Group Tours

PLEASE PRE-BOOK YOUR GUIDED TOUR OF GERMAN VILLAGE!

German Village, the internationally recognized historic district just blocks from downtown Columbus, Ohio, has much to offer your group. The 233-acre district offers a glimpse of how a working-class neighborhood developed and grew in the early nineteenth century and how the passion of a small group drove the twentieth century rehabilitation efforts.

The guided group tours conducted by the German Village Society provide the most comprehensive overview of the history and restoration of German Village. Volunteer tour guides trained to explain the history, humor, and humanity of the community will lead your group through the brick streets of the area. All tours begin at the German Village Meeting Haus, 588 South Third Street, with an award-winning video, which offers an excellent historical overview of German Village. Each member of your group will receive a Visitor Map/Guide of the area, which highlights area shops and restaurants.

Stop by our Visitor’s Center at the German Village Meeting Haus Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday 12-3 p.m. April through December. Our Visitor Center features a timeline history of German Village and the neighboring Brewery District, gift items, and visitor information.

RESTRICTIONS:  We require a two-week advance notice on guided tours. Groups of 8 or more are welcome to schedule a docent. Please note that we are only able to accommodate Saturday or Sunday tours that are scheduled for 25+ paying visitors; and we can’t schedule tours the week prior to our annual Haus und Garten tour, which is held the last Sunday of June. Your deposit ($50 for 25 or fewer/$100 for 26+ paying visitors) must be paid two weeks before your tour date, or else we can’t guarantee your tour. You may cancel for a full refund 7 days in advance. If you cancel 6 or fewer days before your tour date, we cannot refund your deposit.

SMALL GROUPS, FAMILIES: Smaller groups may like to purchase our $10 commemorative walking tour guide of the Village, available at the Meeting Haus, or you can find free versions of the walking tour guide by using your smart phone to visit germanvaillage.com (click “Stroll”) or by picking up a free Columbus Art Walk map for the Village in our Visitors Center.

Please contact the Meeting Haus @ 614.221.8888, Fax 614.222.4747, or email, german@germanvillage.com, for further information.

SCAVENGER HUNT
This is a unique and fun 90-minute teaching tool for students. Your group will be shown a historical overview video of German Village, given a brief history lesson/demonstration, and then sent out to explore German Village on one of six different architectural scavenger hunts.
Adults $10, Seniors/Middle/High School/College Students $5
Grade School Students $4

STANDARD TOUR
On our one-hour tour, you will be guided through the brick streets lined with quaint homes, gardens, shops, galleries, and restaurants. This tour is available as a walking tour or as a step-on guide tour.
Adults $9, Seniors/High School/College Students $5

SIGHTS, SOUNDS, AND STORIES OF GERMAN VILLAGE
This two-hour tour which includes a historical overview video of German Village provides an insight to the settlement of the area focusing on the stories about early residents, Schiller Park, and German Immigration to the United States. Includes all of the amenities of the Standard Tour.
Adults $12, Seniors/High School/College Students $9

A CELEBRATION OF GARDENS (JUNE-SEPTEMBER ONLY)
On this two and one-half hour seasonal walking tour, you will see some of German Village’s most intriguing private and public gardens. Our gardeners are noted for their ingenuity and creative use of small, urban spaces.
All $10

EXPLORE BEYOND THE DOOR
Explore Beyond the Door invites you to explore two private German Village homes. This is a wonderful way to see the innovative renovation and design efforts of today’s residents. All the amenities of the Standard Tour are included. Please allow at least two hours for this tour.
All $18

HISTORIC SCHILLER PARK – WALKING TOUR
A community gathering space for generations, Schiller Park holds a century and half of history in its 23 acres.  This one-hour walking tour highlights the stories from soldiers training for service in the Mexican-American War to the 10,000 guests who attended the dedication ceremony of the Schiller statue in 1891. The guide will also touch on the architectural styles of the homes surrounding the Park.
All $10

CHOCOLATE’S GERMAN HERITAGE
Add an up-close-and-personal experience at German Village’s handmade chocolates and award-winning coffee shop, Winans Fine Chocolates & Coffee. Sample a Miss Clara Pecan Toffee, made by Winans’ Candy Maker of 43 years.  And a famous OHIO Buckeye hand rolled by German chocolatier, Lottie!   Add this experiential stop to any tour listed above and you’ll watch (and smell! and taste!) hand-dipping of Winans famous truffles, learn why pour-over coffee is the hottest thing since cappuccino and go home with a four-piece box of chocolate and drip-coffee drink of your choice.
This is an add-on experience to any tour above – All $5

German Village is a historic neighborhood with brick streets and sidewalks. While curb cuts have been made to accommodate wheelchairs, it can be a challenge to navigate each and every corner of the community. We will do our very best to make everyone welcome and make each tour a treasure.

PLEASE PRE-BOOK YOUR GUIDED TOUR OF GERMAN VILLAGE!