 This approach, often referred to as 'desired path' design, prioritizes convenience and efficiency based on actual human behavior, resulting in a more intuitive and aesthetically pleasing campus layout.

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

The Oval is far more than just a patch of grass; it's the vibrant heart of The Ohio State University campus. It serves as a crucial gathering point for students, faculty, and visitors, hosting a multitude of events throughout the year. From the bustling Involvement Fair that kicks off the academic year Reddit to impromptu student performances and relaxation sessions, the Oval is a constant hive of activity. Its central location makes it a natural thoroughfare, connecting various academic buildings and student facilities, ensuring a constant flow of people and energy.

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.

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