Scioto Mile
A vibrant urban oasis along the Scioto River, featuring interactive fountains, scenic trails, and stunning skyline views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more splash time
Scioto Mile
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more splash time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant urban oasis along the Scioto River, featuring interactive fountains, scenic trails, and stunning skyline views.
"Great place for your little ones and family tiny trip."
🎯 Fountain Fun for All
Splash pads are a hit with kids! Bring swimsuits and towels for a fun, free water experience.
🚶♀️ Scenic Strolls & Rides
Rent a kayak or bike, or simply enjoy a walk along the riverfront paths.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scioto Mile Fountain
Bicentennial Park
Interactive splash pads, nightly light shows, and playful tunes create a joyful atmosphere for all ages.
+1
Scioto Grove Metro Park Fire Tower
Scioto Grove Metro Park
Climb this 82-100ft tower for unbeatable panoramic views of the Columbus skyline and surrounding nature.
Riverfront Trails
Along the Scioto River
Perfect for walking, biking, or jogging with scenic views of the downtown skyline and river.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Fountain Fun
Restroom Realities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Fountain Fun for All
Splash pads are a hit with kids! Bring swimsuits and towels for a fun, free water experience.
🚶♀️ Scenic Strolls & Rides
Rent a kayak or bike, or simply enjoy a walk along the riverfront paths.
🌅 Sunset Views
The Scioto Grove Metro Park fire tower offers incredible sunset vistas.
🎶 Free Events & Concerts
Check for free concerts and community events, especially during summer.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Fountain Fun for All
Splash pads are a hit with kids! Bring swimsuits and towels for a fun, free water experience.
🚶♀️ Scenic Strolls & Rides
Rent a kayak or bike, or simply enjoy a walk along the riverfront paths.
🌅 Sunset Views
The Scioto Grove Metro Park fire tower offers incredible sunset vistas.
🎶 Free Events & Concerts
Check for free concerts and community events, especially during summer.
💧 Restroom Planning
Restrooms can be limited; plan ahead or know nearby locations.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Scioto Mile as a free, family-friendly destination with beautiful riverfront views and engaging attractions like the fountain. It's praised for its cleanliness, ample space, and relaxing atmosphere, especially during evening light shows. Some note the scarcity of accessible restrooms as a minor inconvenience.
"Great place for your little ones and family tiny trip.
Couldn’t take picture of the fountain it self since it was filled with kids. The surroundings of the actual fountain is present.
Clean and plenty of trash disposals around. Seats are spacious and bench/steps are present.
Plenty of space even when crowded.
The mists from the ring tower felt good with the hot sun and cool breeze"
Jon Ray Dantes
"Scioto Musical Fountain is a joyful spot with playful tunes and happy kids around. Safe with attentive security, comfy lounge chairs make it a convenient and relaxing family-friendly place. Best view in the evening."
Andrey Salyakhov (Andreisadventurechronicls)
"Great attraction in Bicentennial Park that is now referred to as The Scioto Mile Fountain & The Patio. The patio is where the Milestone 229 restaurant used to be."
RJD
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Scioto Mile is easily accessible in downtown Columbus. You can drive and find parking garages nearby, or use public transportation. Many visitors enjoy walking or biking to the area.
Yes, there are several parking garages and street parking options available in downtown Columbus, close to the Scioto Mile. Some areas may have event parking fees.
Absolutely! The Scioto Mile has dedicated paths and is a popular route for cyclists. Bike racks are available in various locations.
Yes, several COTA bus routes serve the downtown Columbus area, making the Scioto Mile accessible via public transportation. Check COTA's schedule for routes and stops.
Many visitors enjoy walking, jogging, or biking along the extensive trails. Renting a kayak or paddleboard on the Scioto River is also a popular option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Scioto Mile and its main attractions, including the fountain and trails, are free to access and enjoy.
The Scioto Mile is generally open from dawn until dusk. Specific attractions like the fountain may have seasonal hours and light show schedules.
The Scioto Mile Fountain is a free attraction. No tickets are required to enjoy the splash pads or the nightly light shows.
Yes, the Scioto Mile hosts various events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals like the Columbus Arts Festival, and community workouts.
Dogs are generally welcome on the Scioto Mile, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Please be mindful of other visitors and clean up after your pet.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking, biking, jogging, picnicking, playing in the fountain, attending events, and even climbing a fire tower at Scioto Grove Metro Park.
Yes, it's very family-friendly! The interactive fountain, splash pads, and open spaces are perfect for children.
Restroom availability can be limited and sometimes locked, particularly outside of the main COSI area. It's advisable to plan accordingly.
The fire tower at Scioto Grove Metro Park offers stunning skyline views, and the riverfront paths provide beautiful perspectives of downtown Columbus. +1
Yes, kayak rentals are available through outfitters like Windrose Outdoor, and the area is popular for biking.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there aren't many dining options directly on the Scioto Mile itself, Bicentennial Park has the Milestone 229 restaurant space. Nearby downtown Columbus offers numerous restaurants and food trucks.
Absolutely! The Scioto Mile has plenty of open space, benches, and picnic areas, making it a great spot for a picnic.
Yes, especially during events like the Columbus Arts Festival or the Cols Food Truck Fest, you'll find a variety of food trucks offering diverse options.
The Milestone 229 restaurant space is located in Bicentennial Park, adjacent to the Scioto Mile Fountain.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and beverages for picnics and enjoying the park. Please be sure to clean up after yourself.
📸 📸 Photography
The fountain area, the riverfront with the skyline backdrop, and the fire tower at Scioto Grove Metro Park offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Golden hour, just before sunset, provides beautiful lighting for photos along the riverfront. The fountain's night light shows are also a unique photographic subject.
Yes, the Scioto Mile is a popular and scenic location for engagement photos, offering a variety of backdrops.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or videography may require permits. Always be respectful of other visitors.
Key landmarks include the Scioto Mile Fountain, COSI (Center of Science and Industry), LeVeque Tower, and the Columbus skyline.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Plan around restroom availability, as facilities can be limited.
Many visitors find the park safe and enjoyable for children, with attentive security present. 🏃♀️ Active & Outdoorsy Visitors
Don't forget to venture to Scioto Grove Metro Park for its extensive trail system, ideal for hiking and exploring nature.
📸 Photographers & View Seekers
For truly breathtaking panoramic views, make the trip to the fire tower at Scioto Grove Metro Park.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Scioto Mile Fountain Experience
Families often bring towels and change of clothes to fully enjoy the water play. As evening approaches, the fountain transforms with a captivating light show, often synchronized with music, creating a magical ambiance.
+1 This makes it a popular destination for a relaxing evening stroll or a romantic outing. While the fountain itself is free, the surrounding area offers comfortable seating and ample space, even when busy, making it a convenient and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages. Pro-tip: Check the schedule for any special fountain dance or fitness classes that might be offered during the summer months, adding another layer of interactive fun to your visit.
Exploring Scioto Grove Metro Park
The park itself boasts over seven miles of trails, catering to various skill levels, and includes archery courses for those seeking a more active adventure.
Key features include picnic areas, a kids' play area, and the extensive trail system, making it a versatile destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Remember to wear comfortable shoes for exploring the trails and climbing the tower.
Activities and Events on the Scioto Mile
The area is perfect for a morning jog, an afternoon picnic, or simply relaxing by the water. Throughout the year, especially in warmer months, the Scioto Mile hosts numerous free events. These can include concerts, festivals like the Columbus Arts Festival, and community fitness gatherings.
For instance, free workouts are often held on Wednesday evenings, welcoming all levels and families. These events add a vibrant cultural dimension to the park, offering visitors opportunities to engage with the local community and enjoy diverse entertainment. Don't miss checking the local event listings for the Scioto Mile, as there's often something happening, from art shows to live music, providing a dynamic experience beyond the usual park amenities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit