MORE THAN JUST A MUSEUM

For generations, firefighters have risked their lives to help their communities in the time of need. Some have paid the ultimate price by dying in the line of duty. The Central Ohio Fire Museum & Learning Center located in an authentically restored 1908 engine house, pays tribute to our firefighter’s past, present, and future. Through a collection of hand-drawn, horse-drawn, and motorized fire apparatus, visitors can retrace the steps of firefighters and learn about their day-to-day lives in the engine house. All guests are also offered a chance to participate in age-appropriate fire safety education. The museum offers personally guided tours, that are designed to engage visitors of all ages. We also offer interactive fire safety education to all of our visitors.

Group tours and fire safety classes are available for any age, from preschool to senior citizens. Find more information about our classes by visiting our education page.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Once inside:

Step into history at our captivating museum, where the legacy of firefighting in central Ohio comes to life! All visitors are invited to embark on an enlightening tour. Experience the fascinating evolution of the fire service, from the early days of hand-pulled carts and horse-drawn steam engines to the modern-day fire service that protects our communities today.

Explore our 1908 building, which was originally Engine House #16, the last fire station built to house horse-drawn steam engines. As you walk through our historical exhibits, you’ll journey through time—from the 1820s, when the Columbus Division of Fire was founded, to the present day. Marvel at early fire apparatus, including hand-pulled carts, a horse-drawn steam engine, and vintage motorized fire engines. Don’t miss the chance to ring our 500lb station bell in the bell tower, a piece of history that still echoes through the ages. Learn about early emergency communications before 9-1-1 was introduced.

The museum also features a permanent display honoring the early history of African American firefighters in Columbus, as well as several rotating exhibits. Currently, we’re showcasing the history of the Firefighters Memorial in Columbus and "Batter Up!"—a fascinating exhibit about the Columbus Fire Department’s baseball team, which played in the Columbus Industrial League in the 1920s and 30s.

In the former barn area, which once housed ten horses, you’ll find our fire safety education center. Here, guests of all ages, from pre-K to seniors, are taught essential fire safety skills. Younger visitors will love our Future Firefighters Academy, featuring a real fire truck’s cab and tiller seat, plus an authentic fire pole from an old Columbus fire station—the museum’s most popular attraction for kids!

Our museum is fully wheelchair accessible and located on the first floor. After your visit, be sure to check out the nearby restaurants—we’re happy to provide recommendations. Before you leave, visit our gift shop for a wide variety of firefighter-themed souvenirs, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, ballcaps, ornaments, patches, and our very own Boot the Firehouse Mouse Book, to take home or share with your favorite firefighter.

Our fire safety education center:

Step into the museum's fire safety education center, where learning about fire prevention becomes a hands-on and interactive experience for visitors of all ages. We offer engaging, age-appropriate fire safety talks, from Pre-K to senior citizens, ensuring that everyone can take home life-saving knowledge.

In our fire safety kitchen, guests can explore practical ways to make their homes fire-safe and learn the steps to take if a fire ever strikes. The highlight of the experience is the "Home Escape Plan" activity, where visitors explore fire escape techniques, ensuring they know exactly how to safely exit their home in an emergency.

Whether you're learning how to prevent fires or preparing for an emergency, our space offers the knowledge and skills to protect yourself and your loved ones. Participants will receive helpful materials to develop their own fire safety plans for their homes and families, empowering them with the tools to keep everyone safe. Visit our Education page to schedule group tours for more in-depth teaching and activities. Special programming is also available for local Headstart programs and the Children’s Hunger Alliance, ensuring that fire safety education reaches those who need it most.