Columbus is an out of doors fanatic’s dream, with a plethora of thrilling actions to maintain residents entertained and engaged with nature. From exploring parks and gardens to biking and kayaking, town is stuffed with journey. Whether or not you’re a long-time native, are contemplating shopping for a home in Columbus, or looking for flats within the metropolis, there’s no scarcity of issues to do exterior. Get able to immerse your self within the pure fantastic thing about Columbus with these ten exhilarating outside actions that locals can’t get sufficient of.
1. Discover the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Within the coronary heart of Columbus, Ohio, is the famend Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, an ideal vacation spot for anybody dwelling in Columbus. Spanning over 580 acres, this world-class facility is residence to greater than 10,000 animals representing over 600 species from throughout the globe. Embark on an immersive journey by way of themed areas such because the African Savanna, North America, Asia Quest, and extra. With a deal with conservation and schooling, the Columbus Zoo provides a wide selection of interactive displays, instructional packages, and up-close encounters with wildlife. Along with the animal sights, you can too get pleasure from quite a lot of leisure actions, together with rides, a water park, and a golf course, making it a really perfect outing for the entire household.
2. Stroll by way of the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
For these looking for a serene retreat to attach with nature and artwork, the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a must-visit vacation spot. This charming 88-acre advanced showcases various plant collections, breathtaking gardens, and spectacular artwork installations that promise a rejuvenating expertise. The Conservatory is residence to over 400 species of crops from around the globe, housed in varied biomes, together with a desert, a rainforest, and a Himalayan mountain vary. The charming Chihuly Assortment options the gorgeous glass paintings of Dale Chihuly, masterfully built-in into the plush inexperienced landscapes.
3. Go to the Scioto Mile
The Scioto Mile is a picturesque city oasis, stretching alongside the banks of the Scioto River and connecting downtown Columbus with the colourful Area District. This scenic waterfront park provides an array of out of doors leisure actions for locals to get pleasure from, with miles of multi-use trails for strolling, jogging, and biking. The Scioto Mile additionally boasts an interactive fountain, good for kids to play in throughout heat summer time months, and ample inexperienced house for picnics or just absorbing the solar. Cultural occasions, live shows, and festivals continuously happen on the Bicentennial Park amphitheater, including to the dynamic ambiance of the Scioto Mile. As you discover this stunning park, you’ll want to cease at one of many many charming cafes, eating places, or native retailers that line the streets, providing a style of Columbus’ thriving city scene.
4. Discover the Olentangy Path
The Olentangy Path provides a pleasant escape for nature lovers and outside lovers, offering a 13-mile-long scenic pathway that meanders by way of the center of Columbus. Following the banks of the Olentangy River, the path connects a number of parks, together with Antrim Park, Whetstone Park, and the Park of Roses. The tree-lined, paved route is ideal for walkers, joggers, and cyclists, whereas the quite a few entry factors and resting spots alongside the way in which make it a handy and satisfying tour. The Olentangy Path additionally serves as a vital hyperlink to different well-liked trails within the space, such because the Scioto Greenway Path and the Alum Creek Path.
5. Bike the Alum Creek Greenway Path
The Alum Creek Greenway Path is a hidden gem within the Columbus space, providing a scenic, 22-mile-long route that traverses various landscapes and connects quite a few parks and leisure services. Winding alongside the Alum Creek, the path presents picturesque views of the waterway, lush woodlands, and open meadows, offering an idyllic setting for strolling, jogging, or biking. A number of trailheads and entry factors make it straightforward to hitch the path at varied places, whereas the a number of bridges and underpasses guarantee a clean and uninterrupted journey. The Alum Creek Greenway Path can also be a part of the Ohio to Erie Path, a 320-mile-long route that connects the Ohio River in Cincinnati to Lake Erie in Cleveland.
6. Go to the Topiary Backyard Park
Nestled within the historic downtown space of Columbus, the Topiary Backyard Park is a novel and enchanting outside attraction. Impressed by Georges Seurat’s well-known portray “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte,” the park incorporates a dwelling topiary interpretation of the paintings, full with 54 life-sized human figures, eight boats, three canines, a monkey, and a cat, all meticulously sculpted from yew bushes. The fastidiously manicured gardens and tranquil pond present a serene backdrop for this spectacular show of dwelling artwork. Not solely is the topiary exhibit a sight to behold, however the park itself additionally boasts loads of open inexperienced house, strolling paths, and benches, offering the proper setting for a peaceable picnic, leisurely stroll, and even an out of doors artwork lesson. Nestled within the coronary heart of a historic neighborhood, the Topiary Park is an enthralling and kooky oasis that gives respite from the hustle and bustle of town.
7. Play a spherical of golf at one among Columbus’s many golf programs
Columbus is residence to a number of wonderful golf programs, together with the Muirfield Village Golf Membership, which hosts the annual Memorial Event. Whether or not you’re a newbie or an skilled golfer, there’s a course for everybody to get pleasure from. The programs additionally supply gorgeous views of town’s pure magnificence, making it a novel {golfing} expertise.
8. Attend a live performance or film on the Columbus Commons
Columbus Commons is a vibrant, city inexperienced house within the coronary heart of downtown Columbus that serves as a hub for group gatherings and outside actions. This inviting six-acre park boasts lush lawns, fantastically landscaped gardens, and a state-of-the-art efficiency stage, which hosts quite a lot of cultural occasions, live shows, and festivals all year long. Columbus Commons can also be residence to a fascinating carousel, a studying room, and outside health courses, catering to guests of all ages and pursuits..
9. Go kayaking on the Scioto River
One side that makes Columbus such a very good place to stay is its proximity to water. For individuals who favor water-based actions, kayaking on the Scioto River presents a novel technique to expertise Columbus’ pure magnificence. The mild currents of the river present a really perfect setting for each novice and skilled kayakers, permitting for a leisurely paddle whereas taking within the metropolis’s picturesque skyline and luxurious riverside landscapes. A number of outfitters alongside the river supply kayak leases and guided excursions, making it straightforward for guests to embark on this aquatic journey. Paddling by way of the center of town, you’ll have the chance to look at wildlife, discover secluded islands, and witness the colourful city lifetime of Columbus from a refreshing new perspective.
10. Hike the paths at Highbanks Metro Park
Highbanks Metro Park, situated simply north of Columbus, is a sprawling 1,200-acre pure oasis that gives a really perfect setting for outside lovers to discover and reconnect with nature. The park’s in depth path system provides over 11 miles of picturesque mountain climbing trails, starting from straightforward to average issue, catering to quite a lot of ability ranges and pursuits. As you traverse the varied landscapes, together with lush forests, open meadows, and steep ravines, maintain an eye fixed out for the park’s plentiful wildlife, akin to white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and varied fowl species. Highbanks Metro Park can also be residence to plenty of historic Native American earthworks and burial mounds, including a component of historic intrigue to your outside journey.
