Ohio News

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The developers of Steelton Village, a mixed-use Columbus development being built around a repurposed South Side warehouse, have listed a neighboring commercial property for sale as they prepare to add residential units.

The commercial property, a 17,896-square-foot building at 2140 S. High St., is on the market for $1.7 million, according to a listing by John Mally of NAI Ohio Equities. The building was once a tire shop and sits near other upcoming businesses that are part of the Steelton development, including a brewery named Honest Friend and a City Winery location. Watch a previous NBC4 report on Steelton Village in the video player above.

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Mally's listing offers 11,400 square feet of space available for lease or owner occupancy, while 5,100 square feet are currently leased to a dispensary. Positioned along State Route 104 with visibility from the freeway, the building for sale is marketed as a flexible retail opportunity within a fast-developing corridor south of Downtown.

• The mural at Steelton Village. (Courtesy Photo/Josh Miller)
• A map rendering of Steelton Village. (Courtesy Photo/MKSK)
• Overlooking the four buildings making The Fort at Steelton Village. (NBC4/Feuerborn)
• Overlooking the four buildings making The Fort at Steelton Village. (NBC4/Feuerborn)

The listing is part of an effort by developers Justin McAllister and Kyle Katz to expand the Steelton development, which is anchored by The Fort -- a former 19th-century fire truck factory that now houses a range of businesses, from furniture makers and architects to coffee roasters and photographers.

Since launching redevelopment efforts in 2017, McAllister and Katz's team has worked to build a walkable mixed-use neighborhood in and around the former factory, with more than 1,000 residences planned for Steelton.

Mally's listing comes after preliminary plans were submitted to the city of Columbus earlier this summer detailing Steelton's new apartment buildings. The sprawling neighborhood will sit next to another building in the development known as The Stable, a 33,000-square-foot structure that includes a co-working space with 13 businesses and a brewery.

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Along with the 2140 S. High St. parcel, the listing boasts the Steelton development's properties as "an assembled 50-acre, walkable community."

In an interview with NBC4 in 2022, McAllister and Katz said the residential units will be connected to the village by a tunnel under South High Street. Katz emphasized the goal is to develop a walkable "community of vital energy" with residents who live, work, and play in Steelton Village. 

"We are a reflection of not the past, but rather what's coming next," Katz said. "What we want to do with Steelton is really design and build for that next Columbus, not for the one that exists today."

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Two Republican lawmakers are looking to update Ohio education law, including the Parents' Bill of Rights that was enacted just months ago.

Reps. Gayle Manning (R-Avon) and Adam Bird (R-New Richmond) introduced House Bill 455 on Sept. 17, more than 500 pages of proposed education reforms. The bill would eliminate a number of programs and requirements for Ohio schools and would update laws to increase parental involvement in schools.

“House Bill 455 works to modernize Ohio’s education code by eliminating outdated educator requirements, reducing unnecessary regulations and ensuring teachers can devote more time and energy to delivering high-quality instruction to students,” a spokesperson for Manning said.

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The bill would update laws enacted under the Parents' Bill of Rights, which went into effect in April. It was a sweeping K-12 education bill that allows parents to opt their students out of “sexuality content” and requires educators to notify parents of changes in their students’ health.

The bill drew criticism for including gender identity as a required health update to parents. LGBTQ+ advocates called it "Ohio's 'Don't Say Gay' Bill" and worried it would "out" students and possibly create unsafe environments. A national crisis hotline reported a surge in calls from LGBTQ+ youth directly after the Parents' Bill of Rights was signed into law.

House Bill 455 still requires an alert to parents if their student wishes to identify differently than their sex assigned at birth. However, it adds an exception to not report changes if there is reasonable belief that telling a students' parents would harm the child. In those cases, educators must report changes to law enforcement or child protective services.

The bill would also remove "other mental health" changes from required reporting. The law would only require parents to be informed of mental health updates if their student exhibits suicidal ideation, or persisting symptoms of depression or "severe anxiety." See previous coverage of the Parents' Bill of Rights in the video player above.

House Bill 455 would also clarify rules governing "sexuality content." Under current law, sexuality content is defined as "any oral or written instruction, presentation, image, or description of sexual concepts or gender ideology provided in a classroom setting.” House Bill 455 would clarify that it refers to human sexuality content during planned instruction. It would also add visual instruction to the definition.

Currently, parents have the opportunity to review any instructional materials that involve sexuality content and can refuse to allow their student to participate. House Bill 455 would have parents review the content of the lessons, not the specific instructional materials.

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Bird was a cosponsor of the Parents' Bill of Rights, but Manning was one of just three House Republicans to vote against enacting the legislation. She had previously voted in favor of the bill in 2023 but did not approve it in its final form, which had folded in amendments from the Senate.

H.B. 455 would also eliminate more than 20 provisions in Ohio's education law, including many reporting requirements. If enacted, public districts would no longer have to annually report their compliance with various state mandates. Charter school sponsors would no longer have to report their annual expenditures to the state.

The eliminations are wide-ranging. One would eliminate the requirement for the Department of Education and Workforce to employ a full-time physical education coordinator. Another would remove the Tutor Ohio Kids Program, a remedial program that offered tutoring to students in participating charter and public schools. Still another change would no longer require online schools to disenroll and report students to the state if they miss state assessments two years in a row.

House Bill 455 incorporates a number of unaffiliated changes too. For instance, the bill would require the state Board of Education to automatically revoke any license if the licensee was convicted of domestic violence.

The bill has not been referred to committee, but General Assembly meetings resume from summer recess this week, so it could see further action soon.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Multiple laws are going into effect in Ohio on Tuesday, addressing topics from age verification for pornography to income taxes and artificial intelligence in schools. 

In June, Gov. Mike DeWine signed a $60 billion two-year budget, in which lawmakers folded in a variety of changes to state law. On Tuesday, those policy changes are set to take effect, including the seven notable updates listed below. 

Age verification for adult websites 

Pornography websites and any online platform that hosts a “significant” amount of content that is “obscene or harmful to juveniles” are now required to verify their visitors are adults. This means to access such sites, Ohio users must upload a copy of their government-issued photo ID or other age-verifying documents, such as proof of a mortgage or employment.

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Purveyors of online pornography are required to “immediately” delete such documents after the verification is complete, unless a user maintains an account or subscription. Those who have a profile must go through age verification every two years. If a user does not renew their account within two years, the law requires the site to delete all age-verifying documents.

To ensure Ohio users’ ages are verified, adult websites are responsible for using technology to monitor the location of their visitors. Platforms that do not comply could face a civil lawsuit by the Ohio attorney general, who holds the sole authority to enforce the statute. 

Increased driver’s ed requirements 

While the state’s previous rules allowed legal adults – including 18-, 19- and 20-year-olds – to bypass driver’s ed and earn their license by simply passing the road test, the new law requires the training for everyone under 21. 

Ohioans under 21 must now complete a “Class D” course, which was previously only required of those under 18 and includes a minimum of 24 hours of classroom instruction, eight hours of behind-the-wheel training, and 50 hours of in-car supervised practice, including 10 hours at night.

The new law does not, however, require residents under 21 to hold a temporary permit for a specific period before taking the road test, as can be seen with the six-month rule for those under 18. 

Gender identity 

As of Tuesday, the state officially only recognizes two sexes, male and female, and has declared that these sexes are “not changeable and are grounded in fundamental and incontrovertible reality.”

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The new law codifies gender identity as an individual’s “internal and subjective” sense of self that is “disconnected from biological reality” and cannot be recognized as a replacement for sex. It further specifies that the state recognizes women as individuals who belong, at conception, to the sex that produces egg cells, while men belong to the sex that produces sperm cells.

Flat income tax rate 

Thanks to the budget, Ohio is phasing out its graduated tax system with multiple brackets and adopting a new flat income tax rate. A 2.75% flat rate will take effect in tax year 2026. In tax year 2025, the highest tax bracket -- consisting of those making more than $100,000 -- will see an immediate reduction, dropping from 3.5% to 3.125%. 

Expanded abortion reporting 

State law has long required physicians to report certain information about abortions to the Ohio Department of Health. This data is collected through confidential forms given to patients, which include questions about their medical history and demographic information. The data from the forms is compiled into publicly released annual reports, which detail abortion statistics in the state for the previous calendar year.

The budget expands the scope of abortion information that is collected and published, most notably by creating a public, electronic dashboard that will release data from these forms each month. This will supplement the annual report rather than replace it. NBC4 reached out to the health department to learn when it will publish the first monthly dashboard but has not yet received an answer. 

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The guidelines also create statistical categories that will be included in the monthly and annual reports. New information includes the number of abortions performed on minors at each facility, as well as the number of Ohioans and out-of-state residents who had abortions after 12 weeks of gestation.

Other changes 

Some law changes technically take effect on Tuesday, but residents will likely not notice any changes just yet, as the provisions have given state agencies later deadlines to comply.

For example, the budget requires the Department of Education and Workforce to develop a model policy addressing the appropriate use of artificial intelligence by students and staff for educational purposes by Dec. 31. Each school district must adopt its own policies no later than July 1, 2026. Districts may choose to adopt the department’s model policy or develop their own. Any self-developed policy must be submitted to the state for approval.

The statute also requires every government agency in the state, including counties, cities, school districts and townships, to implement a cybersecurity program that safeguards their computer systems. The law states each program must “be consistent with generally accepted best practices for cybersecurity.” Counties and cities must have a program in place by Jan. 1 and all other entities by July 1.

DUBLIN, Ohio (WCMH) – Dublin City Schools unveiled three redistricting options on Monday, looking for a way to ease the burden on schools nearing capacity.

The district wants to change the boundaries of the district's three high schools: Dublin Coffman, Dublin Jerome, and Dublin Scioto. The district said Dublin Jerome is growing at a faster rate than the two other schools, and the new districts would better distribute that growth.

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Each draft plan takes into account how many students would be moved, travel distance, and how many middle schools would be split.

In the first draft plan, approximately 1,161 students would be transferred between the district’s three high schools: Dublin Coffman, Dublin Jerome, and Dublin Scioto. The district described this plan as a “middle-ground balance” regarding student movement.

101 DCS OH Option I HS Zones Plot 250925Download

The second plan redistricts the most students – approximately 1,500 – but offers what the district said is the “best overall balance in utilization,” putting each school at between 90-95% capacity, leaving the district room to grow.

102 DCS OH Option II HS Zones Plot 250925Download

According to the district, the third plan is the least disruptive regarding student movement, affecting about only 800 students. However, the district suspects this plan would be the most off-balance in the future, with Jerome seeing larger growth while Coffman’s facility utilization falls.

103 DCS OH Option III HS Zones Plot 250925Download

Students currently in grades 9-11 will have the choice to stay at the same school they are currently attending, but will need to have their own transportation.

"I understand that this process can be a catalyst for intense emotion and real anxiety," Dublin City Schools Superintendent Dr. John Marchhausen said. "I genuinely wish there was a process for changing boundaries that everyone could agree on. But unfortunately, that isn't the case."

The response during the presentation ran the gamut, from disapproval to excitement.

"I'm very happy that I am going to stay in Coffman," Dublin seventh-grader Shana Char said. "I want to go into my brother's footsteps."

There were also questions.

"I'd be curious at how they came up with the three that they came up with," parent Nathan Esala said. "I don't feel like all the criteria are being met on the first glance."

The criteria driving the proposals include diversity, future growth, and proximity.

"This is a big decision for our community," Marschhausen said. "We haven't redistricted since 2006 with the opening of Jerome High School, and we've added thousands of students in that time, so we know that this is something that creates stress and anxiety."

Residents interested in supplying feedback to the proposals can submit their comments via an online survey until Oct. 24 or through the district’s online form.

The board is set to hold two public meetings – on Oct. 13 and Oct. 29 – before presenting a final draft plan to the school board on Nov. 10. The board has scheduled a one-hour public participation portion for the Oct. 29 meeting only; there is no public participation scheduled for the Oct. 13 meeting.

School leadership said the redistricting is the district's attempt to avoid asking taxpayers for more money. Any new boundaries approved would become effective next school year.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WMCH) — A central Ohio artist is upset since her work is appearing for sale in places without her permission.

“This is one of my top 10 selling stickers, certified silly goose, and that one is on there as well," said Natalie Pariano, owner of NatterDoodle, an art studio and shop in Columbus' Clintonville neighborhood.

"I just felt demoralized and exhausted," she said. "It's so tedious to have to go through and report every single design of yours that has been lifted and then copied and then have to report it to Temu and sort of beg, for lack of a better term, for it to be taken down."

Pariano creates all kinds of fun, colorful designs. She said more than 40 of them have recently shown up on cheaper, lower quality stickers on Temu, the online retailer. Sellers have been taking pictures of her work, leaving her logo on, making the stickers, and trying to sell them on Temu, according to Pariano.

“It can feel really tiring, and there's not a lot of support from Temu on it," she said. "You have to make an account, which I don't want to have an account on Temu because I don't support Temu, and then go through and individually report every single listing, which could take days."

Pariano said this has happened with her work before and the products have eventually been taken down. But this time it involves more of her designs and she said at last check, they are still up.

“It can feel pretty like David and Goliath, like trying to fight for something like this and trying to get my art taken down," Pariano said.

Katrina Geddes, a professor of intellectual property law at the Ohio State University's Moritz College of Law, said situations like this are common for small creators. She said many don't have the resources for a lawsuit, but suggested reaching out to the companies or taking so social media. 

“People want to support small businesses and when they see that a small business is being ripped off they’re much more likely to support them and buy their products so I think it goes a long way," Geddes said.

Pariano has told her followers what's going on.

“I always believe when you know better you do better and so my faith is in shoppers," she said.

NBC4 reached out to Temu. A spokesperson for the company got back to NBC4. They are looking into this and NBC4 will update this story as soon as more information is available.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ohio’s attorney general announced the arrests of more than 100 people statewide as part of a human trafficking crackdown.

Attorney General Dave Yost called it “Operation Next Door,” which included the arrests of dozens of people from central Ohio.

The operation included more than 100 law enforcement agencies that made 135 arrests; 103 of those arrests were people charged with engaging in prostitution or solicitation. Yost said they made 32 felony arrests and executed nine human trafficking-related search warrants. 

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“There need to be consequences,” Yost said. “Human trafficking is just as much a serious offense as those other things and, in some ways, is among the most serious offenses we ever have in our society, because it breaks this. It's not just a violation of the body; it's a violation of personhood. It breaks the soul, and it deserves to be prosecuted.”

Yost said the six-day long sting operation’s name highlighted the issue being in plain sight.

“Operation Next Door happens everywhere,” he said. “Human trafficking is everywhere. It's not a city/country kind of thing. It's not a poor/rich kind of thing. It's not an ethnic kind of thing. It's your neighbors, it's your coworkers. It's the delivery guy. It is the people at the hotel for your business trip. It is not okay.”

Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin and his internet crimes against children task force played a big role in the sting.

“Last week was a busy week,” Baldwin said.

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Baldwin said deputies arrested a 77-year-old man on a charge of pandering sexually oriented material to a minor; the suspect claimed to be a federal defense attorney. The task force also arrested four Columbus residents for allegedly seeking sex with minors.

“If you're a person that wants to engage in child porn, human trafficking, bring all we can to hunt you down and prosecute you, and hopefully you go to jail and learn your lesson,” Baldwin said.

Hillard, Dublin and Grove City police also teamed up for the operation. 

“This is not just a big city issue; this is in the suburbs, this is everywhere,” Hilliard Chief of Police Mike Woods said. “We went to a hotel and again, you would be surprised to know where that hotel was. But the hotel is not the issue. It's the people that go there to traffic and engage in illegal sex activities. We're going to be there.”

Yost said his message to the community is if you think you see human trafficking, don’t let it go unreported.

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“If something doesn't seem right, if your sixth sense is going off, if you don't, if you don't think something's right, give us a call,” he said. “Let us sort it out.”

Yost said law enforcement is offering services to dozens of human trafficking survivors.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- It's getting more expensive for people to buy homes in Ohio, according to a report by the real estate school Hondros College.   

According to a new report, Ohio’s first-time homebuyers are being increasingly pushed out of the market. Anna Teye-Kasongo with the Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio said this is having a significant impact on people looking for a home.  

“We know, just looking at the data within the past five years, Columbus is growing,” Teye-Kasongo said. “Central Ohio is one of the leading markets that are growing nationally. Therefore, we are expecting that home prices are going to continue to rise.”

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The report by Hondros College states that home prices have risen 40% since 2019. Ohio's median sale price jumped from just over $168,000 in 2019 to $224,000 in 2020, according to RealAdvisor.

“The number one thing, feedback, I get from prospective homebuyers is I can buy a home now, I can buy a home in the next five years,” Teye-Kasongo said. “It's no longer possible for me, and it has been a challenge to really build up morale.” 

Experts said that within the past year, home prices have increased twice as much as the household income in the state; however, there are local mechanisms and tools to help make buying a home possible - like modernizing the zoning code, passing an affordable housing bond introduced by Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther, and more.   

“We have many partners on the ground, especially in Columbus, especially in central Ohio, who are looking at the down payment assistance as an opportunity to get people into that first home,” Teye-Kasongo said.  

For more information or options for first-time homebuyers, click here.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A woman arrested in connection with an east Columbus triple shooting has been indicted on four total charges and was due in court Monday afternoon.

According to court records, 32-year-old Zandra Wignal was arrested on Sept. 18 in connection to a triple shooting in which one person died and two others were injured. The shooting occurred at the Sterling Court Apartments, near Stelzer Road in east Columbus.

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One woman, 22-year-old Janaysia Lews, was hospitalized in critical condition and later pronounced dead. The other two victims were shot in the foot and hand, respectively, and were in stable condition. For a previous report on this story, view the video player above.

Police said that Wignal, who pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and felonious assault, admitted to shooting Lewis after Lewis reportedly shoved her in the face during an argument. Wignal also allegedly shot two other women after they tried to intervene and de-escalate the situation.

Wignal was issued a $750,000 bond in municipal court on Sept. 19. On Monday, a common pleas judge issued her a $1 million bond. Court records do not yet indicate the next scheduled court appearance.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ohio State's next game against a ranked opponent now has a start time.

The top-ranked Buckeyes are set to travel to Champaign, Illinois, for the first time in a decade to take on No. 22 Illinois on Oct. 11 at Gies Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for noon.

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Before the two meet for the Illibuck trophy, the Buckeyes will first look to stay undefeated on Saturday when they host Minnesota in primetime on NBC4. The Fighting Illini also play on Saturday as they face Purdue on the road at noon for the Purdue Cannon trophy.

The Week 7 contest marks the first time Ohio State and Illinois have played for the Illibuck since 2017. The wooden turtle is the only rivalry trophy Ohio State plays for, and it has won it the last nine times it's been up for grabs. The Illini's last win came in 2007 in one of the program's most famous victories over a top-ranked Buckeyes team in Columbus.

Remaining 2025 Ohio State football schedule

• Oct. 4: Minnesota, 7:30 p.m. on NBC4
• Oct. 11: at Illinois, noon
• Oct. 18: at Wisconsin
• Nov. 1: Penn State
• Nov. 8: at Purdue
• Nov. 15: UCLA
• Nov. 22: Rutgers
• Nov. 29: at Michigan, noon

Illinois enters Week 6 with a 4-1 record after a huge bounce back win at home over USC 34-32 on a game-winning field goal as time expired. The victory in Champaign came one week after the Illini lost 63-10 at No. 8 Indiana.

NBC4's coverage of Big Ten football will continue in Week 7 with a primetime showdown from Los Angeles. USC will play Michigan with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. Both the Trojans and Wolverines head into Week 6 with one loss. 

PLAIN CITY, Ohio (WCMH) — The assault on central Ohio apple orchards is growing after reports of additional thefts were announced Monday morning in Madison County.

According to a social media post, The Orchard and Company LLC just south of Plain City, on U.S. Route 42, said it is experiencing an influx in theft at the orchard. The business said that in a 30-minute timespan, three different customers were confronted after attempting to leave with over $200 worth of apples.

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The orchard also said in increasing number of customers are attempting to pick more apples than will fit in their bag and “dump the extras on the ground to avoid paying for them.” Once apples are picked and left on the ground, the orchard said, they are no longer able to be sold.

The alert out of Madison County comes just days after a Licking County apple orchard announced it is facing widespread theft over the past several weeks.

Lynd Fruit Farm near Pataskala reported recent thefts totaling over $900 in stolen merchandise, weeks after it reported an increase in thefts when employees noticed hidden bags in customers vehicles.

Central Ohio apple supplies also suffered a setback after a fire has caused Legend Hills Orchard and Farm Market, south of Utica, to close after the market, storage, cider press, and grading area were destroyed or damaged in the blaze.

“We offer u-pick because we truly enjoy giving families the chance to experience the orchard,” The Orchard and Company LLC said. “While our prices are competitive with grocery stores, we know it’s not inexpensive. But please understand growing fruit is costly and labor intensive.”

“The added theft and waste makes it even harder. These situations are uncomfortable for everyone, and we’d rather focus on creating joyful memories here than having to police the orchard.”

"It’s simple: please pay for what you pick."

DELAWARE, Ohio (WCMH) -- A fast casual Mediterranean chain known for its fresh falafel and signature hummus has opened its first central Ohio location, with another on the way.

Hummus Republic is now welcoming customers in Delaware at 1710 Columbus Pike, after hosting a grand opening in August. Inspired by its founders Mediterranean upbringing, the California-based chain launched in 2013 and boasts "authentic spices and fresh ingredients that tell the story of our heritage."

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"Our kitchens bring the heart of Middle Eastern cuisine to your neighborhood," Hummus Republic's website states. "The variety of tastes and flavors and the range of customizable options means that everyone -- young to old, vegan to flexitarian, adventurous to conservative -- can find something they want to eat."

• (Courtesy Photo/Hummus Republic)
• (Courtesy Photo/Hummus Republic)
• (Courtesy Photo/Hummus Republic)
• (Courtesy Photo/Hummus Republic)

Hummus Republic's menu features bowls, wraps and pitas that can be customized with a selection of bases, hummus and spreads, proteins, toppings and dressings. Sides, like pita chips and dips, and a kids menu round out the offerings.

The chain operates more than 50 locations across 16 states, including several other Ohio restaurants. A Hummus Republic eatery in Avon opened in October 2024, followed by a Cincinnati location in December that year. A Columbus restaurant is also planned for North High Street, across Ohio State University.

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The Delaware location is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

WHITEHALL, Ohio (WCMH) -- Whitehall will create a Department of Neighborhoods to support local success, city council agreed on Wednesday.

In a 5-2 vote, council approved a Department of Neighborhoods and two new city positions to run it. The department is Mayor Michael Bivens' brainchild, and he said it will address the distinct needs of Whitehall's different neighborhoods. The city still needs to budget for the department this fall before hiring, but can move forward with planning for a director of neighborhoods and an events and advancement coordinator.

"We want to have a dedicated person that people can go to, ask questions of and have a human connection to talk with," councilmember Lori Elmore said. "That is a lot more meaningful and makes a big difference."

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This fall is budget season for Whitehall leadership, so the department still needs to be approved for funding. Council's approval, however, allows Bivens and his team to move forward with fleshing out the roles and outlining how they could fit into the city budget.

Councilmember Jerry Dixon was one of two votes against the idea. He said he wanted more information about the proposed positions before approving them. However, Bivens said he did not want to spend time and money planning if council would not be amenable to adding the positions.

Bivens' idea pulls from Columbus’ Department of Neighborhoods, which helps with community programming, planning and addresses neighborhood concerns. He said Whitehall’s version would differ in structure, as the city’s much smaller size and closer density require different planning.

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"Whereas Columbus is a much larger city, Whitehall has the ability, based upon our size, to actually get to every single resident in our city, to provide resident engagement, strategic integration, collaboration," Bivens said.

Some residents told NBC4 they felt a Department of Neighborhoods would be a waste of resources, pointing to what exists now. Others agreed with Councilmember Devin Brown, who cast his favorable vote because he believes adding full-time staff will help bridge gaps between residents and available resources. One longtime resident said it felt long overdue.

If the positions are awarded funding in this fall's budget cycle, the department will offer a one-stop resource to help connect residents to support. Salaries and other details will be determined during budgeting.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — For those seeking spine-chilling adventures this Halloween season, central Ohio offers a variety of haunted houses and attractions.

From navigating a haunted house, braving a nightmarish forest, or exploring an abandoned prison, this season’s haunts promise to deliver heart-pounding fear and fun. Some venues offer family-friendly scares for young thrill-seekers. Check out the full list below for dates, locations, and details on where to experience the most frightening places in the area.

Adams Family Haunted Woods
Address: 19698 Barnett Road, Marysville, Ohio 43040
Dates & Hours: Every Saturday in October, 8-11:30 p.m.
Details: An outdoor haunted trail with creepy woods filled with spooky surprises.

Blood Prison at Ohio State Reformatory
Address: 100 Reformatory Road, Mansfield, Ohio 44905
Dates & Hours: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, Sept. 26 to Nov. 2. Gates open at 6:45 p.m.
Details: A terrifying haunted house inside the Ohio State Reformatory, featuring inmates and ghostly wardens.

Brimstone Haunt
Address: 525 Brimstone Road, Wilmington, Ohio 45177
Dates & Hours: Fridays and Saturdays until Nov. 1. Sundays, Oct. 12 through 26. Gates open at 7 p.m.; closing times vary.
Details: Offers haunted hayrides, The Bog, and the Psychosis Maze.

Fear Columbus Haunted House
Address: 2605 Northland Plaza Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43231
Dates & Hours: Dates include weekends and some weekdays until Nov. 1. Opens at 7 p.m.; closing times vary.
Details: A massive indoor haunted house with multiple attractions, elaborate costumes, and special effects.

The Haunted Farm
Address: 5450 Old Millersport Road, Pleasantville, Ohio 43148
Dates & Hours: Every Friday and Saturday until Nov. 1. Tours begin at 7:30 p.m. the last tour of the night departs at 11 p.m.
Details: Discover the origins of the Pleasantville property, and learn about The Haunted Farm’s eerie past. Experience the farm come to life this spooky season as creatures of all kinds lurk about the farmstead.

Haunted Hoochie
Address: 13861 Broad St., Pataskala, Ohio 43062
Dates & Hours: Thursdays through Saturdays, until Nov. 1. Open 7:30-11:59 p.m.
Details: World's most extreme haunted house. Haunted Hoochie contains graphic and violent horror. An extreme, gore-filled haunted house known for shock horror.

Haunted Hoorah
Address: 311 Rose Ave., Marion, Ohio 43302
Dates & Hours: Fridays and Saturdays until Nov. 1, open 8 p.m. to midnight. Sundays, Oct. 12 to Oct. 26, open 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Details: Military- and sci-fi-themed interactive haunt where guests become part of the story.

Jail of Terror
Address: 46 S. Third St., Newark, Ohio 43058
Dates & Hours: Fridays and Saturdays, until Nov. 1; Thursday, Oct. 30. Opening and closing times vary.
Details: A haunted jail with spine-chilling surprises. Jail of Terror is an extreme and interactive touch haunt.

Nightmare in Nashport Trail of Terror
Address: 7200 Frazeysburg Road, Nashport, Ohio 43830
Dates & Hours: Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 3 through Nov. 1. Open from sundown to midnight.
Details: A haunted trail with terrifying creatures that covers one half mile of trails deep in the woods.

Pataskala Haunted Forest
Address: 8838 Refugee Road, Pataskala, Ohio 43062
Dates & Hours: Every Friday and Saturday in October, 8-11 p.m.
Details: A long-running haunted trail through the woods with profits going to the Lions Club of Pataskala Charitable Foundation, benefiting service projects and community events. No age limit, but not recommended for small children.

Scream Haunted House
Address: 3770 Refugee Road, Columbus, Ohio 43232
Dates & Hours: Fridays and Saturdays, until Nov. 1. Sundays, Oct. 12 through Nov. 2. Opens at 6:30 p.m.; closing times vary. Kids Haunt, Oct. 26, noon to 5 p.m.
Details: Immersive sets and professional actors with two award-winning haunted houses, The Bayou and The Entity.

Slaybrook Manor
Address: 8158 Saybrook Drive, Westerville, Ohio 43082
Dates & Hours: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, until Oct. 31. Time slots are reservable starting at 6:30 p.m.
Details: Slaybrook Manor invites thrill-seekers of all ages to embark on a spine-chilling adventure like never before, be transported into a world of handcrafted sculptures, lifelike animatronics, and immersive sets. A family-run, kid-friendly community haunt that raises money for local charities. Admission is free.

Terror Maze
Address: 6988 Springfield Jamestown Road, Springfield, Ohio 45502
Dates & Hours: Fridays and Saturdays until Nov. 1. Open from 8 p.m. to midnight.
Details: A haunted maze where terrifying creatures pursue visitors.