With the return of college football, stunning fall foliage and new exhibits at the #1 science museum in the country, Columbus, Ohio offers a perfect fall getaway. Here are five reasons to visit one of the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest during its most colorful season: 
 
Take in stunning fall foliage along the Scioto Mile

Columbus sits at the crossroads of the north and south, and the city boasts tree species from both climate zones meaning there is a breathtaking rainbow of fall color through the end of October. Downtown along the Scioto Mile, an urban oasis comprised of more than 175 acres of lush parkland lining the Scioto River, visitors find the perfect autumn backdrop for fall photos with shades of red, orange and yellow set before the downtown skyline. Find more fall foliage spots. 
 
Enjoy fall festivals 

From the Columbus Coffee Festival happening Sept. 23-24 to Cartoon Crossroads Columbus, a comics, arts and animation festival happening across the city Sept. 27-Oct. 1, and from Scrawl, Columbus' coolest three-day mural festival happening Oct. 13-15 to Highball Halloween, the nation's most elaborate costume contest on Oct. 28, festivals abound in Columbus in the fall and many are free. Discover can't-miss fall events.
 
Experience fall football and professional sports 

Home to The Ohio State Buckeyes, fall in Columbus means football season. Visitors can take in a game at the 100-year-old “Shoe” or discover why Columbus is a rising sports city by checking out the Arena District, which features three professional sport venues all within walking distance of each other. During the fall, the game schedules for the NHL Blue Jackets, MLS Columbus Crew and MiLB Columbus Clippers converge, giving fans the opportunity to watch two, and occasionally even three, games in the Arena District on the same day. Fans can also enjoy a DORA (designated outdoor refreshment area), which allows residents and visitors to purchase a drink and enjoy it while strolling the streets and taking in shops or entertainment within the boundaries of the Arena District.  
 
See the Barbie exhibit at the #1 science museum in the country 

Loved the Barbie movie? Visitors of all ages will want to check out Barbie™ You Can Be Anything™: The Experience, coming to COSI Oct. 4. COSI has been named the best science museum in the country for four consecutive years by USA Today 10Best, and this new exhibit showcases the iconic doll through history and allows visitors to explore 11 different careers and learn about more than 200 careers Barbie has had over the years.  
 
Enjoy free experiential trails, deals and discounts 

Columbus is within a one-day's drive or one-hour flight of more than half the U.S. population, making it an easy fall getaway.  The city's also an affordable destination. Visitors can take advantage of the new Columbus Activities Savings Pass and pick from eight different adventure experiences, including SegAway Tours and climbing the brand-new urban via ferrata in Quarry Trails Metro Park, which is the first of its kind in the country. Columbus is also home to several free experiential trails, including the Columbus Coffee Trail, the Columbus-Style Pizza Trail and the Columbus Distillery Trail. 

Learn more about all there is to experience in Columbus this fall at www.experiencecolumbus.com/fall.