Raleigh Word Search
February 27, 2026
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This Columbus word search offers an exciting way to explore Ohio’s dynamic capital city through an entertaining and educational puzzle. Perfect for students, residents, visitors, and puzzle enthusiasts of all ages, this activity celebrates the people, places, and culture that make Columbus special.
The Columbus word search printable features 24 carefully selected words, each containing no more than nine letters for accessibility and enjoyment. You’ll search for iconic landmarks like the Scioto River and Short North Arts District, legendary figures such as Jack Nicklaus and James Thurber, beloved local favorites like Jeni’s ice cream and Schmidt’s, plus major attractions including Ohio State University and the Columbus Zoo.
What makes this word search printable truly valuable is that every single word comes with a detailed definition of 20-30 words, helping you understand the significance of each term you find. Whether you’re teaching about Ohio geography, planning a Columbus-themed event, or simply enjoying a relaxing puzzle activity, you’ll learn fascinating facts about this remarkable city while having fun. Start searching and discover what makes Columbus one of America’s most vibrant cities!
ARCH, BUCKEYE, CAPITAL, CREW, FESTIVALS, GALLERIES, GEORGE, ICE CREAM, JACKETS, JENIS, NICKLAUS, OHIO, OSU, RED WHITE, SCHMIDT, SCIOTO, SHORT, SOCCER, STATE, THURBER, WENDY, WEXNER, WRESTLING, ZOO
ARCH – Iconic illuminated metal arches spanning High Street in the Short North Arts District, symbolizing the neighborhood’s artistic identity and serving as a Columbus landmark.
BUCKEYE – Ohio’s state tree and the beloved mascot of Ohio State University. Also refers to the chocolate-peanut butter candy resembling the nut that Ohioans cherish.
CAPITAL – Columbus has served as Ohio’s state capital since 1816, housing the state government and capitol building, making it Ohio’s political and administrative center.
CREW – Columbus Crew, Major League Soccer’s first team, founded in 1996. They won the MLS Cup in 2020 and play at Lower.com Field downtown.
FESTIVALS – Columbus hosts numerous annual festivals including the Ohio State Fair, ComFest, Jazz & Rib Fest, and Asian Festival, celebrating the city’s diverse culture year-round.
GALLERIES – Columbus boasts world-class art venues including the Columbus Museum of Art, Wexner Center for the Arts, and numerous galleries throughout the Short North district.
GEORGE – Eddie George, Heisman Trophy winner in 1995 at Ohio State University, later NFL star with Tennessee Titans, and beloved Columbus sports figure and leader.
ICE CREAM – Columbus is famous for premium ice cream, particularly Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, which started here and gained international acclaim for creative flavors.
JACKETS – Short for Columbus Blue Jackets, named after Ohio’s Civil War history and the city’s manufacturing heritage. The team brought NHL hockey to Columbus permanently.
JENIS – Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, founded by Jeni Britton
Bauer in Columbus in 2002, known for innovative flavors using local ingredients, now nationally recognized.
NICKLAUS – Jack Nicklaus, legendary golfer born in Columbus, won eighteen major championships and is considered one of golf’s greatest players. Upper Arlington native.
OHIO – The Buckeye State, where Columbus serves as the capital and largest city, located in the state’s geographic center, representing Ohio’s heart and identity.
OSU – Ohio State University, one of America’s largest universities, founded in 1870. A major Columbus institution driving education, research, sports, and economic growth statewide.
RED WHITE – Red, White & Boom, one of the nation’s largest Fourth of July fireworks festivals, held annually in downtown Columbus with hundreds of thousands attending.
SCHMIDT – Schmidt’s Sausage Haus in German Village, a Columbus institution since 1967, famous for authentic German food, especially their massive cream puffs and bratwurst.
SCIOTO – The Scioto River flows through downtown Columbus, with the Scioto Mile park along its banks offering paths, fountains, and green space for recreation.
SHORT – Short North Arts District, a vibrant neighborhood north of downtown known for galleries, boutiques, restaurants, nightlife, and the monthly Gallery Hop celebration.
SOCCER – Columbus has deep soccer roots as home to the
Columbus Crew, America’s first major league soccer team, with passionate fans and championship tradition.
STATE – Refers to Ohio State University, the state’s flagship university and Columbus’s largest employer, influencing the city’s culture, economy, and Saturday football traditions.
THURBER – James Thurber, celebrated Columbus-born author, cartoonist, and humorist known for “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.” His childhood home is now a literary museum.
WENDY – Wendy’s fast-food chain was founded in Columbus in 1969 by Dave Thomas. The headquarters remains in nearby Dublin, keeping Columbus its home base.
WEXNER – Les Wexner, billionaire businessman who built retail empire including Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works, major Columbus philanthropist funding arts and education.
WRESTLING – Ohio State’s wrestling program is legendary, producing numerous national champions and Olympians, representing Columbus’s excellence in collegiate athletics beyond football and basketball.
ZOO – Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Powell, ranked among America’s best zoos, famous under former director Jack Hanna, housing thousands of animals across themed regions.
ARCH, BUCKEYE, CAPITAL, CREW, FESTIVALS, GALLERIES, GEORGE, ICE CREAM, JACKETS, JENIS, NICKLAUS, OHIO, OSU, RED WHITE, SCHMIDT, SCIOTO, SHORT, SOCCER, STATE, THURBER, WENDY, WEXNER, WRESTLING, ZOO
Columbus is known for Ohio State University, diverse neighborhoods, thriving arts scene, professional sports teams, innovative food culture including Jeni’s ice cream, and being Ohio’s capital city.
Columbus is Ohio’s largest city with approximately 900,000 residents in the city proper and over 2.1 million in the greater metropolitan area, making it the Midwest’s fastest-growing city.
Columbus became Ohio’s capital in 1816, specifically chosen for its central geographic location within the state. The city was deliberately planned and founded to serve this governmental purpose.
Visit the Columbus Zoo, explore Short North Arts District, attend OSU football games, enjoy Scioto Mile parks, tour German Village, experience world-class museums, and taste local cuisine.
Columbus combines big-city amenities with Midwestern friendliness and accessibility. Despite its size, it maintains a welcoming, neighborly atmosphere where community connections remain strong and approachable.
For official city information, government updates, and public services, visit the City of Columbus website. If you are planning a trip, check out the official tourism portal, Experience Columbus.
Dave Thomas opened the first Wendy’s restaurant in Columbus in 1969, naming it after his daughter Melinda “Wendy” Thomas. The company’s headquarters remains in the Columbus area today.
Ohio State University’s Columbus campus spans over 1,665 acres with more than 60,000 students, making it one of the nation’s largest single-campus universities by enrollment and size.
Director Jack Hanna transformed the Columbus Zoo from a struggling facility into one of America’s best zoos, making countless TV appearances that showcased Columbus to millions worldwide from 1978-1992.
Columbus headquarters several major fashion brands including Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Express, making it an unexpected American fashion and retail powerhouse.
Unlike most capitals that evolved naturally, Columbus was deliberately planned and founded in 1812 on undeveloped land, specifically chosen for its central location to serve as Ohio’s governmental seat.
Purus ut praesent facilisi dictumst sollicitudin cubilia ridiculus.