Pirate weekend on the Santa Maria

Over the weekend of September 18th and 19th of 2010, a group of pirates and other related re-enactors will be taking over the Santa Maria for a few days of educational entertainment, and fund raising to help support the ship and floating museum. The santa Maria is a floating museum and full sized replica of the original ship and is docked in Battelle Park on the Scioto River near the intersection of Broad Street and Marconi Blvd in Columbus, Ohio.

During the course of the weekend, along with the regular tours on board the Santa Maria, re-enactors will demonstrate or present facets of life in the late 17th century to early 18th century as compared to life aboard the Santa Maria as it would have been in the time of Christopher Columbus. Battle re-enactments will be held on each afternoon of the weekend, and other presentations as well.

At this past spring's event, we were able to gather well over 30 pirates and other re-enactors at the high point. Re-enactors and pirates travelled from as far away as Florida, as well as Kentucky, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and various parts of Ohio to participate in this great event.

We have steadily grown this event, and have added something new each time, last time we included a boarding action where some of the attacking pirates climbed up the side of the ship to engage in battle. Who knows what new action or entertainment we will be able to add this time?

Directions and Parking

Click on above map for a larger version (will appear in new browser window or tab). Red arrows indicate the direction of traffic on one way streets.

If you are coming from the north, take I-71 Southbound, then exit onto 670 westbound. Exit onto Third Street, turn right onto Spring Street, and then left on Marconi Blvd.

If you are coming from the south or west, take I-71 northbound to I-70 Eastbound (or just come eastbound on I-70 if appropriate), exit on Front Street/High Street, turn left onto Front, turn left on Spring Street and finally left again on Marconi Blvd.

From the east, take I-70 Westbound exit onto Fourth Street off ramp, go straight to Front Street, turn right onto Front Street, turn left on Spring Street and then finally left on Marconi Blvd.

To use MapQuest, Google Maps, or GPS devices, it is best to use the address "25 Marconi Blvd. Columbus, OH 43215".

Limited metered streetfront Parking is available Southbound along Marconi Blvd. As Marconi Blvd is a one way street heading southbound, it is best to turn onto Marconi Blvd from either eastbound on Long Street (a one way street heading East) or westbound on West Spring Street (a one way street heading west). It is also possible to reach Marconi Blvd through the City Hall Parking lot at the end of West Gay Street (one way street Westbound). Paid parking can be found across the River (a short walk) in COSI's parking lot or at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium parking lot. Both of these paid parking locations are marked on the above map for ease of reference. There is also paid parking at two parking garages located on Front Street between Broad Street and Spring Street.