The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Columbus, Ohio (OH)

October 21, 2021 Russell Mellin

Ohio’s capital city is full of beautiful neighborhoods, a critically acclaimed food scene and top-ranked attractions. This creative-minded destination offers something for everyone. Families will enjoy COSI, the nationally known science center, as well as the Columbus zoo and its neighboring water park. Art lovers will savor the collections at the Columbus Museum of Art and revel in Gallery Hop, a monthly celebration in the Short North Art District. Columbus is a city that invites exploration.
Restaurants in Columbus

1. Olentangy River Water Trail

Columbus, OH http://columbus.gov/uploadedFiles/Columbus/Departments/Recreation_and_Parks/Trail/Olentangy%20Trail%20Brochure.pdf
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 10 reviews

Olentangy River Water Trail

2. Scioto Audubon Metro Park

400 W Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43215-5036 +1 614-202-5197 http://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/scioto-audubon
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 13 reviews

Scioto Audubon Metro Park

Reviewed By cynthiasV2985WO

It was a cold/windy day and was able to have a great time with my 5 year old grandchild. The GeoCache Tour that is in the park is also fantastic and well worth the challenge. The only thing that would have made this better is to have the volunteer/employee who was working at the reception of the nature center to be more knowledgeable about the Park and the GeoCache. We figured it out and had a great time but the receptionist wasn't much help with information.

3. Scioto Greenway Trail

233 Civic Center Dr, Columbus, OH 43215-4194 http://www.columbus.gov/recreationandparks/trails/scioto-trail/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Scioto Greenway Trail

4. Sharon Woods Metro Park

Columbus, OH +1 614-620-1865 http://www.metroparks.net/
Excellent
59%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 75 reviews

Sharon Woods Metro Park

A rolling, 3.8-mile loop for runners.

Reviewed By Toyota1994 - Chicago, United States

Sharon Woods Metro Park in Westerville is a wonderful place to walk or bike.  There are several interconnecting trails through beautiful woods to enjoy the peacefulness of nature.  The asphalt paved bike trail (one-way) goes around the outer perimeter of the park and has a couple of tough hills; the trail is about 4-miles long.   Though my visit was in December when there was some snow on the ground, I enjoyed my walk on the bike trail.  The short trail along the lake is especially beautiful.  There is also a sledding hill in the park. I highly recommend a visit to Sharon woods any time of the year; it is park packed with a variety of recreational options. 

5. Olentangy Bike Path

Columbus, OH http://www.columbus.gov/recreationandparks/trails/Olentangy-Trail
Excellent
48%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 61 reviews

Olentangy Bike Path

Trail along the river for bikers and runners.

Reviewed By K2128BIjanetb

Bike path through Columbus, that seems very safe. It is very clean! Beautiful views of nature and the city! Olentangy river runs along this trail. Beautiful!

6. Whetstone Park / Park of Roses

3923 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214-3335 +1 614-645-3217 http://www.columbus.gov/recreationandparks/parks/Park-of-Roses-(Whetstone-Park)
Excellent
63%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 279 reviews

Whetstone Park / Park of Roses

One of the largest municipal rose gardens in the U.S., this 13-acre park features more than 11,000 gorgeous rose bushes and specialized gardens for herbs, daffodils and perennials.

Reviewed By lovelylainey - Columbus, United States

Beautiful park which includes trails, a lovely rose garden, open fields, playgrounds, a community center with rec room and a very well-stocked and well-staffed library.

7. Moeller Park

281 Hanford St Between 8th street and Bruck Street, Columbus, OH 43206-3658 https://www.columbus.gov/recreationandparks/parks/Moeller-Park/
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

Moeller Park

8. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

1777 E. Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43203-2040 +1 614-715-8148 [email protected] http://www.fpconservatory.org
Excellent
74%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,607 reviews

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

A botanical landmark just two miles east of downtown Columbus, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens features exotic plant collections and displays, seasonal exhibitions, outdoor gardens (including community and culinary gardens) and a variety of educational programming. All set within the 88-acre Franklin Park. Inspired by horticulture, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens elevates quality of life and connects the community through educational, cultural and social experiences. All ages can partake in a variety of special events and activities throughout the year. A full menu of classes, workshops and camps are offered in gardening, cooking, fine art and wellness. With its natural surroundings, both indoors and out, the Conservatory serves as a premier venue for special events and corporate gatherings.

Reviewed By 612BarbaraH612 - Worcester, United States

The botanical garden is a small portion of Franklin Park, so you have the opportunity to wander the grounds outside the botanical garden in addition to enjoying the outside gardens and indoor exhibits of the botanical garden itself. There's a very nice children's garden, a small formal garden area with a beautiful sculpture, an area devoted to community garden education, a conservatory with a variety of exhibits, a glass blowing demonstration, an excellent gift shop and a cafe. June 1, 2019 marked the start of a Chihuly exhibit that will be throughout the garden areas until the end of March, 2020. We just missed the Chihuly exhibit, but we will return to see it!

9. Kelton House Museum & Garden

586 E Town St, Columbus, OH 43215-4802 +1 614-464-2022 [email protected] http://www.keltonhouse.com/
Excellent
62%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 78 reviews

Kelton House Museum & Garden

Experience urban life and the decorative arts, as they existed in the second half of the 19th century, through the collection of the Sophia and Fernando Cortez Kelton family. Learn about the Underground Railroad and the people that bring the history to life.

Reviewed By 680ewaldg - Cuyahoga Falls, United States

It is an actual house on the Underground Railroad. They provide a self guided audio tour through 18 stages in the house on three levers. You become familiar with the family and their attempts to further abolition following the war. The lower level is one of the hiding places for through travelers. One young girl was too ill to continue, and was raised as a member of the household for ten years.

10. Chadwick Arboretum

2120 Fyffe Rd Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210-1010 http://chadwickarboretum.osu.edu/
Excellent
38%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 8 reviews

Chadwick Arboretum

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.