Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour in German Village, Ohio

Mary Catholic Church. It rises above the rooftops, watching over German Village just as it has since the 19th century. St. Mary, Mother of God Church, sometimes called Grand ol’ Saint Mary’s, is a cornerstone of the neighborhood’s history and identity. Finished in 1868, it was founded by local German residents, and recently went through a much needed restoration.

The Book Loft is one of Columbus’s most beloved treasures. When you stand before its ivy-covered walls, you’re looking at a building that’s been part of this neighborhood’s story for over a century. The structure started life in 1877 as a saloon, but in 1977, the old storefronts took on a new chapter as The Book Loft. Step inside and you’ll find 32 rooms packed floor to ceiling with books. It’s a true labyrinth of literature, where narrow hallways, creaky wooden floors, and hidden nooks invite you to get delightfully lost.

It offers a great introduction to the neighborhood’s history, architecture, and preservation efforts. The friendly staff and volunteers are happy to answer questions or help plan your visit. There’s also a public restroom, in case you need it.

This four-story brick mansion is seriously eye-catching - mostly because of the turret at the top! There are no moats or fire-breathing dragons at this castle. It’s more of a Victorian fantasy than a medieval fortress. Schwartz Castle blends a number of Victorian Architecture substyles, like Italianate and Second Empire. It's not open to the public, but it is available as a short-term rental.

It may be less than an acre in size, but Frank Fetch Park makes up for it with neighborhood charm. The park has its roots in the 1960s revival of German Village, and was the first official project of the German Village Society.

h Elmore Helf, the son of German immigrants, established a glass studio in downtown Columbus. As German Village was beginning its remarkable renaissance in the 1960s, Franklin Art Glass Studios joined the neighborhood and took over this warehouse.

Schmidt Blumengarten is dedicated to George Schmidt, founder of Schmidt’s Sausage Haus. The garden exists to recognize Geroge's love for the community. In German, “Blumengarten” means flower garden, and that’s exactly what this space offers—a peaceful spot filled with seasonal blooms. It’s a quieter but equally meaningful part of the Schmidt family legacy.

The building is actually an old livery stable! Schmidt’s is a place where generations of locals and visitors alike have gathered over platters of sausages, sauerkraut, and massive cream puffs. Their sausages, including the famous Bahama Mama—a spicy, smoked pork and beef blend—are still made from the original family recipes. And the Bahama Mama has been voted the official food of Columbus!

—a place where history, culture, and community come together. The Umbrella Girl is a charming fountain, dating back to the early 1900s. Today, some people toss coins into the Umbrella Girl’s fountain and make wishes. Couples pose for photos beside her. And every year when the weather turns cold and the holidays are just around the corner, locals awake one morning to find the Umbrella Girl draped in a red cloak.

Looking at the homes along E Deshler Ave, you'll notice a striking contrast with the more modest cottages and brick workers’ houses on the north side of the park. These homes, most of them built between the 1860s and 1920s, belonged to the wealthier residents of German Village. These were successful brewers, merchants, and civic leaders who wanted to live right across from the park.

You'll find Schiller Pond in the southwest corner of the park. This pond is kept stocked for fishing, and features a walking bridge and several sculptures. There are two figures on the island who appear to be wearing bells for dresses. Their names are Concordia and Elation, and they were chosen because their bells are a reminder of Schiller’s poem Song of the Bell. And suspended over the pond, there’s The Rower, who appears to row an invisible boat. They were originally part of a traveling exhibit of twenty-three sculptures by Polish artist Jerzy Kedziora.

Born in 1759, Schiller is one of Germany’s most famous poets and playwrights. You probably know his most famous work: Ode to Joy, which was later set to music by Beethoven.