From historic Civil War Parks to recently renovated recreational areas, Columbus has plenty of lush landscapes to escape the city. Guests can meander through trails that wind along creeks. Bikers, hikers, and horseback riders can enjoy fresh air and the outdoors. Bald eagles soar the skies and bison roam the open prairie range. Public parks in Columbus have all sorts of water activities to offer, from fishing and kayaking to boating and beyond.
Battelle Riverfront Park
Comprised of pathways, boardwalks, and small parks along the Scioto River, the Battelle Riverfront Park sits in downtown Columbus. The most notable of its attractions: the replica of the Santa Maria ship that Columbus sailed in 1492 when he first discovered the Americas.
Tours of the ship reenact tales of their journey across the Atlantic to where they finally landed in the Caribbean. The pathway begins at Bicentennial Park and heads northbound to the North Bank Park. Along the way, the trail takes walkers through a series of parks. It also runs near the Civic Center Drive with a collection of 50 state flags.
Battelle Riverfront Park, 25 Marconi Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio, Phone: 614-645-2489
Bicentennial Park
The John W. Galbreath Bicentennial Park consists of a 4.66-acre grounds in downtown Columbus. This popular gathering area has a huge fountain park for people to play and cool off in during the summer months. A large promenade links the Battelle Riverfront Park with the Bicentennial Park.
Walking along the stone pathway, visitors can find playgrounds, gardens, benches, and chess boards. The park also houses an enormous, $5 million permanent stage and pavilion that hosts outdoor live music and events. Named after John W. Galbreath, the park honors the Ohio philanthropist, builder, Kentucky Derby breeder, and owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1945-1985.
Bicentennial Park , 233 Civic Center Drive, Columbus, Ohio, Phone: 614-645-7995
Chestnut Ridge Park
Those who love the great outdoors can explore Ohio’s picturesque Appalachians all year long at Chestnut Ridge Park. Located on Winchester Road in Carroll Ohio, Chestnut Ridge Metro Park consists of a ridge that soars up to 1,116 feet and stretches over 486 acres. The park stays open all year round from 6:30 AM to dark allowing visitors to capture the outdoor beauty offered by each season, from wintery white days to the reds and yellows of the fall. During the spring and summer months, a canopy of trees shades hikers as they explore the woodlands.
Chestnut Ridge Park, 8445 Winchester Road Northwest, Carroll, OH, Phone: 614-208-4298
Columbus Park of Roses
Floral aromas sail through the air in the Columbus Park of Roses. Guests can come to relax (for free) and take in the beauty of manicured gardens showcasing over 400 varieties of roses. During the spring season, flowering trees and shrubs begin to blossom along with other springtime blooms like hellebores, daffodils, and tulips. In late May, the roses flourish with a display of over 12,000 flowers. The rose blossoms peak in late summer between June to August, but visitors can also enjoy colorful perennial and herb gardens. Rose hips in the winter are accented by wintery frosts and white snowfall.
Columbus Park of Roses, 3901 North High Street, Columbus, OH, Phone: 614-645-3300
Franklin Park Conservatory
Nature flourishes in all colors of the rainbow at the Franklin Park Conservatory. Rotating exhibitions showcase floral species as well as art collections. The gift shop contains floral inspired gifts and decor.
The conservatory also hosts events and courses for all ages among the gardens. Past events have included Irish dance performances, Tai Chi, leaf casting workshops, nature classes, yoga, and cocktail parties. The conservatory often hosts culinary classes with frequent children’s cooking classes for “tiny chefs”. Those who live close by can become a member and enjoy monthly subscriptions and discounted entry to all of the various hosted activities.
Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 East Broad Street, Columbus OH, Phone: 614-715-8000
Genoa Park
Along the Scioto River, Genoa Park spans the western bank area between Rich Street and Broad Street in Columbus. The Ohio city, named after Italian-explorer, Christopher Columbus, continues to honor the Italian explorer by naming this park after the city of Genoa in Italy. Visitors to Genoa Park can enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline. The park’s amphitheater hosts thousands of audience members for concerts and events. The Lucas Sullivant Statue overlooks the park in honor of the surveyor and American frontiersman. The Scioto Lounge Deer Sculptures recreate a local Native American legend: the first to arrive found deer hair in the adjacent river waters.
Genoa Park , 303 West Broad Street, Columbus, OH, Phone: 614-241-2226
Homestead Park
City dwellers can quickly escape to the countryside at Homestead Park. With 44-acres altogether, the Hilliard, Ohio park provides a place to enjoy the quiet and fresh air. Visitors can get their hearts pumping while playing sports on the basketball and volleyball courts as well as exercise equipment.
Hikers, bikers, and horseback riders will find two trail options including the 6.1-mile Heritage Rail Trail. Along the way, they’ll find shelters, covered bridges, barns, and a train station as well as a 2.5-acre fishing pond. The pet-friendly park also allows guests to bring their leashed dogs along.
Homestead Park, 4675 Cosgray Road, Hilliard, OH, Phone: 614-216-8859, Facebook
Schiller Park
As one of Columbus’ oldest parks (second to Goodale Park), Schiller Park first opened in April of 1867 for the price of $15,000. Early settlers of the region first named the park Stewart’s Grove, but it later received a new name to honor the German poet, Friedrich von Schiller.
Today, his statue overlooks guests in the center of the grounds. Interestingly, during World War I, the park received a temporary new name of Washington Park. Schiller contains 23.45 acres altogether where visitors can enjoy recreational activities like basketball, picnic areas, softball fields, walking trails, and playgrounds.
Schiller Park, 1069 Jaeger Street, Columbus, OH, Phone: 614-443-3699
Scioto Audubon Metro Park
This former industrial area of Columbus has become a place for the community to escape the streets. Ohio Audubon and Columbus Metro Parks teamed up to build a green oasis in the city. In the Scioto Audubon Metro Park, wildlife and birds flourish. Guests can meander throughout the 120-acre park to enjoy some fresh air. The lush landscape offers plenty of outdoor activities.
Bikers can come to explore the trails. The metro park also has boating, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Sporty guests can break a sweat rock climbing, playing on an obstacle course, or sledding in the winter months.
Scioto Audubon Metro Park, 400 West Whittier Street, Columbus, OH, Phone: 614-202-5197, Facebook
Scioto Mile Promenade
The Scioto Mile Promenade gives visitors a chance to enjoy views of the Columbus’ Scioto River. The paved promenade runs along the river banks starting from Battelle Riverfront Park and Bicentennial Park along Civic Center Drive.
Along the way, guests can relax on one of the shaded swings, sit on a park bench, or play a little chess. Scioto Mile Promenade also houses colorful, scented gardens. The park also contains a historic carved limestone balustrade first built as a floodwall in 1920, and today the city has fully restored the handrail. Bronze deer sculptures also pop up along the walkway.
Scioto Mile Promenade, 233 Civic Center Drive, Columbus, OH, Phone: 614-645-3800
