HomeColumbus, OH5 Best Parks in Columbus, OH

5 Best Parks in Columbus, OH

Below is a list of the top and leading Parks in Columbus, OH. To help you find Parks near you in Columbus, we put together our own list based on this rating points list.

Columbus’ Best Parks:

The top rated Parks in Columbus, OH are:

  • Scioto Audubon Metro Park – a public park and nature preserve
  • Columbus Park of Roses – one of the largest public rose gardens in the US with over 12,000 rose species
  • Bicentennial Park – a 4.66-acre park in downtown Columbus with a fountain, a park café, and a performance pavilion
  • Topiary Park – replicate characters from Georges Seurat’s painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte
  • Griggs Reservoir Park – features bike and driving trails of about 2.25 miles along the river

Scioto Audubon Metro Park

Best Parks in Columbus

Scioto Audubon Metro Park is a Columbus, Ohio, public park and wildlife preserve, a part of the Scioto Mile network of parks and trails surrounding Downtown Columbus and is administered by Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks. Moreover, it is situated in a once-industrial setting that has since been converted from a devastated brownfield into a verdant sanctuary where wildlife is preserved.

In addition, visitors can enjoy activities in their climbing wall, a water tower with two observation platforms, and three sand volleyball courts. Finally, for visitors of all ages, the 120-acre park is a recreational and educational attraction.

Product/Services:

Park, Nature Reserve

LOCATION:

Address: 400 W Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43215, United States

Phone: (614) 20 5197

Website: https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/scioto-audubon/

REVIEW:

“This was a really fun place for kids and adults! We went to celebrate a 10yr old’s birthday. We strived early and rock climbed, did the challenge course, visited the nature center, and walked the wetland trail. The ladies in the nature center were so sweet and informative, while social distancing of course. Over all it was worth the trip. One draw back is that there were SO many yellow jackets! Our birthday boy got stung up on the small boulder, after seeing the yellow jackets (and getting away on the larger rock wall), and later we found a nest on the triangle-shaped climbing net as well. We had to leave to get first aid supplies from across town.” – Holly

Columbus Park of Roses

Best Parks in Columbus

The Columbus Park of Roses is a public park and rose garden in Columbus, Ohio, also known as the Whetstone Park of Roses. Moreover, it is part of Whetstone Park, a 149-acre property that the City of Columbus bought in 1944 to develop for recreational purposes.

In fact, with over 12,000 rose species, the Columbus Park of Roses is one of the largest public rose gardens in the United States. Finally, it is also a year-round destination for visitors because of its vast diversity of plants and more than one mile of paved paths with seats.

Product/Services:

Rose Garden

LOCATION:

Address: Whetstone Community Recreation, 3901 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214, United States

Phone: (614) 645 3391

Website: https://parkofroses.org/

REVIEW:

“Beautiful rose blooms in so many different colors and varieties. Late Spring is one of the best times to visit. In the back side of the park, there’s a peaceful little garden area to enjoy some shade and fresh air. A fountain in the center of the park adds to the beauty. Unlike the Franklin Conservatory, this park is free to visit. There is ample parking available but the lot fills up on the weekends due to the popularity of the place. Although there aren’t any play areas for children inside the park, there’s a play ground just walking distance from the park for families with young kids to spend time at before or after the park visit. All in all, it’s a great place to visit with loved ones.” – Rizwan Mohammed Abdul

Bicentennial Park

Best Parks in Columbus

Located at 233 Civic Center Drive is John W. Galbreath Bicentennial Park, a 4.66-acre park in downtown Columbus that houses a fountain, a park café, and a performance pavilion. The Scioto Mile Fountain is a beautiful 15,000-square-foot masterpiece that sprays more than 1,000 water jets and is interactive and accessible to guests of all ages, with distinctive lighting and fog effects. There is also a state-of-the-art, glass-enclosed restaurant called Milestone 229, which has a covered eating terrace with a panoramic view of the Scioto Mile, fountain, and downtown skyline.

Product/Services:

Fountain and Downtown Skyline Attractions

LOCATION:

Address: 233 S Civic Center Dr, Columbus, OH 43215, United States

Phone: (614) 645 3800

Website: https://www.sciotomile.com/parks/bicentennial-park/

REVIEW:

“I have always loved Bicentennial Park. During Pre-covid summers, there was a free live concert on the stage of bicentennial park. That was always a good time. I also loved when The Jazz and Ribfest was at Bicentennial Park too. I visited this park 9n 7-21-2021, and it was very peaceful there were not a lot of people at all. Most people were exercising,paddle boarding, riding bikes, or, taking a leisure walk. I would definitely recommend this park for a great view of the city.” – Elon Nichols

Topiary Park

Best Parks in Columbus

The Topiary Garden, formally known as the Topiary Garden in Old Deaf School Park,  is a 9.2-acre public park and garden in the Discovery District of Columbus. It is inspired by the Georges Seurat’s painting “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte”, and was completed in 1884.

Furthermore, the Topiary Garden has been featured in several magazines, books, and films since its establishment, such as Life, National Geographic, The Wall Street Journal, and various television shows. Overall, all tourists are welcome to visit the Topiary Garden Park, which is open every day from dawn to dark and is free of charge.

Product/Services:

Public Park, Garden

LOCATION:

Address:  480 E Town St, Columbus, OH 43215, United States

Phone: (614) 645 0197

Website: https://www.columbus.gov/recreationandparks/parks/Topiary-Garden-(Deaf-School-Park)/

REVIEW:

“This a beautiful park in downtown Columbus. Definitely worth a visit if you have some time. The park is well maintained and has enough parking spots nearby. The neighborhood is quite which makes enjoying this place even better.”

Griggs Reservoir Park

Best Parks in Columbus

Julian Griggs, Columbus’ long-serving chief engineer, was honored at the dam’s dedication in 1905. Griggs Reservoir Park stretches from the dam on the north side of the reservoir to Lane Road on the east side. The park features bike and driving trails along the river (about 2.25 miles). Just south of the Fishinger Rd. bridge is the boat launch location. Griggs Reservoir Park is great for sunbathers, hikers, athletes, picnickers, and children, including natural preserves, boats, and a disc golf course.

Product/Services:

Picnic, Wildlife Area, Boating

LOCATION:

Address: 2933 Riverside Dr, Columbus, OH 43221, United States

Phone: (614) 645 3300

Website: https://www.columbus.gov/recreationandparks/parks/Griggs-Reservoir-Park/

REVIEW:

“One of my favorite parks! I love to run here with my dog, swing, and longboard. The river is beautiful during sunset!!” – Ashley Mallik