Central Ohio Fire Museum, llc — Attraction in Columbus

I visited the Central Ohio Fire Museum recently 10-24-2019] during a leisurely afternoon stroll between Italian Village and Franklinton.

I had arrived at the Central Ohio Fire Museum about twenty minutes before they would be closing so the guy at the entrance let me in for free. Actually, I probably would have spent only about twenty minutes there anyway.

I had been able to see, during my brief visit, several things that I clearly remember from my childhood [for example, a former black-and-white embossed City-of-Columbus "street sign" design that is no longer used and a former yellow "telephone call box," to be mounted on a telephone pole, that is no longer used].

The Central Ohio Fire Museum building is historic because it had served for many years as a Columbus Fire Department fire house. The "No. 16 ENGINE HOUSE" words are clearly visible on the front wall of the building above the large doors.

The "OSU-Michigan football rivalry" had been clearly evident at the Central Ohio Fire Museum. The horse for a horse-drawn fire truck in the center of the room had been wearing both a "University of Michigan" cap [on the right side of its head] and a "The Ohio State University" cap [with only the word "THE" visible...

Went with my sister, her husband and their son. This place is great, for learning about the history of early Columbus and the history of early firefighting and how far we've come technologically. They have a display to warn kids about hazards and what a burnt out room really looks like after a fire, it's pretty cool, if not a little Ohio Historical Center similar. Anyway, the staff are really passionate and willing to chat, we went and only a few people were there. They really know their stuff and want to educate folks. It was a really great trip, I will definitely go again. I don't think most people really know about this place, or that it is a museum. Parking is kinda wonky, be careful as it's downtown and sometimes parking can be tricky, you don't want your car towed. Trust me. Anyway well worth the parking hassle, definitely take your kids. There's even a little gift shop there. Who knew? Worth it....

These are the kinds of places I save 5 stars for! It's small, but it's packed with history, authentic artifacts, and information. Even the horses' hoof marks are still on the stable doors!!! The staff is beyond helpful and accommodating, especially to my special needs guy who wanted to stay for a couple hours rotating between staring at the lights, mannequins, and the trucks. They're also so informative and knowledgeable. Our guide was Sue and she was amazing. But I could hear the other guide with his guests and he was excellent too. There's stuff around every corner and just when your eyes think they've absorbed it all, you find you missed something...again. Get past the physical size and the limitations you THINK that's going to present, and you'll get immersed in so much more than you imagined! Can't believe we've never been and will definitely be back!!! Oh, they do fire safety and education, so there's that...