Have a Happy Fall in Columbus
The kids are in school again, temperatures are dropping, and leaves are starting to change color. Pumpkin spice lovers rejoice – it’s September! These early fall days are a great time to slow down the pace from summer’s frenzy of activity by strolling through the historic districts and downtown, late-season kayaking on the Crawfish, or attending the area’s “odd-est” Oktoberfest celebration.
Oddtoberfest is a Columbus staple. Oddfellows Tri-County Lodge #40’s version of an Oktoberfest celebration is a lederhosen-clad good time with all the traditional trimmings: brats, polka, and beer. The day starts out with the Odd Brat Trot at 9 AM – an Oddtoberfest tradition. Consider joining in on this fun 5k run/walk. The proceeds from the race will go to Badger Honor Flight. Plus, you’ve got to work up an appetite for all that delicious ethnic food later, right? Also included this year will be a classic car and vintage motorcycle show and an art fair on the grounds outside Fireman’s Park Pavilion. Be sure to come hungry (and thirsty) for this event.
If brats and beer aren’t your thing, that’s OK. If you’re in town any time in September, there are definitely opportunities for some fun fall activity. The cooler temperatures are perfect for donning that new flannel or scarf and strolling around our historic districts. Take a look at our list of historic places, or just wander and observe! Make your starting point the Columbus Area Historical Society and Museum, and I’m sure you’ll get some great pointers for your route, as well as a lesson on Columbus’ rich and storied history.
For nature lovers, consider the Columbus area for some late-season camping and kayaking or canoeing. 100-acre Astico Park offers wooded and shoreline trails on the Crawfish River, historic Ninabuck and Scofield Bridges, tent and RV sites for camping, and lots of opportunity for great fishing and canoeing or kayaking. The park has a canoe launch, as well as canoe and kayak rentals. Be sure to visit during peak leaf season for some amazing photo opportunities!
Make it a Happy Fall – come visit us in Columbus!