Scioto Audubon Metro Park
400 W Whittier St, Columbus, OH, 43215
One of Columbus’ prettiest green spaces, Scioto Audobon Metro Park is located just south of downtown, along the banks of the Scioto River. A former industrial site that has since been reborn as a place for public recreation and nature, the 120-acre (49-hectare) park is home to walking trails and the tallest free climbing wall in the country.
The basics
Whatever your preferred form of outdoor activity, this park offers plenty of options. Thanks to its boat ramp, you can take your own vessel onto the river, and also go fishing from a dedicated dock. The Scioto Greenway runs through the park, in addition to other walking trails, and the playful Columbus Rotary Obstacle Course is a great spot for a workout, along with sand volleyball courts and that famous climbing wall. Plus, the free-to-visit Grange Insurance Audubon Center offers a range of educational programming.
Things to know before you go
Feel free to bring your own snacks with you—the park offers three different picnic shelters.
While the climbing wall is open to all, you do need to bring your own gear.
You’re welcome to bring your pup to the dedicated, off-leash dog park.
The park has a famous sledding hill—be sure to take advantage of it on a snowy day.
How to get there
Scioto Audubon Metro Park is set along the banks of the Scioto River, just south of downtown Columbus and west of the Brewery District. The park is served by local bus routes like the 5 and 8, and taxis and rideshare services make getting there easy.
When to get there
The park is open daily throughout the year. From April to September, it’s open from early morning until late in the evening, and from October to March it’s open from early morning to mid-evening. Visit on a good-weather day to take advantage of its trails and range of recreational options.
Public parks in Columbus
The Columbus area has plenty of picturesque green spaces, and it’s worth spending time in the great outdoors. In addition to Scioto Audubon Metro Park, other popular choices include Quarry Trails Metro Park (the newest park in the area), Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park (a vast park featuring varied topography), and Glacier Ridge Metro Park, known for its wetlands.
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