Columbus' Downtown Destination
Columbus’ Downtown Destination
Located in the heart of downtown Columbus, the Scioto Mile is an urban oasis comprised of more than 175 acres of lush parkland. Stretching along the waterfront from the vibrant Arena District to the natural beauty of the Whittier Peninsula, our riverfront parks connect downtown to the Scioto River through an integrated system of parks, boulevards, bikeways and pedestrian paths.
Premier Green Spaces, Outdoor Concerts, Urban Festivals – & More
Fostering some of our City’s most celebrated features, the Scioto Mile has something for everyone, including a stunning 15,000-square-foot interactive fountain, spectacular events like the Jazz & Rib Fest and Rhythm on the River Music Festival, and miles and miles of beautifully maintained trails. Our city parks, greenways, special events, downtown skyline views and scenic atmosphere make the Scioto Mile a true highlight for Central Ohio and beyond.
Explore Our Greenway Trails, Visual Arts, & Incredible Fountain
You and your family can get around the Mile and surrounding area by walking, cycling – either with your own bike, or with one from our CoGo Bike Share – or even by a guided canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard tour. Bring the kids to splash in the fountain, stop by the Cultural Arts Center to tour the galleries or make some art of your own, grab a meal or a couple of drinks at the widely renowned Milestone 229 restaurant – the opportunities for enjoyment are nearly limitless.
Public Parks & Open Spaces for Every Visitor
For our impressive line-up of municipal parks and urban green spaces, enjoying the fantastic views is only the tip of the iceberg. The nine parks along the Scioto Mile offer something for everyone – memorials, public art, performance pavilions, recreation opportunities, fountains, swinging benches, bird watching, even a climbing wall.
Our parks include:
Summer Concerts, Outdoor Festivals, & More Entertainment Along the Mile
The Scioto Mile is host to a huge number of festivals and special events, especially during the Summer months. There’s our signature Jazz & Rib Fest, bringing in an impressive schedule of musicians and an equally impressive list of rib burners, as well as Rhythm on the River Music Festival and An Evening of Dance with BalletMet. In December, there’s WinterFest, a day of music, local food and beer with a focus on giving back. Then you’ve got the Columbus Arts Festival, Columbus Pride Festival and March, Festival Latino, Columbus Food Truck Festival, Columbus Science Festival and Red White & Boom! July 4 fireworks, among many, many other happenings.
