Click here to view or download a PDF of the Things You Never Got to See Tour Map.
Most of the locations on the "Things You Never Got to See Tour" are self-guided and can be visited as your own schedule permits. Other locations have limited hours, so please note that in each description below.
There is no RSVP necessary to participate, but the limited tours are intended for 2009 Ohio State graduates and their guests.
1. If plants and bugs are your thing then check out the plant rescue center and insectary that is part of a Rooftop Greenhouse located on the top of Parking Garage K on 12th Ave. Available Wednesday, June 10 from 4:00pm-6:00pm and Thursday, June 11 from 12:00pm-2:00pm.
2. Kuhn Honors & Scholars House is home to the University Honors & Scholars Center. The house was built in 1926 as a residence for the Ohio State President. OSU Presidents lived there until 1972. The house is unintentionally built 180 degrees backwards.
3. There are five markers on campus that mark the path of the Underground Railroad that came through campus in the mid-1800s. They are located by the Olentangy River, the RPAC field, Mirror Lake, near Enarson Hall and on the South Oval by College Rd.
4. Surrounding Mirror Lake are the symbolic rocks of both Romophos and Bucket & Dipper Sophomore and Junior Class Honoraries respectively.
5. Stop by the Orton Hall Bell Tower. You can see where President Orton used to work late at night by candlelight and snap a quick picture with some friends. Available Wednesday, June 10 from 4:00pm-6:00pm and Thursday, June 11 from 12:00pm-2:00pm. Meet in the lobby of Orton Hall during the specified times for this opportunity.
6. There are two whispering arches and two echoing locations on the east side of the Oval. The whispering arches are located in the archway of Hayes Hall and the curved steps outside of the Wexner Center on College Rd. The echoing locations are the center of Mortar Board Court next to Weigel Hall and the crack on the curb of College Rd. facing in toward the steps. Whisper or scream “Go Bucks” and hear what happens!
7. The Long Walk is 1,275 feet long, and President William Oxley Thompson held commencement on the Oval during his presidency. Legend has it that if an OSU student walks hand in hand with their significant other from the seal at the east end to the seal at the west end and the bells of Orton Hall chime, the couple is destined to be together forever.
8. Following Word War I, five Elm trees were planted in the center of the Oval in honor of five students who were killed. These trees became known as “The Five Brothers” because they resembled five brothers. In 1951, these trees caught the Dutch Elm disease and were killed, but Ohio Staters replaced the trees with five Oaks to continue the tradition.
9. Derby Hall was originally the Chemistry building. Unfortunately, it burned down twice due to chemistry accidents. The university decided to finally move the Chemisry Department out of Derby Hal. When they were rebuilding Derby from the fire, they ran out of funds and decided to leave the decorative lining off the roof of the building in the back to save cost.
10. Herb “Hub” Atkinson graduated from Ohio State in 1913 and served as a trustee for 23 years. When he died, his will included a request to have his remains buried somewhere on campus. You can find a small plaque commemorating Hub’s ashes inside of the second floor of Bricker Hall near a conference room where Atkinson spent a lot of time.
11. The Ohio State Museum is sponsored by Ohio Staters and features a room full of historic pictures and other memorabilia. It is located on the first floor of University Hall.
12. Just north of the Main Library lies the 40th degree Latitude marker & SPHINX Senior Class Honorary plaza. The small stone indicator marks the geographical line that also passes through Philadelphia, Boulder, Seoul and Beijing. SPHINX Plaza was dedicated as a 75th anniversary gift for the honorary and lists the name of every student linked into SPHINX since its founding in 1907.
13. Want to get a sneak peak of the library before it opens up this fall? You will get a chance to explore the William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library after a three-year renovation! Available Wednesday, June 10 from 4:00pm-6:00pm, Thursday, June 11 from 12:00pm-2:00pm and Friday, June 12 from 3:00pm-5:00pm. Meet at the main entrance to the Library on the east (Oval) side of the building during the specified times for this opportunity.
14. OSU has miles of underground tunnels that connect the University’s heating, cooling and telecommunications. But have you ever wanted to see what they look like and how they work? Visit the RPAC equipment desk on the ground floor for the unique opportunity. Available Wednesday, June 10 from 4:00pm-6:00pm, Thursday, June 11 from 12:00pm-2:00pm and Friday, June 12 from 3:00pm-5:00pm.
15. Located on the 5th floor of Smith Laboratory, the OSU Astronomy Department boasts an 80-seat Planetarium. The planetarium can simulate the appearance of the night sky from varying locations and conditions-perfect for viewing, day or night! Shows will start every half hour, so be sure to be on time! Available Wednesday, June 10 from 4:00pm-6:00pm and Thursday, June 11 from 12:00pm-2:00pm.
16. Stop by 18th & High and see the location of the OSU Football Field before the Horseshoe. A plaque marks old Ohio Field, where “Chic Harley performed those feats which made him an Ohio State Football Legend and sparked the public enthusiasm which led to the construction of Ohio Stadium.”
17. Who doesn’t love The Best Damn Band in the Land? Now here is your chance to see where they practice, tour their state-of-the-art Band Center and see the history of TBDBITL through the years. Visit gate #10 on the east side of the Stadium. Available Wednesday, June 10 from 4:00pm-6:00pm and Thursday, June 11 from 12:00pm-2:00pm.
18. Ever wish you had the chance to witness the old art of glass blowing? Now is your chance! Make your way to the Sherman Studio Art Center where OSU students and faculty create beautiful glass objects. Available Tuesday, June 9 from 2:00pm-4:00pm, Wednesday, June 10 from 4:00pm-6:00pm and Thursday, June 11 from 12:00pm-2:00pm.
19. Experience what it is like to see a Polar Rock Repository by heading out to West Campus. While at the Byrd Polar Research Center, you will have the opportunity to see the polar and alpine research being conducted by the eight research groups on campus. Available Wednesday, June 10 from 4:00pm-6:00pm and Thursday, June 11 from 12:00pm-2:00pm.
20. The Chadwick Arboretum is named for Professor Lewis Chadwick, who is credited for bringing arboriculture to professional status and the placing of trees throughout the OSU campus. Don’t get lost walking in the circular Labyrinth!
21. If you make your way over to the Jerome Schottenstein Center, you will not be disappointed. This tour will take you into the players’ locker rooms and beyond. Please enter at the Northeast Rotunda. Available Wednesday, June 10 from 4:00pm-6:00pm and Thursday, June 11 from 12:00pm-2:00pm.
22. The Woody Hayes Athletic Complex has an 8,000 square foot weight room and includes the football facilities. The northern corridor is adorned with Ohio State history, including national championship team displays, Heisman Trophies and Big Ten trophies. The lobby is open during regular business hours, 8am-5pm, Monday through Friday.
23. Come see where OSU students get their wings. The Ohio State University Airport is one of the few nation’s only university-owned and operated facilities. A combination of classroom and on the job training makes the airport facilities a very unique place to learn. Available Wednesday, June 10 from 4:00pm-6:00pm and Thursday, June 11 from 12:00pm-2:00pm.