From the delights of nature to interactive programs to amazing modern amenities, you can find a diverse collection of parks in Columbus, Ohio. We’ve created this list of four parks where you can plan to enjoy an outing with friends or family, enjoy a romantic picnic with your sweetheart, or spend a day relaxing by yourself – once the current situation has returned to a more normal state.
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Slate Run
Visit Slate Run to see wildlife in a variety of habitats ranging from open land to forest. The park covers 1,705 acres. Sandhill cranes nest in the wetlands of the park, which also has seen the reintroduction of northern bobwhite quail.
A wonderful feature is Slate Run Living Historical Farm, where you can experience what life might have been like on an 1800s farm. You’ll see staff and volunteers in period clothing, as well as animals such as Percheron horses, pigs, turkeys, geese, and more. The highlight is the gothic revival farmhouse, which was built in 1856 and restored by Metro Parks. You can get a tour of the parlor, living room, and kitchen. You can also see the multilevel barn, which was built by Samuel Oman, the farm’s fourth owner, and later restored by Amish carpenters. Plan a future visit and enjoy a trip to the past!
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Bicentennial Park
John W. Galbreath Bicentennial Park is a downtown Columbus dazzler on the Scioto River. The tree-lined promenade, which connects with Battelle Riverfront Park, provides water canals, gardens, swings, and tables to play dominoes or chess. In the center of the promenade, the Huntington Plaza fountains feature bronze fish that spout water. The highlight of the park is the 15,000-square-foot American Electric Power Foundation Fountain, which has interactive features, a 75-foot water jet, and more. Impressive lighting and fog effects grace the fountain at night.
Milestone 229 Park Restaurant is a modern glassed-in dining establishment overlooking the park. it has a covered outdoor dining terrace and offers panoramic views of the fountain and the riverfront. Rooftop solar panels help power the fountain and the restaurant. The Bicentennial Park Pavilion provides free theatrical, dance, and music performances, and can be rented for community events.
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Inniswood Metro Gardens
Experience beauty at the Inniswood Metro Gardens as you watch the streams flow, enjoy the colorful woodland wildflowers, and immerse yourself in beautiful gardens. More than 2,000 species of plants, as well as themed gardens and special collections, are part of Inniswood. You can also see the Innis House, where sisters Grace and Mary Innis once lived. Educational programs and interesting events for all ages take place in the gardens and in the house.
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Homestead Metro Park
Homestead Metro Park, covering 44 acres, boasts a covered bridge, a train station replica, and a pair of barns. You can go fishing in a 2.5-acre pond, enjoy a picnic, play basketball or sand volleyball, or watch your children enjoy the play equipment. A paved three-quarter-mile trail winds through the park and connects with the Heritage Rail Trail. You can walk, run, ride your bike, or take your leashed pet for an invigorating walk.
You can find dozens of parks in the Columbus metro area! The diversity means that you can find something for everyone!
Image via pixbaby.com | Licensed under Pixabay License
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