Perhaps no neighborhood speaks as authentically to the Region's past as German Village. Located directly south of downtown Columbus, the 233-acre community is one of the preeminent historic districts in the United States.

Settled largely by German immigrants who arrived in Columbus in the early 1800s, the architecture of the Village is characterized by charming brick cottages, grand Victorian and Italianate homes, and original brick streets.

After falling into disrepair after the Great Depression, the Village underwent a transformation in the 1960s, when a handful of residents began restoring the homes and sought to have the area established as a historic preservation district. In 1975, after the Village was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, purchases and restorations of buildings began to increase, property values went up, and it became one of the area's most desirable places to live.

Led by the German Village Society, today's residents are dedicated to retaining the character and distinction of their neighborhood, while creating 
a thriving and contemporary community in which to live and work. The results of their efforts can be seen in the wealth of unique shops, bookstores, restaurants, bakeries, and beautiful outdoor spaces to be found here, all within easy walking distance.

• Schiller Park  Originally known as Stewart's Grove, the park has been the center for festivals and neighborhood activities since the early 1800s. Today, the park offers garden tours, boasts playgrounds and a recreation center, and hosts Actors' Theatre's musicals and Shakespeare in the Park presentations each summer at the Nationwide Amphitheatre.

• German Village Tours and The Annual Haus und Garten Tour Village Tours are guided group tours that focus on the historic preservation of architecture specific to German Village. The summer Haus und Garten Tour allows visitors to explore exquisite gardens and homes at their own pace.

• Oktoberfest The time-honored German festival held each autumn features traditional polkas, popular music, authentic German food and beverages, and a Marketplatz filled with artisans and unique shops.