Inniswood Metro Gardens
A serene nature preserve featuring meticulously maintained themed gardens, whimsical play areas, and peaceful walking trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak blooms and fewer crowds
Inniswood Metro Gardens
Best Time
Peak blooms and fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene nature preserve featuring meticulously maintained themed gardens, whimsical play areas, and peaceful walking trails.
"It's a magical little area tucked away... a very peaceful and calm environment. Good for a stroll and great for a view."
📸 Bring Your Camera
Many visitors capture the colorful flowers and peaceful scenery. Perfect for photography enthusiasts!
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Paved paths and boardwalks are easy to navigate, but good shoes are key for exploring.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sisters' Garden
Central area
A whimsical, fairytale-like space with themed garden rooms, a treehouse, and a summer splash tower.
Boardwalk Trail
Wooded areas
Meander through serene woods on a stable boardwalk, offering a peaceful escape and beautiful natural scenery.
Themed Gardens
Throughout the park
Explore meticulously maintained gardens showcasing vibrant flowers and supporting local pollinators.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Know Before You Go
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Bring Your Camera
Many visitors capture the colorful flowers and peaceful scenery. Perfect for photography enthusiasts!
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Paved paths and boardwalks are easy to navigate, but good shoes are key for exploring.
🚫 Leave Pets at Home
Inniswood is a pet-free park to maintain its tranquility.
⚠️ Tick Safety
Be aware of ticks on wooded trails; consider protective clothing and check yourself afterward.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Bring Your Camera
Many visitors capture the colorful flowers and peaceful scenery. Perfect for photography enthusiasts!
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Paved paths and boardwalks are easy to navigate, but good shoes are key for exploring.
🚫 Leave Pets at Home
Inniswood is a pet-free park to maintain its tranquility.
⚠️ Tick Safety
Be aware of ticks on wooded trails; consider protective clothing and check yourself afterward.
💧 Splash Tower Fun
Kids (and adults!) love the water tower in the Sisters' Garden during warmer months.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Inniswood Metro Gardens for its meticulous maintenance, peaceful atmosphere, and beautiful, colorful gardens. Many highlight the Sisters' Garden as a whimsical highlight and appreciate the accessibility of the trails. Some note the park's restrictions on pets and picnics, and a few mention concerns about ticks in wooded areas.
"For my lazy Sunday outing I chose to take a trek to Inniswood for the first time. It did not disappoint at all.
The park is meticulously maintained and is one of the finer metro parks I’ve been to in the Columbus area.
There’s multiple short trails to choose from that are approximately 0.6 mi or less. Most of which are ADA compliant.
The waterfalls are small but perfect as they create a pleasant sound backdrop to the experience. Many folks there today had their cameras to shoot, which didn’t surprise me one bit.
The plants and flowers are fantastically colorful and selected to support a bountiful host of our pollinator friends 🐝🦋. Personally bees scare me, but that’s another story for another time.
On the way out (that I missed going in) was a sign about tick safety. Personally this is important as I dealt with Lyme Disease for over a decade (which was a costly hell I don’t wish upon my worst enemy). Over 50% of people don’t recall a tick bite and some can be as small as a pinhead (baby nymphs). I’d love to have taken the trails with the overhead trees, however not having a hat or long sleeves on, with higher tick rates this year, I’m a bit too afraid, which sucks because everything looked pretty and peaceful.
If you’ve not been, bring your camera and check out Inniswood for a delightful afternoon adventure."
Holly K
"We stopped through this park on the way back from a trip to northern Ohio. The park had such a peaceful and clean atmosphere, and there’s plenty to see along the trails. We didn’t get a chance to walk through the woods, however the main circle offered plenty of beautiful sights and scenery. There were flower gardens all over, and beautiful landscaping. Would recommend as a great place for a peaceful afternoon walk."
Gideon LaFlair
"Oh my goodness I haven’t got to go here and experience this place and probably 20 years. It’s a magical little area tucked away in the north east side of Columbus when you’re entering the park it’s majestic! The volunteers that they have dedicating their time to the flowers and landscape are one of a kind hero’s!"
Michelle Lesher
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Inniswood Metro Gardens is located in Westerville, Ohio. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available on-site. Many visitors use GPS navigation to find the park.
Public transport options to Inniswood Metro Gardens may be limited. It's best to check local COTA (Central Ohio Transit Authority) routes or ride-sharing services for the most up-to-date information.
The park offers dedicated parking areas for visitors. These are generally well-maintained and conveniently located near the main entrances.
Yes, Inniswood Metro Gardens is generally easy to find, especially if you use a GPS. It's a well-known destination within the Columbus Metro Parks system.
The main entrance provides access to the core garden areas. It's recommended to enter through the primary access point to begin your exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Inniswood Metro Gardens, like all Columbus Metro Parks, offers free admission to all visitors.
The park is typically open daily from dawn to dusk. However, specific buildings like the Sisters' House may have limited hours, especially on weekends. Always check the official Metro Parks website for the most current hours.
No advance booking is required for general entry to Inniswood Metro Gardens as it is a free public park.
Yes, Inniswood Metro Gardens has specific rules to maintain its peaceful environment. Pets, bikes, and picnics are not allowed.
Yes, the park sometimes hosts private events like weddings or graduations. It's advisable to check the park's calendar or call ahead if you plan to visit during a potentially busy event day.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
Inniswood features several short, well-maintained trails, including paved paths and boardwalks through wooded areas. The Boardwalk Trail is a popular choice for a serene walk.
You'll find a variety of themed gardens, including the whimsical Sisters' Garden with its treehouse, and beautifully landscaped areas showcasing colorful flowers that attract pollinators.
Yes, the Sisters' Garden with its treehouse structure and splash tower is a hit with children. The easy trails also make it family-friendly.
Restroom facilities are available within the park, typically near the main visitor areas.
Absolutely! Inniswood is a popular spot for photography due to its vibrant flowers, scenic landscapes, and charming garden features.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, Inniswood Metro Gardens does not have on-site dining facilities. Picnics are also not permitted to maintain the park's pristine condition.
Unfortunately, picnics are not allowed at Inniswood Metro Gardens. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the natural beauty without bringing outside food.
Yes, the surrounding Westerville area offers a variety of restaurants and cafes. You can find options ranging from casual eateries to more formal dining establishments.
The vicinity of Inniswood Metro Gardens provides diverse culinary choices, including American cuisine, Italian, and fast-casual options.
It's recommended to plan your meals before or after your visit to Inniswood Metro Gardens, as there are no food services within the park itself.
📸 📸 Photography
The Sisters' Garden, with its unique structures and themed rooms, is a prime spot. The vibrant flower beds, serene boardwalks, and charming bridges also offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best natural light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a softer ambiance.
General photography for personal use is welcome. However, commercial photography or large-scale event photography might require special permits. It's always best to check with park management if you have specific needs.
You can capture stunning shots of flowers in bloom, lush greenery, architectural elements like the treehouse, and the peaceful natural landscapes. The park is also a haven for pollinators, offering opportunities for macro photography.
Drone usage is typically restricted in Metro Parks to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors. It's advisable to confirm specific drone policies with the Columbus Metro Parks.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While picnics aren't allowed, the visual stimulation of the colorful gardens and the interactive elements in the Sisters' Garden provide plenty of engagement. Parents can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while children discover the wonders of nature in a safe and beautiful environment. Remember to check for tick safety advisories before heading to the more wooded areas.
📸 Photographers & Nature Enthusiasts
The Sisters' Garden offers unique architectural and whimsical elements perfect for creative shots. Beyond the formal gardens, the boardwalk trails through the wooded areas provide serene backdrops and opportunities to capture the subtle beauty of the local ecosystem. Keep an eye out for the abundant pollinators that frequent the flowers, offering chances for macro photography.
🧘♀️ Solo Visitors Seeking Peace
It's a place where you can truly disconnect and immerse yourself in nature. The absence of pets and bikes contributes to the overall sense of calm, making it a perfect spot to de-stress, meditate, or simply enjoy a quiet moment with your thoughts.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Gardens
The park also features a variety of other garden styles, from formal lawns to more naturalistic plantings. These gardens are designed to be visually appealing throughout the seasons and to support local wildlife, particularly pollinators. Many visitors note the vibrant colors and the abundance of flowers, making it a delightful place for a peaceful stroll and a fantastic spot for photography.
Beyond the formal gardens, Inniswood offers natural wooded areas accessible via boardwalks and gravel trails. These paths provide a different, more tranquil experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the quieter side of the park's ecosystem. The combination of structured garden beauty and natural woodland makes Inniswood a multifaceted destination for nature lovers and casual visitors alike.
Navigating the Trails and Accessibility
The accessibility of the trails is a significant advantage, with many being ADA compliant. This allows visitors using wheelchairs, strollers, or those with limited mobility to comfortably enjoy the gardens and natural surroundings. The boardwalks, in particular, offer a smooth and steady surface, even when traversing through wooded sections.
While the main garden areas are easily navigable, visitors should be aware of potential hazards in more naturalistic sections. The park provides signage, including important information about tick safety, especially for those venturing onto trails with overhead trees. Wearing appropriate footwear is recommended for all trails to ensure comfort and safety during your visit.
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