The Central Ohio Fire Museum is located in a 1908 engine house that has been authentically restored. 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.

*Handicapped accessible
*Available for parties, meetings, and event rental
*Gift Shop

Admission Prices:

• Adults $8

• Seniors $7

• Children $6

**To schedule group tours, contact the museum for details and group rates at 614-464-4004

Parking Info:

Plan to spend about 1 to 1.5 hours here with us. When arriving, you can follow our red brick driveway, which is on the south side of the building and features a small parking lot. Limited parking on-site is free, however, if the lot becomes full, there are paid parking lots directly South and East of the museum, as well as, meter parking on the street. If you have scheduled a group tour and are arriving by bus, we provide free bus parking on-site.

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, led by a retired or active firefighter. 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 space. Here, we offer hands-on programs for guests of all ages, from pre-K to seniors, teaching 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, and patches to take home or share with your favorite firefighter.

Our fire safety education program:

Step into the museum's fire safety education space, where learning about fire prevention becomes a hands-on and interactive experience for visitors of all ages. Our program offers 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.

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. 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. 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.