North Bank Park - Image 1
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North Bank Park

4.7
·327 reviews·Columbus, United States

A picturesque urban oasis along the Scioto River, offering breathtaking skyline views and a serene escape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunset hours

Golden hour for stunning photos

CrowdMedium
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North Bank Park - Image 1

North Bank Park

Best Time

Sunset hours

Golden hour for stunning photos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A picturesque urban oasis along the Scioto River, offering breathtaking skyline views and a serene escape.

4.7
(327 reviews)

"Immaculately maintained park with a gorgeous view of the railway bridge and downtown skyline."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Offers diverse backdrops: fountains, city streets, skyline, bridges, trails, graffiti, and water.

🚶‍♀️ Riverfront Strolls

Enjoy the Scioto Trail for scenic walks with great views of Downtown Columbus.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Downtown Columbus Skyline

Downtown Columbus Skyline

Along the Scioto River

Breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline, especially vibrant at sunset.

Scioto Riverfront

Scioto Riverfront

Park's edge

A picturesque setting with walking trails and scenic river views, perfect for a stroll.

Historic Railway Bridge

Historic Railway Bridge

Overlooking the river

An iconic landmark offering a unique photographic backdrop with the city beyond.

Ohio Penitentiary Plaques

Ohio Penitentiary Plaques

Scattered throughout the park

Discover hidden historical gems with informative plaques detailing the former penitentiary.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Skyline Views

North Bank Park offers stunning panoramic views of the Columbus skyline and the Scioto River. It's a prime spot for photography and enjoying the urban landscape, especially during golden hour. Plan your visit around sunset for the most breathtaking scenery.

Event Venue Considerations

The park's pavilion is a popular event venue, particularly for weddings. While beautiful, some past attendees have noted it might feel small for larger gatherings, even for around 70 people. If attending an event, confirm space arrangements beforehand.

Best Times

When
Sunset hours
Why
Golden hour for stunning photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
During local events
Why
Vibrant atmosphere, community feel
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Living this close to a @Fabletics is bad for my bank account but good for my soul 😌✨ get 80% off when you sign up for be a VIP! #fableticsambassador #shopping #shoppinghaul #workoutclothes #athleisure #Fitness #shopwithme #mall #northpark #dallas #fyp
@kelbimueller1
3.6K likes • 234.3K views

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Offers diverse backdrops: fountains, city streets, skyline, bridges, trails, graffiti, and water. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Riverfront Strolls

Enjoy the Scioto Trail for scenic walks with great views of Downtown Columbus. Reddit

🚨 NORTH PARK TEA 🚨 FOLLOW FOE MORE! 👀
@koehlermartin
3.3K likes • 42.2K views
If you want city-scape photos, North Bank Park is noooooice ⁣. ⁣⁣ 🏙️ It offers a variety of backdrops - fountains, city streets, city skyline, bridges, trails, graffiti and water. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ 📸 We had twin + family photos taken there with @kaylielephotos. During the session, we stayed within a 100 square yard area, and were able to get a large variety of photo types.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ 🌳 The park is a beautiful spot ...
familyof614
89 likes • 5.5K views

🚫 Restroom Alert!

No public restrooms available; the pavilion's are for events only. Plan accordingly! Reddit

🍽️ Event Food Prep

If hosting an event, food needs to be prepared off-site and plated due to small facilities. Reddit

@heyhaleyyoung
740 likes • 20.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Offers diverse backdrops: fountains, city streets, skyline, bridges, trails, graffiti, and water. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Riverfront Strolls

Enjoy the Scioto Trail for scenic walks with great views of Downtown Columbus. Reddit

🚫 Restroom Alert!

No public restrooms available; the pavilion's are for events only. Plan accordingly! Reddit

🍽️ Event Food Prep

If hosting an event, food needs to be prepared off-site and plated due to small facilities. Reddit

🌳 Immaculately Kept

The park is beautifully maintained, with exceptionally manicured grass. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(327 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise North Bank Park for its immaculate maintenance and stunning views of the Columbus skyline and Scioto River. It's considered a beautiful venue for events, though the pavilion's size may be a consideration for larger gatherings. The historical plaques are a noted hidden gem, adding an educational element to the scenic beauty.

"Immaculately maintained park. The grass alone looks like its been manicured. Right on the bank of the Scioto river with a gorgeous view of the railway bridge and downtown skyline beyond, even has a pavilion for events."

Rasikanand Harvind

"This is a beautiful venue for a special event. The facilities for food are small and clean so the food would need to be prepared in advance and plated here. A buffet could be easily set up in the covered area. This would be a lovely location for a wedding, graduation party or family reunion. A small changing room is available if needed."

Teresa Bombrys

"Lovely views of the city along the river. Plaques with Information about the former Ohio penitentiary are a hidden gem!"

Benjamin Martin

What People Like

Gorgeous skyline views
Immaculately maintained
Scenic riverfront

What People Dislike

No public restrooms
Pavilion can be small

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

North Bank Park is easily accessible by car, with nearby parking options. Public transportation, including bus routes, also serves the area. It's also a pleasant walk or bike ride from downtown Columbus via the Scioto Trail. Reddit

Yes, there are parking garages and street parking available in the vicinity of North Bank Park. It's advisable to check parking availability and rates in advance, especially during peak hours or events. Reddit

Absolutely! The Scioto Trail runs through North Bank Park, making it a very bike-friendly destination. There are often bike racks available for securing your bicycle. Reddit

The park is generally accessible with paved trails and pathways, making it suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. The flat terrain along the riverfront is easy to navigate. Reddit

For the best experience, consider visiting during sunset for stunning skyline views. A leisurely walk along the Scioto Trail or a picnic on the well-maintained grass are also highly recommended. InstagramReddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, North Bank Park is a public park and does not require tickets for entry. You can visit and enjoy its amenities free of charge. Reddit

North Bank Park is typically open from dawn until dusk. However, specific hours can vary, and the pavilion is reserved for events. It's best to check local listings for any special event closures. Reddit

Yes, the pavilion at North Bank Park can be reserved for private events, such as weddings and parties. Inquiries for reservations should be directed to the appropriate city department. Reddit

Entry to North Bank Park itself is free. Any associated costs would be for parking in nearby garages or for any private events held at the pavilion. Reddit

If attending an event, be aware that the pavilion facilities for food are small and may require pre-prepared meals. Also, public restrooms are not available; the closest ones are a block away. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The park offers a variety of backdrops, including the downtown skyline, the Scioto River, the historic railway bridge, fountains, and even graffiti art. The riverfront trails provide excellent vantage points. Instagram

Absolutely! The scenic views of the Columbus skyline and the river make it a popular choice for engagement and wedding photography. The variety of backdrops ensures diverse shots. Instagram

Sunset is highly recommended for photography as the golden hour light creates a magical ambiance and illuminates the skyline beautifully. Weekday mornings offer softer light and fewer people. Instagram

Yes, professional cameras are generally permitted for personal use. If you plan a commercial photoshoot, it's always a good idea to check with the city parks department for any specific regulations or permits. Instagram

Don't miss the historical plaques detailing the former Ohio Penitentiary; they offer a unique glimpse into local history and can make for interesting photographic subjects. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

North Bank Park itself does not have restaurants. However, it is located near downtown Columbus, which offers a wide array of dining options from casual cafes to upscale restaurants. Reddit

Yes, picnicking is a great way to enjoy North Bank Park. There are plenty of open green spaces perfect for spreading out a blanket and enjoying a meal. Reddit

The pavilion has small, clean facilities suitable for preparing food that has been made off-site. It's ideal for plated meals or setting up a buffet, but not for extensive on-site cooking. Reddit

While not a permanent fixture, food trucks may occasionally be present, especially during special events or festivals held in or near the park. It's best to check local event schedules. Reddit

The proximity to downtown Columbus means you'll find diverse culinary experiences, including American cuisine, Italian, Asian, and more, catering to various tastes and budgets. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

North Bank Park is a great spot for families looking for an open, scenic space. The well-maintained lawns are perfect for kids to run around and play. The paved trails along the Scioto River are ideal for strollers and offer a safe environment for little ones to explore. While there are no dedicated playgrounds, the expansive green space and river views provide plenty of natural entertainment. Remember to pack snacks and drinks, as there are no concessions within the park, and be aware of the lack of public restrooms. Reddit

📸 Photographers & Content Creators

For photographers and content creators, North Bank Park is a goldmine. The downtown Columbus skyline provides a stunning, dynamic backdrop, especially during golden hour and sunset. You can capture a variety of shots using the Scioto River, the historic railway bridge, fountains, and even urban graffiti art as elements. The park's layout allows for diverse compositions within a relatively small area, making it efficient for photo sessions. Instagram

❤️ Couples & Romantic Outings

The romantic ambiance of North Bank Park makes it perfect for couples. Enjoy a leisurely walk hand-in-hand along the Scioto River trails, taking in the beautiful city views. Sunset is particularly magical, offering a breathtaking backdrop for a romantic evening. Consider packing a picnic to share as you watch the city lights come alive. The pavilion can also be a charming, albeit intimate, venue for small wedding ceremonies. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Iconic Skyline Views

North Bank Park is renowned for its spectacular, unobstructed views of the Columbus skyline. The park's strategic location along the Scioto River provides a perfect vantage point to admire the city's architecture, especially as the sun sets and the city lights begin to twinkle. This makes it a prime destination for photographers and anyone looking to soak in the urban beauty of Columbus. InstagramReddit

Visitors often describe the view as 'gorgeous' and 'breathtaking,' highlighting the railway bridge as a particularly photogenic element against the city backdrop. Whether you're enjoying a quiet moment or capturing memories, the skyline is undoubtedly the star attraction here. Reddit

Event Venue: The Pavilion

The North Bank Park Pavilion is a sought-after venue for special occasions, most notably weddings. Its picturesque setting by the river and with the city skyline as a backdrop offers a romantic and memorable atmosphere. The pavilion is covered, providing shelter, and includes small, clean facilities for food preparation and serving. Reddit

However, it's important for those considering or attending events here to be aware of its capacity. Some past attendees have expressed concerns that the space might feel limited for larger guest lists, even for around 70 people. Food preparation is best managed by having meals prepared off-site and then plated or served buffet-style within the pavilion. Reddit

Historical Insights: Penitentiary Plaques

A fascinating, often overlooked aspect of North Bank Park is the presence of historical plaques detailing the former Ohio Penitentiary. These markers offer a unique educational opportunity, providing insights into a significant, albeit somber, part of Columbus's history. They are scattered throughout the park, serving as quiet reminders of the past. Reddit

Discovering these plaques can add an extra layer of depth to your visit, transforming a simple stroll into a journey through local heritage. They are a testament to the park's location and its connection to the city's evolving narrative. Reddit

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